Genesis 1:5

Berean Standard Bible
God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
 
King James Bible
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
 
NET Bible
God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." There was evening, and there was morning, marking the first day.
 
Hebrew Text:

וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָאוֹר יוֹם וְלַחֹשֶׁךְ קָרָא לָיְלָה וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר יוֹם אֶחָד

 
Transliteration:
Vayikra Elohim la'or yom velachoshech kara laylah vayhi-erev vayhi-voker yom echad
 
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Study Bible:
 
God called
The act of naming by God signifies authority and dominion. In the Hebrew context, the word "called" (קָרָא, qara) implies a declaration of purpose and identity. By naming the light and darkness, God establishes order in creation, reflecting His sovereign power. This act of naming is not merely a label but an assignment of function and role within the created order.
 
the light ‘day,’
The term "day" (יוֹם, yom) in Hebrew is rich with meaning, often representing a period of time characterized by light. In the ancient Near Eastern context, light is frequently associated with life, goodness, and divine presence. By calling the light "day," God is not only defining a time period but also imbuing it with qualities of clarity, revelation, and activity. This sets a pattern for human understanding of time and work.
 
and the darkness He called ‘night.’
Darkness (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshek) in Hebrew often symbolizes mystery, the unknown, or even adversity. By naming the darkness "night," God delineates the boundaries of time and space, providing a rhythm to creation. Night, while often associated with rest and reflection, is also a time of preparation for the coming day. This duality of day and night reflects the balance and harmony in God’s creation.
 
And there was evening, and there was morning—
The phrase "evening and morning" (עֶרֶב וָבֹקֶר, erev vavoker) introduces the concept of a day beginning with evening, which is a distinctive feature of the Hebrew calendar. This sequence emphasizes the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing hope and renewal. It reflects the theological truth that God brings order out of chaos and light out of darkness, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.
 
the first day
The "first day" (יוֹם אֶחָד, yom echad) marks the beginning of time as we understand it. The use of "echad" (one) not only denotes the ordinal number but also signifies unity and singularity. This foundational day sets the precedent for the rest of creation, underscoring the intentionality and purposefulness of God’s creative work. It invites believers to recognize the divine order and to trust in God’s perfect timing and plan.
 
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Commentary:
 
God's Authority in Naming: The act of naming in the ancient Near Eastern context is significant because it reflects authority and dominion. By naming the light "Day" and the darkness "Night," God is establishing His sovereign control over creation. This naming indicates an intentional organization and order within creation.
 
The Concept of Time: The mention of "evening" and "morning" marks the introduction of the concept of time. This is the first instance in the Bible where a structured measurement of time is presented. It sets a precedent for the seven-day week structure, which becomes fundamental in both religious practices and human life.
 
Symbolism of Light and Darkness: Light and darkness are recurring themes throughout the Bible. Here, they are literal components of creation, but they also carry symbolic meanings. Light often represents goodness, knowledge, and divine presence, while darkness can symbolize evil, ignorance, and chaos. This duality sets up a foundational motif that recurs in biblical literature.
 
Order from Chaos: The division of light from darkness signifies the establishment of order from chaos. In the verses preceding Genesis 1:5, the earth is described as formless and void. The separation of light and darkness is part of God's creative process, bringing order and structure to the cosmos.
 
The "First Day": The phrase "the first day" introduces the seven-day creation framework. It emphasizes the orderly progression of creation. Each day has a specific focus and purpose, culminating in the creation of humanity and the Sabbath rest. This structured sequence is significant in understanding the rhythm and intention behind God's creative acts.
 
Theological Implications: Genesis 1:5 is not just a historical account; it carries deep theological implications. It reveals God's nature as a God of order, intentionality, and purpose. It also sets the stage for humanity's role in creation, as stewards who live within the rhythms and structures established by God.
 
Literary Structure: The verse contributes to the broader literary structure of Genesis 1. The repetitive phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning" acts as a refrain throughout the chapter, adding to the poetic and rhythmic quality of the creation narrative. This structure aids in memorization and liturgical recitation.
 
Connection to Other Biblical Themes: The themes introduced in Genesis 1:5 resonate throughout the rest of the Bible. For example, the Gospel of John opens with the declaration that Jesus is the light of the world (John 1:4-5). This connection underscores the continuity and fulfillment of biblical themes from creation to redemption.
 
By delving into these aspects, Genesis 1:5 reveals itself to be a verse rich with meaning, encapsulating fundamental concepts of order, authority, and the divine nature that are pivotal to the entire biblical narrative.