King James Bible
"And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so."
God assigns the celestial bodies their purpose as luminaries positioned in the expanse He created on day two. The Hebrew word for 'lights' (me'orot) emphasizes their function as light-bearers rather than light sources, distinguishing them from the divine light of day one. The sun, moon, and stars serve humanity and creation by illuminating the earth, enabling sight, navigation, and the marking of time. This anthropocentric purpose shows God's care in ordering creation for the benefit of life on earth. This formulaic phrase confirms the immediate fulfillment of God's command, emphasizing His sovereign power where His word alone brings reality into existence. It serves as a divine stamp of completion on the fourth day's creative act.