What does Genesis 1:5 Mean?

Study Notes

day
The word "day" is used in Scripture in three ways:

(1) that part of the solar day of twenty-four hours which is light Genesis 1:5 ; Genesis 1:14 ; John 9:4 ; John 11:9 .

(2) such a day, set apart for some distinctive purpose, as, "day of atonement" ( Leviticus 23:27 ); "day of judgment" Matthew 10:15 .

(3) a period of time, long or short, during which certain revealed purposes of God are to be accomplished, as "day of the Lord."

evening

The use of "evening" and "morning" may be held to limit "day" to the solar day; but the frequent parabolic use of natural phenomena may warrant the conclusion that each creative "day" was a period of time marked off by a beginning and ending.

evening
The use of "evening" and "morning" may be held to limit "day" to the solar day; but the frequent parabolic use of natural phenomena may warrant the conclusion that each creative "day" was a period of time marked off by a beginning and ending.

Verse Meaning

God named things as well as creating them. Having a name equals having existence, in biblical thought, and the act of giving a name meant the exercise of a sovereign right (cf. Genesis 41:45; 2 Kings 24:17; Daniel 1:7). In this chapter naming or blessing follows some act of creation seven times. The Hebrews regarded the number seven as connoting a complete, divine Acts , as will become clear later. [source][source]

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The terms day, night, evening, and morning imply the beginning of the earth"s rotation on the first day. ^[1] The use of the Hebrew word "ehad ("one" day, cf. "second day," "third day," etc.) as an ordinal number also supports this view. ^[2] The Jews reckoned the beginning of a day with the evening rather than the morning. [source][source]

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"A few years ago in England some Christians became excited about the Big Bang theory, thinking that it favored Christianity. But they really missed the point-either the point of Scripture or the Big Bang theory or both. The simple fact is that what is given in Genesis 1:1 has no relationship to the Big Bang theory-because from the scriptural viewpoint, the primal creation goes back beyond the basic material or energy. We have a new thing created by God out of nothing ^[3] by fiat, and this is the distinction." ^[4] [source]

Nevertheless, though it is not the same, "The Big Bang theory sounds very much like the story that the Old Testament has been telling a long time." ^[5] [source]

From the beginning God made divisions. He later divided the clean from the unclean, the holy from the profane, the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, and Israel from the nations. This shows His sovereignty (i.e, ultimate authority). [source][source]

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Context Summary

All beginnings must begin with God. Always put God first. The first stone in every building, our first thought every morning, the first aim and purpose of all activity. Begin the book of the year with God, and you will end it with the glory of the New Jerusalem. At first, as in the physical creation, your heart and life may seem to be "without form and void." Do not be discouraged, the Spirit of God is within you, brooding amid the darkness, and presently His Light will shine through. It is the blessed presence of the Lord Jesus that stirs in your heart and will presently rule your life, John 1:4. His Presence divides between the good and evil. You must distinguish between Christ and self. Follow the gleam, and you shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. God's days begin in evenings, and always end in mornings. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 1

¹  God creates heaven and earth;
³  the light;
⁶  the firmament;
⁹  separates the dry land;
¹⁴  forms the sun, moon, and stars;
²⁰  fishes and fowls;
²⁴  cattle, wild beasts, and creeping things;
²⁶  creates man in his own image, blesses him;
²⁹  grants the fruits of the earth for food