And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
The word sheretz means any creeping thing, and nepesh chayah refers to animal life, not an immortal soul. Birds from waters may seem odd to reason, but why should it trouble us? He who made light from darkness can surely bring forth birds from water if He wills it.
AI summary
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl [that] may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. (p) As fish and worms which slide, swim or creep.
God commanded the waters to swarm with living beings and birds to fly above the earth. The text leaves silent which element produced them, but 'swarm' applies to all creatures that congregate in great numbers and move about together, from the greatest to the least.
AI summary
Commenting on Genesis 1:20-23