Question 1

What does Genesis 1:13 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Genesis 1:13

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why Genesis 1:13 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Genesis 1:13 (KJV)