Genesis 1:13 – “And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.”
Extended Explanation
Genesis 1:13 concludes the account of the third day of creation. This verse, like others in the creation narrative, marks the passage of time with the phrase “there was evening, and there was morning.” The third day is significant because it completes the creation of the earth’s foundational elements: the gathering of waters, the appearance of dry land, and the sprouting of vegetation. By the end of this day, God has set the stage for life to flourish on earth. The specific mention of evening and morning underscores the orderly process by which God is shaping creation, moving it from chaos to order, day by day.
Historical Context
The structure of Genesis 1 reflects the ancient Hebrew understanding of time, where a day begins at sunset (“there was evening”) and ends with the next sunset (“there was morning”). This evening-to-morning structure is distinct from many modern conceptions of a day but was common in the ancient Near Eastern context. The phrase “the third day” also emphasizes the passage of time and the deliberate pace of God’s creative work. This would have stood in contrast to other creation myths of the time, which often involved chaotic or haphazard actions by multiple gods. Genesis presents a God who creates with purpose and order.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 1:13 emphasizes the orderliness of God’s creation process. The consistent pattern of evening and morning reflects the rhythm that God has built into the world. This regularity is a reflection of God’s character, showing that He is a God of order, not confusion. The verse also marks the completion of another stage of creation, indicating that God’s work is progressing according to His plan. Each day brings creation closer to its fulfillment, which ultimately culminates in the creation of humanity. This orderly progression reflects God’s intentionality and the purposeful nature of His creative acts.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Genesis 1:13 serves as a closing statement for the third day of creation. The repetition of “there was evening, and there was morning” is a literary device that structures the creation account, dividing it into clear, manageable segments. This rhythm creates a sense of progression and anticipation as the narrative moves toward the completion of creation. The phrase “the third day” also functions as a chronological marker, helping the reader follow the sequence of events in the creation story. This pattern of repetition reinforces the deliberate and methodical nature of God’s work in creation.
Biblical Cross-References
The concept of time and the orderly progression of creation are themes echoed throughout Scripture. In Exodus 20:11, the six days of creation are referenced in the context of the Sabbath commandment, highlighting the importance of rest after work. The evening-to-morning structure is also reflected in Levitical law, where many observances begin at sunset (e.g., Leviticus 23:32). In the New Testament, the idea of God’s orderly work continues with passages like 1 Corinthians 14:33, which states that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace,” affirming that God’s nature is reflected in the orderly process of creation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, Genesis 1:13 serves as a reminder of the importance of order and structure in our lives. Just as God worked in an orderly fashion to create the world, we are called to live lives that reflect that same sense of purpose and intentionality. This verse also encourages us to trust in God’s timing. The orderly progression from evening to morning and the marking of each day remind us that God is at work in our lives, even when we don’t see the full picture yet. It calls us to patience and trust as God’s plan unfolds in His perfect timing.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in the way He carefully and methodically creates a world that is good and suitable for life. The regular pattern of evening and morning suggests a God who is consistent and dependable, qualities that are foundational to understanding His love. God’s love is not chaotic or haphazard; it is deliberate and orderly, ensuring that everything He creates is good and perfect in its time. This verse assures us that God’s love is woven into the very fabric of creation, guiding it toward its intended purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Genesis 1:13 connects to Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the “light of the world” (John 8:12). Just as the evening and morning mark the passage of time in the creation narrative, Jesus marks the turning point from darkness to light in the spiritual narrative. In 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul writes that “God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” Jesus, the true light, brings order to the spiritual chaos in our lives, just as God brought order to the physical world during creation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the orderly progression of creation in Genesis 1:13 encourage you to trust in God’s timing in your own life?
- In what ways can you bring more order and intentionality to your daily life, reflecting the order seen in God’s creation?
- How does the connection between God’s orderly creation and His love influence your understanding of His character?
- What does the connection between Genesis 1:13 and Jesus as the “light of the world” reveal about God’s work in bringing spiritual order and clarity to our lives?