Genesis 1:3

[Perception matters]

Did God create light when He spoke it into existence, by His Word? If so, what is light? Is it understanding which he also brought into existence? Are there different types of “light”?

 

[ChristisGod]

In verse 4 it says God separated the light from the darkness. In verse 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day.

So the light would be the sun.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Perception matters]

In verse 4 it says God separated the light from the darkness. In verse 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day.

So the light would be the sun.

hope this helps !!!

not really, as a spiritual story, bringing it down to a physical thing doesn’t help a bit. The best way to destroy a good allegory is to claim rabbit and turtles can’t race, but it never gets the point across.

 

[ChristisGod]

not really, as a spiritual story, bringing it down to a physical thing doesn’t help a bit. The best way to destroy a good allegory is to claim rabbit and turtles can’t race, but it never gets the point across.

Oh not at all as the creation account is literal to me not allegorical. Its an historical account of the origin's of man and the universe.

But hey you can believe whatever you want and there will be no hard feelings on my side of the fence.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Perception matters]

Well, carnal minds would see it literally, and never see the principles taught in it.

 

[ChristisGod]

Well, carnal minds would see it literally, and never see the principles taught in it.

I'm not saying there are not any "spiritual" principles or meanings that we can apply to light in Gen 1:3 such as in John 1:4. John in his prologue does parallel Genesis 1. See below :

In the beginning was the Word.
en arche en ho logos
εν αρχη ην ο λογος

the phrase "in the beginning" is "en arche". Now if you look in the Septuagint at Genesis 1:1 we find this:
εν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος

Now the question we need to ask ourselves is what does in the beginning mean ? One must always remember that context always determines the meaning of words and phrases. If we compare Genesis with John which is exactly what John is doing in his opening to his gospel we can clearly see his point. Moses and John both are discussing the creation of "all things". That makes the passages parallel. Here a some parallels to consider:

1- in the beginning
2- Theos( God) appears in both opening verses
3- Both talk about the creation of all things
4- both use egeneto εγενετο, came into being or existence
5- both use and contrast light and darkness

εν αρχη refers to the beginning of time. Now if John didn't mean the beginning of time he could of easily used another word that he often used which would be the word from"apo" instead of en. He could of also used the phrase came into being(egeneto) to refer to the Word in 1a but he did not. John made it very clear that the Word in his gospel is equal to the God in Genesis.

Now lets look at the verb was"en". This is in the imperfect tense meaning continuous existence. By its very definition it has the meaning of eternal, without beginning. Therefor the Words existence transcends time and is eternal. Here is Dr. Robertson below:

Three times in this sentence John uses this imperfect of eimi to be which conveys no idea of origin for God or for the Logos, simply continuous existence. Quite a different verb (egeneto, became) appears in verse Genesis 14 for the beginning of the Incarnation of the Logos. See the distinction sharply drawn in Genesis 8:58 "before Abraham came (genesqai) I am" (eimi, timeless existence).

From here we can now look to see who the Word is in John 1:1.

Now that we have established the meaning of the beginning in John 1:1a we can move on to the identity of the Word.

Whoever the Word is , He was alongside God (with Him) and was God. But how can the Word be with God and also be God? Lets examine 1b The Word was with God. John here is making a distinction between the Word and God. The Word existed eternally with God, for the Word (logos) ‎was in perfect fellowship with God. Pros ‎with the accusative shows equality and intimacy, face to face with each other. This clearly reveals a relationship between the logos and theon in 1b. In (Moulton and Milligan Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament)"the knowledge of our intimacy with one another" is used to speak of the relationship between the logos and God.

The Word was God- και θεος ην ο λογος . Theos here is without the article. It is predicative and describes the nature of the Word. The absence of the article indicates that the Word is God. If “o theos” had been written then it would mean that no divine being existed outside of the Word. Johns whole gospel comes forth from this verse. The Word is who his gospel is written about and as we will see the words and deeds of Jesus are the words and deeds of God.

John 1:14 and the Word became flesh- και ο λογος σαρξ εγενετο. Second aorist middle indicative of ginomai which means came into existence, He became flesh. The Word in one single event is history became man as opposed to “eimi” being or always existed. So we can clearly see the Word who is eternal came into existence in the flesh at a single point in time .

Now if we read further in John we can see that the Word dwelt among us (tabernacled).The Word entering a new mode of existence, became flesh, and lived in a tent (His physical body-a tabernacle) among us. And we beheld His glory

hope this helps !!!

 

[Perception matters]

Not really, too long and cumbersome to wade through.

 

[ChristisGod]

No problem as you posted this thread on a discussion forum. So I was discussing Genesis 1:3 with John's Prologue.

But you are right it was long compared to Genesis 1:3- And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Perception matters]

It’s really a lot more simple than that, God created light, we walk in the light (in the understanding God gives).

He forms the light, and creates darkness (Isaiah 45:7)

the light dwells with Him (Daniel 2:22)

 

[ChristisGod]

no problem if you do not think our Sun gives us light in the day and that the night is the absence of the sun light hence the darkness.

but hey just like burger king says: you can have it your way.

BTW- it can be BOTH not an either or scenario.

There is the milk and there is the meat, both are available in Scripture. It all depends what you prefer at any given time.

just sayin.......................

hope this helps !!!

 

[Perception matters]

no problem if you do not think our Sun gives us light in the day and that the night is the absence of the sun light hence the darkness.

but hey just like burger king says: you can have it your way.

BTW- it can be BOTH not an either or scenario.

There is the milk and there is the meat, both are available in Scripture. It all depends what you prefer at any given time.

just sayin.......................

hope this helps !!!

I have no doubt the Son, is the light of the world, without which we only walk in darkness

 

[ChristisGod]

I have no doubt the Son, is the light of the world, without which we only walk in darkness

Amen !

 

[Base12]

Is it understanding which he also brought into existence?

Yes. Genesis 1:3 is about bringing order out of chaos. The Sun was created much later.

Notice that as soon as words were spoken, there was light. That is because the Word of God is Light...

Psalms 119:105
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Here is a good one...

1 John 1:5
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

God is setting up the Laws of the Universe...

Proverbs 6:23
"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:"

Wisdom was there before the Earth was created...

Ecclesiastes 2:13
"Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness."

 

[Perception matters]

God created light, he spoke it into existence. There are those who, not knowing the commandments (make no image) would paint a picture with words to bow our thoughts to, an image that God is light. Those who would rather worship the created over the creator. He created darkness also, which the earth was full of, before he created any light.

 

[Davy]

Did God create light when He spoke it into existence, by His Word? If so, what is light? Is it understanding which he also brought into existence? Are there different types of “light”?

The sun and moon aren't mentioned until the 4th day.

The separation between light and darkness at Genesis 1:4 represents what God did because of Satan's rebellion.

 

[101G]

Addressing the OP, not saying that any is right or wrong, but consider this,

Light in Genesis 1:3 is not Natural sunlight, as Davy clearlly pointed out as other before. for the Light in Genesis 1:3 is
H216 אוֹר 'owr (ore) n-f.
1. illumination.
2. (concretely) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.).
[from H215]
KJV: bright, clear, + day, light (-ning), morning, sun.
Root(s): H215

and the Lights in Genesis 1:14 and it's light are not the same as in 1:3
H3974 מָאוֹר ma'owr (maw-ore') n-m.
מָאֹר ma'or (maw-ore')
מְאוֹרָה m'owrah (meh-o-raw') [feminine]
מְאֹרָה m'orah (meh-o-raw')
1. (properly) a luminous body or luminary.
2. (abstractly) light (as an element).
3. (figuratively) brightness, i.e.cheerfulness.
4. (specifically) a chandelier.
[from H215]
KJV: bright, light.
Root(s): H215

and when God said, Genesis 1:5 "And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."

now, Light in Genesis 1:3 is a metaphor for KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING ... meaning WISDOM, scripture, John 1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." NOW WATCH THE VERY NEXT VERSE, John 1:5 "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
what is comprehend?, to grasp mentally; understand. lets see it clearly, 1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
now, is this speaking of NATURAL SUNLIGHT... NO. one more, Ephesians 5:8 "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:"

Just as Darkness is a metaphor for Ignorance, likewise "LIGHT" is a metaphor for WISDOM, (Knowledge & Understanding.

so a DAY cannot be a 24 hr. produce by the Sun shining on a rotating earth.

so walking in the LIGHT is KNOWING and UNDERSTANDING God work.

and in Genesis 1:3 is a seperation of Knowledge and Understanding (WISDOM) DAY/LIGHT and Ignorance, (darkness).

this is what Netchaplain and I was discussing on the same terms in the topic, "For Christ’s Sake (2Co 12:10)". Good/Day, and Evil/Darkness.

hope that help and get you started in a good direction.

PICJAG
101G The "Spiritual Saboteur"

 

[atpollard]

Genesis 1 is best understood in comparison to the other creation myths of Mesopotamia and Egypt and India that existed at the time. In Genesis 1 we have God setting the record straight in a story that is a polemic that directly challenges, contradicts and refutes all other creation stories and in doing so proclaims God to be the one and only True God with all other “gods” and “myths” being false.

As a quick example, all other myths begin with how the gods (pantheon) were created and how they reshaped the world from something that pre-existed. Genesis 1:1 opens with God exists, God has no beginning, and starting with nothing (void and without form) God causes that which exists to come into being by the force of His will (God says “Let there be ...” and there is.)

 

[ChristisGod]

The sun and moon aren't mentioned until the 4th day.

The separation between light and darkness at Genesis 1:4 represents what God did because of Satan's rebellion.

and where is "satans" rebellion mentioned in Genesis 1 ?

 

[Davy]

Genesis 1 is best understood in comparison to the other creation myths of Mesopotamia and Egypt and India that existed at the time. In Genesis 1 we have God setting the record straight in a story that is a polemic that directly challenges, contradicts and refutes all other creation stories and in doing so proclaims God to be the one and only True God with all other “gods” and “myths” being false.

As a quick example, all other myths begin with how the gods (pantheon) were created and how they reshaped the world from something that pre-existed. Genesis 1:1 opens with God exists, God has no beginning, and starting with nothing (void and without form) God causes that which exists to come into being by the force of His will (God says “Let there be ...” and there is.)

The "without form, and void" phrase in Hebrew does not actually mean a space ether of nothingness. It is tohuw va bohuw in the Hebrew:

OT:8414
tohuw (to'-hoo); from an unused root meaning to lie waste; a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain:
KJV - confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)


OT:922
bohuw (bo'-hoo); from an unused root (meaning to be empty); a vacuity, i.e. (superficially) an undistinguishable ruin:
KJV - emptiness, void.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)


In most cases, Hebrew tohuw is translated in the KJV about something that was once in a good state, that went bad. This is how "without form, and void" is used in the Jeremiah 4 Scripture...

Jer 4:23-28
23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.
25 I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.
26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger.
27 For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.
28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.
KJV

 

[101G]

Genesis 1 is best understood in comparison to the other creation myths of Mesopotamia and Egypt and India that existed at the time. In Genesis 1 we have God setting the record straight in a story that is a polemic that directly challenges, contradicts and refutes all other creation stories and in doing so proclaims God to be the one and only True God with all other “gods” and “myths” being false.

As a quick example, all other myths begin with how the gods (pantheon) were created and how they reshaped the world from something that pre-existed. Genesis 1:1 opens with God exists, God has no beginning, and starting with nothing (void and without form) God causes that which exists to come into being by the force of His will (God says “Let there be ...” and there is.)

Agreed, God did set the record straight, he put to rest all the LIES that men come up with. Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."Romans 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"Romans 1:23 "And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." Romans 1:24 "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:" Romans 1:25 "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

PICJAG
101G The "Spiritual Saboteur"