Genesis 1:23

And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

And the evening {H6153} and the morning {H1242} were the fifth {H2549} day {H3117}.

So there was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.

And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

Commentary

Genesis 1:23 KJV marks the conclusion of the fifth day of creation, a significant period in God's unfolding work as described in the biblical account.

Context

This verse follows God's command for the waters to teem with living creatures and for birds to fly above the earth (Genesis 1:20-21). On this fifth day, God filled the vast aquatic and aerial realms with diverse life, from great whales to every winged fowl. The repeated phrase, "And the evening and the morning were the fifth day," serves as a concluding marker, emphasizing the structured and deliberate progression of God's creative activity. This pattern is consistent across the entire creation week in Genesis 1, highlighting divine order and completion at each stage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Structure: The consistent pattern of "evening and morning" for each day underscores God's methodical and purposeful creation. It's not chaotic, but a well-ordered process.
  • Completion of a Creative Phase: Each "day" represents a distinct period of creation, culminating in God's declaration of its completion. The fifth day sees the filling of the seas and skies.
  • God's Abundant Provision: The sheer volume and diversity of life created on this day demonstrate God's boundless power and generosity in populating the earth with living beings capable of multiplying (Genesis 1:22).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "day" is yom (יוֹם). While yom can sometimes refer to an indeterminate period, its consistent use with numerical adjectives ("first day," "second day," etc.) and the phrase "evening and morning" strongly suggests a literal 24-hour day in the context of Genesis 1. The phrase "evening and morning" defines a full cycle of light and darkness, marking the boundary of each creative period. This structure reinforces the idea of distinct, sequential days.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:23 reminds us of the incredible detail and intentionality in God's creation. As we observe the vastness of the oceans and the diversity of birdlife, we are called to appreciate the Creator's artistry and power. This verse also teaches us about God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to completion, a principle that applies to our own lives and His promises. It encourages us to live with purpose, recognizing the divine order in the world and our place within it, reflecting on the marvels of God's handiwork.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.