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Genesis 1:5 - Light named, time begins

Genesis 1:5 - בראשית 1:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָאוֹר יוֹם וְלַחֹשֶׁךְ קָרָא לָיְלָה וַיְהִי־עֶרֶב וַיְהִי־בֹקֶר יוֹם אֶחָד׃

English Translation

And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Transliteration

Vayikra Elohim la'or yom velachoshech kara layla vayehi-erev vayehi-voker yom echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים <small>׀</small> לָאוֹר֙ י֔וֹם וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ קָ֣רָא לָ֑יְלָה וַֽיְהִי־עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי־בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם אֶחָֽד׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ לָאוֹר֙ י֔וֹם וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ קָ֣רָא לָ֑יְלָה וַֽיְהִי־עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי־בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם אֶחָֽד׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Day and Night

Rashi (Bereshit 1:5) explains that the act of naming by Hashem signifies mastery and authority over creation. By assigning names to light ("Day") and darkness ("Night"), Hashem establishes their purpose and boundaries within the divine order. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this naming reflects the fundamental duality in creation, where opposites (light/darkness) serve complementary roles in Hashem's plan.

The Sequence of Evening and Morning

The phrase "וַיְהִי־עֶרֶב וַיְהִי־בֹקֶר" ("there was evening and there was morning") is interpreted by the Talmud (Chullin 83a) as establishing the Jewish day's structure, beginning at nightfall. This becomes the basis for halachic timekeeping, where days are counted from evening to morning (based on "ויהי ערב ויהי בקר"). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 3:8) suggests that the evening's mention first teaches that darkness precedes light, symbolizing the concept of "from darkness comes light" (ישועה מתוך החושך).

The Meaning of "Yom Echad" (One Day)

The unusual phrasing "יוֹם אֶחָד" (literally "one day") instead of "יום ראשון" ("first day") is addressed by several commentators:

  • Rashi explains this teaches that Hashem was "unique" (יחיד) in His world at that time, as the angels weren't created until the second day (based on Midrash).
  • The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:30) sees this as establishing the concept of temporal sequence as we know it, marking the first instance of measurable time.
  • The Sforno notes this emphasizes the unity of creation - that all elements functioned in harmony under Hashem's singular direction.

Kabbalistic Insights

The Zohar (1:15b) interprets the light and darkness as representing the sefirot of Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (severity), with their naming indicating their divine service. The alternating sequence of evening and morning reflects the cosmic balance between these attributes in sustaining the world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the creation of light and darkness, and how they were named by God.
📖 Berakhot 11b
The verse is cited in the context of discussions about the order of creation and the significance of the first day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah say 'there was evening and there was morning' to describe the first day?
A: According to Rashi and Jewish tradition, this teaches us that the Jewish day begins in the evening (at sunset) and continues until the next evening. This is why Shabbat and all Jewish holidays begin at nightfall.
Q: Why does the verse say 'one day' instead of 'first day'?
A: The Ramban explains that 'one day' emphasizes that this was the first complete day cycle in creation, establishing the pattern for all subsequent days. Only after multiple days existed could we use ordinal numbers like 'first,' 'second,' etc.
Q: What is the significance of God naming the light and darkness?
A: The Midrash teaches that naming represents mastery and purpose. By naming the light 'Day' and darkness 'Night,' God established their distinct roles in creation. This shows that both light and darkness serve God's plan, as explained in Talmud Chagigah 12a.
Q: How does this verse relate to our daily lives as Jews?
A: This verse establishes the fundamental Jewish concept that days begin at night, which affects when we observe mitzvot like Shabbat and holidays. It also teaches that both light (good times) and darkness (challenges) are part of God's orderly world, as discussed in Jewish ethical works like Mesillat Yesharim.
Q: Why does the Torah mention evening before morning?
A: Rashi explains this order teaches an important spiritual lesson: just as the darkness of night precedes the light of day, so too in life we often experience difficulties before reaching clarity and redemption. This pattern appears throughout Jewish history and personal growth.