Day 1:  Genesis 1:3-5 - Let There Be Light 

The light of Genesis 1:3-5: A Hebraic and Contextual Exploration

In the realm of biblical scholarship, Genesis 1:3-5 is a foundational passage in the Bible, marking the commencement of creation with God's proclamation of light. These verses hold profound theological significance and have been the subject of extensive analysis by scholars throughout history.

In this study, we will explore Genesis 1:3-5 through a lens that has been greatly informed by an in-depth study of the early parts of Genesis with Dr John Andrews, former principal of Mattersey that began in the summer of 2022 and my own studies informed by the work of Michael S. Heiser and Dwight Pryor, both scholars of blessed memory.

It is fair to say that John Andrews and I had some significant difference in our reading of the text. This becomes even more apparent as we progress into Genesis. However, we walked as brothers in Christ and appreciated, I hope, the insights of each other's approach. This study is an attempt to offer an integrated linguistic, historical, and theological perspective giving a nuanced understanding of these foundational biblical passages.

Text and Translation

We begin by examining the text of Genesis 1:3-5 in the original Hebrew and a standard English translation:

Hebrew Text:

יֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים יְהִי אוֹר וַיְהִי-אוֹר׃ וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הָאוֹר כִּי-טוֹב וַיַּבְדֵּל אֱלֹהִים בֵּין הָאוֹר וּבֵין הַחֹשֶׁךְ׃ וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָאוֹר יוֹם וְלַחֹשֶׁךְ קָרָא לָיְלָה וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר יוֹם אֶחָד

English Translation (Names of God version):

Then Elohim said, “Let there be light!” So there was light. Elohim saw the light was good. So Elohim separated the light from the darkness. Elohim named the light day, and the darkness he named night. There was evening, then morning—the first day.

Analysis and Commentary

Divine Speech and Creation

The passage begins with the phrase “And Elohim said” (וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים). This introduction to God's creative act underscores the power of divine speech. In the Hebraic worldview, words are not mere sounds but carry creative force and authority. This text places Elohim’s word at the very centre of shaping reality. The act of speaking creation into existence highlights Elohim’s sovereign power and the inherent authority of His word.

The Nature of Light

The proclamation “Let there be light” (יְהִי אוֹר) and the subsequent creation of light (וַיְהִי-אוֹר) raise intriguing questions about the nature of this light. This occurs before the creation of the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day. We have to recognise the non-material essence of this primordial light. In Jewish tradition, this light is often understood as a manifestation of God's glory, a fundamental aspect of His presence before the creation of physical light sources.

It is only in the last generation or so that we have become aware of the presence, and reality, of purer light1. Normally light is bouncing around all over the place. However, with the advent of lasers we have been introduced to the phenomenon of pure light. I imagine that this is the nature of creation’s light: pure, focused light that brings God’s glory and order to a world that is awaiting His touch.

The Goodness of Light

The phrase “And Elohim saw that the light was good” (וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הָאוֹר כִּי-טוֹב) reveals a theological dimension to creation. The Hebrew word ‘tov’ (טוֹב) implies more than just goodness; it conveys a sense of purpose and appropriateness within Elohim’s creative order. This phrase aligns strongly with the functional ontology of the ancient Near East, where creation is understood in terms of assigning roles and functions. The light’s goodness implies its appropriateness and necessity in fulfilling God's purposes.

Separation and Order

The separation of light from darkness (וַיַּבְדֵּל אֱלֹהִים בֵּין הָאוֹר וּבֵין הַחֹשֶׁךְ) introduces the theme of order from chaos. In the ancient Near Eastern context, creation narratives often involve bringing order to a primordial chaos. This act of separation is a hallmark of God's sovereign authority over creation. It is also worth adding that this act of separation is also deeply rooted in the Jewish concept of holiness, which involves setting apart for a divine purpose.

Naming and Dominion

The naming of light as ‘Day’ (יוֹם) and darkness as ‘Night’ (לָיְלָה) (וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָאוֹר יוֹם וְלַחֹשֶׁךְ קָרָא לָיְלָה) signifies dominion and control. In ancient Hebrew culture, naming is an act of authority and dominion. This is a significant step, with the naming within the biblical text demonstrating God’s lordship over creation. The act of naming also establishes a rhythm and structure to time, something which is foundational to the Hebraic understanding of Sabbath and sacred time.

The First Day

The conclusion of the passage, “And there was evening and there was morning, the first day” (וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר יוֹם אֶחָד), introduces the biblical day as beginning with evening. This reflects the Jewish reckoning of time, where a day starts at sunset. This structure highlights the importance of this sequence in Jewish liturgy and practice. Within Hebraic thinking, the cycle of rest and work begins with rest, symbolising trust in God’s provision and order. This stands in stark contrast to the worldly, or Greek, mind that is rooted in the idea of earning our rest. YHWH in his love and grace sovereignly declares that we come from a place of rest and our work is a faithful response to God’s great grace.

Within Hebraic thinking, the cycle of rest and work begins with rest, symbolising trust in God’s provision and order.

Theological Implications

The Centrality of God's Word

The creation account underscores the centrality of God’s word in the ordering of creation. This theological theme resonates throughout the Bible, emphasising that God’s word is not only powerful but also the foundation of all reality. In the New Testament, this theme culminates in the person of Jesus Christ, described as the Word (Logos) in John 1:1. These themes are clearly connected and demonstrate that the New Testament is simply a continuation of the Old Testament which clearly and crisply points forward to Christ.

Light as a Theophany

The creation of light can be seen as an initial theophany, a visible manifestation of God’s presence. This light precedes the physical sources of light, suggesting it is a direct emanation of God’s glory. This is reflected in other biblical theophanies, such as the burning bush (Exodus 3) and the pillar of fire (Exodus 13), which serve as visible signs of God’s guiding and sustaining presence.

Holiness and Separation

The act of separating light from darkness sets a precedent for the concept of holiness in the Bible. Holiness involves separation for divine purposes, a theme that is developed in the laws given to Israel and the ethical teachings of the prophets. The bible signals and emphasises that we must understand holiness as separation, and this understanding helps to illuminate the distinctive identity and mission of God’s people.

Creation and Cosmic Order

Genesis 1:3-5 establishes a pattern of order and structure within creation. This order is not merely physical but also moral and spiritual. The separation of light from darkness symbolises the distinction between good and evil, order and chaos. This cosmic order is a recurring theme in biblical literature, pointing to the ultimate triumph of God’s order over chaos and evil, a theme inherent within eschatology.

The separation of light from darkness symbolises the distinction between good and evil, order and chaos.

Conclusion

Genesis 1:3-5, though brief, is a profound passage that sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative. By examining these verses we gain a deeper appreciation for the theological richness embedded in the creation account. By considering this text with an appreciation of ancient Near Eastern context, a supernatural worldview and insights into Hebraic thought and practice, we can begin to develop a comprehensive understanding of these foundational verses.

In summary, Genesis 1:3-5 teaches us about the power of God’s word, the nature of divine light, the importance of order and separation, and the establishment of cosmic and moral order. These themes not only illuminate the opening chapter of the Bible but also resonate throughout the entire biblical narrative, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.