The Hebrew Concept of Time in Genesis 1:1-2 and the Significance of "Yom"

The opening verses of Genesis, enshrined in the Hebrew Bible, have captivated theologians, scientists, and philosophers for millennia. The text reads:

• Genesis 1:1: בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ׃

• Genesis 1:2: וְהָאָרֶץ הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ וְחֹשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם׃

These verses, translated as "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters," lay the foundation for the creation narrative. However, the Hebrew term "yom" (יום), often translated as "day," has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

Understanding "Yom" and Its Temporal Implications

The Hebrew word "yom" possesses a semantic range that extends beyond a simple 24-hour period. While it can indeed refer to a literal day marked by the cycle of light and darkness, it can also encompass broader periods, even epochs or ages. This flexibility is evident throughout the Hebrew Bible, where "yom" is used in various contexts to denote different durations of time.

In Genesis 1, the use of "yom" in conjunction with ordinal numbers ("the first day," "the second day," etc.) has led to diverse interpretations. Some adhere to an english literal understanding, viewing each "yom" as a 24-hour day, while others propose that these "days" represent extended periods, possibly millions or even billions of years in duration.

Evidence for long "Days"

Several lines of evidence support the notion that the "days" of Genesis 1 are not confined to 24-hour periods:

• The Seventh Day: Genesis 2:2-3 states that God "rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done." This "seventh day" is not depicted as ending, suggesting an ongoing period of divine rest. Hebrews 4:4-11 further reinforces this idea, indicating that God's rest continues and that believers can enter into it. If the seventh day is an extended period, it follows that the preceding six days could also be lengthy.

• The Sun and Moon: The creation of the sun and moon is described on the fourth day. If the "days" were literal 24-hour periods, how could there have been cycles of evening and morning before the existence of these celestial bodies? This suggests that the "days" are not bound by the earth's rotation.

• The Nature of Creation: Scientific evidence indicates that the universe and the earth are billions of years old. This understanding challenges the notion of a creation process completed in six literal days.

• Genesis 2:4: This verse provides a summary of the creation events, referring to "the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens." This singular "day" encompasses all of the creative acts described in Genesis 1, further supporting the idea that the "days" are not literal 24-hour periods.

Juxtaposing Genesis 1 and 2:4

The contrast between the detailed account of creation in Genesis 1 and the summary statement in Genesis 2:4 highlights the non-literal nature of the "days." Genesis 1 unfolds the creative process in a series of distinct periods, while Genesis 2:4 encapsulates the entire creation within a single "day." This suggests that the "days" of Genesis 1 are not meant to be understood as rigid, 24-hour intervals but rather as stages in a grand cosmic narrative.

A Long Day Summary of Genesis 1

If we embrace the concept of long "days," we can envision the creation narrative as follows:

• Day 1: The universe begins, and light emerges from the primordial darkness.

• Day 2: The atmosphere forms, separating the waters above from the waters below.

• Day 3: Landmasses emerge from the waters, and plant life flourishes.

• Day 4: The sun, moon, and stars become visible (asah, not barah created ex nihilo) in the sky, marking the passage of time.

• Day 5: Aquatic and avian life teem in the waters and soar through the air.

• Day 6: Land animals and, finally, humans are created.

• Day 7: God rests, having completed the work of creation.

This interpretation allows for the vastness of cosmic time and aligns with scientific understanding while preserving the theological significance of the creation account.

Conclusion

The Hebrew text of Genesis 1:1-2, particularly the use of "yom," invites a nuanced understanding of time. The "days" of creation need not be confined to 24-hour periods but can be interpreted as extended ages or epochs. This perspective harmonizes the biblical narrative with scientific discoveries and deepens our appreciation of the grandeur of God's creative work.