Genesis 1:13 - The Third Day: Evening and Morning, God's Creation Order

Detailed Explanation of Genesis 1:13

Genesis 1:13 reads:

"And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day."

This simple yet profound statement marks the completion of the third day in the creation narrative. While the verse seems like a brief summary, it carries important theological and literary implications. To fully understand its meaning, we need to consider both its context in the creation story and its deeper theological significance.

1. The Pattern of Evening and Morning

The phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning" is repeated at the end of each creation day, beginning with the first day of creation. This recurring structure in the Genesis creation account serves several purposes:

• Framing of time: This phrase establishes the framework of time in the creation story, marking the transition from one phase of creation to the next. By saying “evening” and “morning,” the passage implies a full cycle from darkness (evening) to light (morning), symbolizing the completion of a period of creation work.

• Literal and symbolic meaning: The idea of evening and morning indicates a literal 24-hour period, suggesting that the creation days were likely intended as actual days. However, the evening-morning phrase also holds symbolic meaning, representing a transition from chaos to order. Each day of creation, as it progresses from evening to morning, signals the ordering of the world by God's power. Darkness (evening) symbolized the formless void and the disorder that existed before God began His work, while light (morning) symbolized the order, structure, and goodness that came with God’s creation.

• Theological significance of evening and morning: In many biblical traditions, evening can be associated with rest or completion, and morning can symbolize renewal or new beginnings. The use of this pattern underscores the rhythm of creation, where each day concludes with a period of rest and transition to the next phase of creation. The evening-morning cycle is a symbol of God’s faithfulness, as He continues to renew creation with each new day.

2. The Completion of the Third Day

Genesis 1:13 marks the third day of creation, during which God created the land and vegetation (Genesis 1:9-12). Here, we see the culmination of God's work in separating land from water and bringing forth vegetation, plants, and trees that bear fruit and seed. These creative acts set the stage for the self-sustaining world God is forming. The third day was the first day when the earth, now fully formed and separated from the waters, could begin supporting life through the creation of plant life.

• God's provision for life: The creation of plant life, described in Genesis 1:11-12, is significant for the continuation of life on earth. These plants provide food, oxygen, and a stable ecosystem for both human beings and animals, making the earth a habitable environment. This completes a vital step in God's creation process: providing the foundation for all future living creatures, including humans.

• The divine pattern: With each day, God creates something new and separates it from what was previously there, imposing order on the created world. On the third day, God separated the land from the waters, providing the ground for vegetation and life. This separation reflects God’s authority and control over creation, where He distinguishes and defines each element of the world He has made.

3. Theological Implications

Genesis 1:13, like the other days of creation, reflects God's sovereignty over all aspects of the created world. This verse marks the completion of God's work on the third day, and with it, we can draw several key theological insights:

• God's Creative Order: The orderly progression of creation days shows that God is a God of order. Everything God creates follows a purposeful pattern, and each act of creation is carefully orchestrated to build upon the previous acts. There is no randomness in God's creative activity; everything is intentional and perfectly timed.

• Creation as Good: After each creative act, the Bible states that God saw that what He made was good. This underscores the goodness of creation. Even though Genesis 1:13 does not explicitly say "it was good," the statement of the third day is still part of the overall declaration of goodness. It reflects that the world, as God created it, was good, and everything in it was fulfilling its intended purpose.

• Symbolism of Rest and Renewal: The repeated cycle of evening and morning conveys not only the passage of time but also the rhythm of work and rest inherent in creation. Even as God works to create, there is an implied rest at the end of the day, suggesting that rest is as much a part of God's plan for creation as work itself. This pattern can also point forward to the Sabbath rest that God would later establish as a rhythm for human life in the creation story.

4. The "Third Day" in Biblical Symbolism

The third day in Scripture is often associated with new beginnings, growth, and restoration. While the creation account gives a literal meaning to the third day, biblical writers often referred to the third day as symbolic of God bringing about renewal and life:

• Restoration and hope: In later scripture, the "third day" becomes a symbol of resurrection and renewal. For example, Jesus’ resurrection on the third day (Matthew 16:21) mirrors the idea of new life and the fulfillment of God’s purposes, similar to how God’s creative acts bring about life and renewal on the third day of creation.

• Life and Growth: On the third day, vegetation is created, which is a foundational act for the sustaining of life. The third day is marked by growth and fruitfulness, both literally in the land and symbolically as a precursor to life and growth that would be seen in the rest of the creation narrative.

5. Conclusion

Genesis 1:13, though brief, carries significant theological weight. It concludes the third day of creation, a day that set the stage for the sustenance and growth of life on earth through the creation of plants and vegetation. The evening and morning cycle repeats as a reminder of God’s order, sovereignty, and rhythm of creation. This cycle of creation, rest, and renewal is foundational not only for the physical world but also for understanding God’s ongoing work in creation and in human life.

The above content is for reference purposes in theological interpretation and biblical understanding. For accurate guidance and counseling tailored to your personal faith interpretation or spiritual situation, please consult a spiritual leader or expert.