Genesis 1:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

קָ֣רָא

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָאוֹר֙

H216

the light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

י֥וֹם

H3117

Day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ

H2822

and the darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

קָ֣רָא

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָ֑יְלָה

H3915

Night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֶ֥רֶב

H6153

And the evening

dusk

#10

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

בֹ֖קֶר

H1242

and the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#12

י֥וֹם

H3117

Day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#13

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

were the first

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Genesis's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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