And the evening and the morning were the third day.

GENESIS 1:13KJV
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Genesis 1:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 1:13 mean?

Genesis 1:13 states that the third day of creation ended with evening and morning, marking the completion of another day in the creation account. This verse signals the close of the third day, after God had gathered the waters, revealed dry land, and caused plants to grow.

The book of Genesis is describing the sequence of creation, with God as the speaker through the narrative. Genesis 1:13 uses the phrase “the evening and the morning were the third day” to show a full day’s cycle in ancient Hebrew understanding. This verse wraps up the third stage of creation, emphasizing the orderly progression of days.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 1:13

  • evening (עֶרֶב, ʿerev): This word refers to the time of day when the sun sets and darkness begins. In Genesis 1:13, it marks the start of the day according to ancient Hebrew reckoning, which often began at sundown.
  • morning (בֹּקֶר, boqer): This word means the time of day when light returns. Pairing “evening” and “morning” highlights the full span of a day, from darkness to light.
  • third (שְׁלִישִׁי, shelishi): This word means “third,” marking the sequence of days. It shows the orderly, step-by-step nature of the creation story.
  • day (יוֹם, yom): This word is used for a 24-hour day or a period of time. In this context, it refers to a literal day as part of the structured creation week.

Why Genesis 1:13 matters

  • Genesis 1:13 clarifies that in the ancient Hebrew context, a day was marked from evening to morning, which is different from some modern ways of counting days.
  • The verse emphasizes the structured, sequential nature of creation, showing that each day had a clear beginning and end.
  • By repeating the pattern of evening and morning, Genesis underlines the rhythm and orderliness of God’s creative work, which is a key theme in the opening chapter.

Where else these words appear

“third” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 1 Samuel 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

“evening” Hebrew H6153 · used in 130 verses

  • Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • 1 Kings 17:6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.