And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

GENESIS 1:5KJV
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Genesis 1:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 1:5 mean?

Genesis 1:5 describes how God gave names to the light and darkness, calling the light "Day" and the darkness "Night," and marks the completion of the first day by saying, "the evening and the morning were the first day." This verse shows the beginning of time as humans experience it, with a cycle of day and night.

In this verse, God is the one speaking and acting, setting up the basic pattern of time by dividing light from darkness and giving each a name. The phrase "the evening and the morning" reflects the way ancient Hebrews measured a day, starting at sunset. This verse is part of the creation account, showing how God brings order and structure to the world.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 1:5

  • The word for God, אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), is a plural form often used in the Old Testament to refer to the one true God, emphasizing majesty and power.
  • The word for "Day," יוֹם (yom), can mean a 24-hour period or simply the daylight hours, depending on context. Here, it refers to the period of light as named by God.
  • The terms for "evening," עֶרֶב (erev), and "morning," בֹּקֶר (boqer), together mark the boundaries of a day in Hebrew thought, starting with evening and ending with morning, which is different from the modern midnight-to-midnight reckoning.
  • The word for "first," אֶחָד (echad), means "one" or "first," marking this as the initial day in the sequence of creation.

Why Genesis 1:5 matters

  • Genesis 1:5 clarifies that the biblical day begins at evening, which helps explain later Jewish customs and calendar reckoning.
  • The act of naming by God shows authority and intention, not just a description but an assignment of purpose to light and darkness.
  • This verse sets the pattern for the rest of the creation week, establishing a rhythm and order that continues throughout the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“darkness” Hebrew H2822 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Job 20:26 All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

“light” Hebrew H216 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
  • Job 36:32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
  • Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

“evening” Hebrew H6153 · used in 130 verses

  • Genesis 1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second 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.