a bible quote question.?

Question

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, why is heavens plural?

Answer 1

heavens we see , and heavenly places? I think somewhere it talks about 7 heavens.
but I think it meant the sky above and heaven Gods home, not sure. Good question

Answer 2

Here's an explanation from studylight.
The heavens and the earth.
As the word shamayim is plural, we may rest assured that it means more than the atmosphere, to express which some have endeavoured to restrict its meaning. Nor does it appear that the atmosphere is particularly intended here, as this is spoken of, Genesis 1:6, under the term firmament. The word heavens must therefore comprehend the whole solar system, as it is very likely the whole of this was created in these six days; for unless the earth had been the centre of a system, the reverse of which is sufficiently demonstrated, it would be unphilosophic to suppose it was created independently of the other parts of the system, as on this supposition we must have recourse to the almighty power of God to suspend the influence of the earth's gravitating power till the fourth day, when the sun was placed in the centre, round which the earth began then to revolve. But as the design of the inspired penman was to relate what especially belonged to our world and its inhabitants, therefore he passes by the rest of the planetary system, leaving it simply included in the plural word heavens. In the word earth every thing relative to the terraqueaerial globe is included, that is, all that belongs to the solid and fluid parts of our world with its surrounding atmosphere. As therefore I suppose the whole solar system was created at this time, I think it perfectly in place to give here a general view of all the planets, with every thing curious and important hitherto known relative to their revolutions and principal affections.

Answer 3

The heavens were considered to be multiple.

1. Our immediate atmosphere
2. Outer space with the stars and planets
3. The third heaven, where God dwells

Psalm 19
"The heavens declare the glory of God"

Paul talks about someone who was taken up "to the third heaven"


In this case - Genesis 1 - "the heavens and the earth" refers to all that is in the sky and all that is on earth, i.e. the universe.

god bless

Answer 4

Heavens plural can be understood as the sky, outer space and the heaven in which God dwells.

Answer 5

Hebrew thought identified 3 heavens. The 1st heaven is the atmosphere in which we live. The 2nd heaven was the location of the sun, moon and stars and the 3rd heaven was the abode of God (Yehweh).

Answer 6

To be honest I never put a lot of critical thinking into that statement. I've always believed it to mean the other stars, planets and galaxies that make up the universe. From our perspective "the heavens" is the starry night.

Answer 7

I think it was refering to the sky, outer space, the vastness of the skys and such, not the single heaven where God and everyone is claimed to be.
So, In the beggining God created the outer space and the Earth.

Answer 8

Because there three heavens. 1st heaven surrounds the earth 2nd heaven is space 3rd heaven is where God's throne & home is.

Answer 9

Honestly, I think its just the language they used for that translation. Try a different one and it might say heaven. If there is a deep underlying huge theological meaning, I've never heard of it!

Answer 10

For the same reason we wear a "pair" of "pants".
We don't wear a "pant".
Heavens is used for the celestial realm, but Heaven is usually a very specific term. Just a line of distinction.