Book of Genesis - Chapter 1 - Verse 23
Meaning
In the book of Genesis, the verse "And the evening and the morning were the fifth day." signifies the completion of the fifth day of creation, as described in the Bible. This verse is part of the account of God creating the heavens and the earth over a period of six days, culminating in the creation of mankind on the sixth day. Each day of creation was marked by the phrase "And the evening and the morning," signifying a complete cycle of time. The mention of the evening preceding the morning reflects the Jewish tradition of reckoning days from sunset to sunset. This verse emphasizes the orderliness and purposefulness of God's creation, as each day brings about new elements of the world that God carefully orchestrates. By breaking down the process of creation into distinct days, the verse highlights the beauty and intricacy of the world that God has made. It reminds us of the divine plan behind the universe and the importance of viewing each day as a gift from God.
Theological Overview
Genesis 1:23 records the fifth day of creation where God creates the various creatures that inhabit the waters and the skies. The mention of "evening and morning" in this verse is significant in the theological interpretation of time within the creation story. The Jewish day traditionally begins at sundown, so the evening mentioned here precedes the morning, indicating the completion of a full day. This pattern of evening and morning is repeated throughout the creation account to emphasize the completeness of God's work in each day. In terms of word studies, the phrase "fifth day" is translated from the Hebrew word "yom" which means day, time, or season. This verse highlights the order and purpose of God's creation, reflecting His mastery over all living creatures and His sovereignty over time itself.