Genesis 1:23 (KJV)

What does Genesis 1:23 mean?

Genesis 1:23 marks the completion of the fifth day of creation, stating that the period of evening and morning together made up this day. This verse signals the end of a creative day in the narrative, summarizing the time frame in which God’s creative work for that day took place.

In the context of Genesis chapter 1, God is the one speaking and acting, and the narrative is describing the orderly progression of creation. Genesis 1:23 comes right after the creation of sea creatures and birds, and this verse closes out that segment before moving on to the next stage. The verse uses a simple formula to show the rhythm and structure of the creation account, emphasizing the passage of time as measured by evenings and mornings.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 1:23

• "evening" (עֶרֶב, ʿerev): This word refers to the time of day when the sun sets and darkness begins. Its mention here helps mark the boundary of a day in the ancient Hebrew way of counting time, which often began at sunset.
• "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer): This word means the time when light returns, marking the start of a new day. Together with "evening," it frames a full day as understood in ancient Israel.
• "fifth" (חֲמִישִׁי, ḥamishi): This word simply counts the day as the fifth in the sequence of creation days, showing the orderly progression.
• "day" (יוֹם, yom): This word can mean a 24-hour period or a general span of time, but in this context, it is most often understood as a regular day, marked by evening and morning.

Why Genesis 1:23 matters

• Genesis 1:23 clarifies that in the creation account, a "day" is described as an evening followed by a morning, which reflects the ancient Hebrew way of marking a day from sunset to sunset.
• This verse highlights the structured, repeated pattern of the creation narrative, showing that each creative act is carefully ordered and measured.
• By summarizing the fifth day, Genesis 1:23 connects the creation of living creatures to the ongoing rhythm of creation, setting up the anticipation for what will happen on the following days.