Genesis 1:18
Genesis 1:18 in Multiple Translations
to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
To have rule over the day and the night, and for a division between the light and the dark: and God saw that it was good.
to be in charge of the day and in charge of the night, and to separate light from darkness. God saw that it was good.
And to rule in the day, and in the night, and to separate the light from the darkenesse: and God saw that it was good.
and to rule over day and over night, and to make a separation between the light and the darkness; and God seeth that [it is] good;
and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good.
And to rule over the day, and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
And to rule the day and the night, and to divide the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
to rule the day and the night, and to separate the light of the daytime from the darkness of the nighttime. God was pleased with these things he had made.
One light shines during the day, and another light shines at night. Those lights split the day time from the night time. God looked at those lights, and he saw that everything was good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְלִמְשֹׁל֙
בַּיּ֣וֹם
וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה
וּֽלֲהַבְדִּ֔יל
הָא֖וֹר
וּבֵ֣ין
בֵּ֥ין
הַחֹ֑שֶׁךְ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וַיַּ֥רְא
כִּי־
טֽוֹב׃
וְלִמְשֹׁל֙
wə·lim·šōl
H4910
to preside over
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
בַּיּ֣וֹם
bay·yō·wm
H3117
the day
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה
ū·ḇal·lay·lāh
H3915
and the night
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
וּֽלֲהַבְדִּ֔יל
ū·lă·haḇ·dîl
H914
and to separate
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
הָא֖וֹר
hā·’ō·wr
H216
the light
Article | Noun - common singular
וּבֵ֣ין
ū·ḇên
H996
from
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
בֵּ֥ין
bên
H996
. . .
Preposition
הַחֹ֑שֶׁךְ
ha·ḥō·šeḵ
H2822
the darkness
Article | Noun - masculine singular
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
And God
Noun - masculine plural
וַיַּ֥רְא
way·yar
H7200
saw
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
כִּי־
kî-
H3588
that
Conjunction
טֽוֹב׃
ṭō·wḇ
H2896
[it was] good
Adjective - masculine singular
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 1:18
וְלִמְשֹׁל֙
wə·lim·šōl
H4910
"to preside over"
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:6.
בַּיּ֣וֹם
bay·yō·wm
H3117
"the day"
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה
ū·ḇal·lay·lāh
H3915
"and the night"
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וּֽלֲהַבְדִּ֔יל
ū·lă·haḇ·dîl
H914
"and to separate"
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:21; Isaiah 56:3.
הָא֖וֹר
hā·’ō·wr
H216
"the light"
Article | Noun - common singular
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:6.
וּבֵ֣ין
ū·ḇên
H996
"from"
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:13.
בֵּ֥ין
bên
H996
". . ."
Preposition
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:13.
הַחֹ֑שֶׁךְ
ha·ḥō·šeḵ
H2822
"the darkness"
Article | Noun - masculine singular
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:11.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
"And God"
Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2247 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַיַּ֥רְא
way·yar
H7200
"saw"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1200 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּי־
kî-
H3588
"that"
Conjunction
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
טֽוֹב׃
ṭō·wḇ
H2896
"[it was] good"
Adjective - masculine singular
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 519 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 4:15; 2 Chronicles 10:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fourth Day
16God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well.
17God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth,
18to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
19And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. 20And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:35 | Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name: |
| 2 | Psalms 19:6 | it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. |
Genesis 1:18 Summary
Genesis 1:18 tells us that God made the sun and moon to rule over the day and night, and to separate light from darkness. This means that God created a sense of order and structure in the world, which is pleasing to Him (as seen in Genesis 1:31). Just like the lights in the sky, we can reflect God's goodness and purposes in our own lives by living in a way that separates good from evil (Romans 13:12). By following God's design and order, we can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives and to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the lights to 'preside over the day and the night' in Genesis 1:18?
This means that God appointed the sun and moon to rule over their respective times of day, guiding the earth's cycles (Genesis 1:16).
How does the separation of light from darkness in Genesis 1:18 relate to spiritual truth?
This physical separation foreshadows the spiritual distinction between good and evil, as seen in Isaiah 5:20, where God separates light from darkness, and His people are called to walk in the light.
Why does God see the creation of the lights as 'good' in Genesis 1:18?
God's declaration of goodness indicates that His creation is pleasing to Him and fulfills His purposes, much like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all of creation as 'very good'.
What is the significance of the lights being set 'in the expanse of the sky' in the context of Genesis 1:18?
This emphasizes God's sovereign control over the universe, as He carefully places the lights in their designated positions to serve humanity and the earth (Psalm 8:3-4).
Reflection Questions
- How does the order and structure of creation, as seen in Genesis 1:18, reflect God's character and nature?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, 'separate the light from the darkness' in my own life, and what does this look like in practical terms?
- What does the fact that God 'saw that it was good' in Genesis 1:18 reveal about His heart and intentions towards humanity?
- How can I, like the lights in Genesis 1:18, 'preside over' my own domain and responsibilities in a way that honors God and serves others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:18
And to rule over the day, and over the night,.... The one, namely the sun, or greater light, to rule over the day, and the moon and stars, the lesser lights, to rule over the night: this is repeated
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:18
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Let there be lights in the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 1:18
This clause was omitted in the first day’ s work, but is added here, because the light was then but glimmering and imperfect, which now was made more clear and complete.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:18
14–19. Fourth Day. The Creation of the Heavenly Bodies Observe that the creation of the “lights” in the heaven on the fourth day corresponds to the creation of “light” on the first day. If we divide the six days into two groups of three, there are in each group four creative acts, and at the head of each group is the creation of light in two different forms, (1) elemental, (2) sidereal.
Sermons on Genesis 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 3:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the chaplain discusses the significance of the burning bush in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes that the burning bush is a symbol of God's presence and holiness. T |
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The Budding of the Fig Tree by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher begins by inviting the audience to raise their hands and sing a joyful song. He then asks if their names are written in the Lamb's book of life, emphas |
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The Significance of Israel 1980 by Lance Lambert | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision from the book of Daniel in which a son of man is given dominion and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. The preacher then connec |
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Israel: What's Going On? What We Can We Do? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the complexities surrounding Israel's current situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and biblical context. He discusses the o |
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Israel's Future as a Nation by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the prophecy relating to Israel's future as a nation, exploring the various viewpoints on whether Israel exists today and has a future. He discusses th |
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The Question Stated by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the significance of Romans 11, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's purposes concerning the Jewish race and the impact of Israel's p |
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The Nation of Hope by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the unchanging human history and the dying state of 'Christian Civilization,' lacking the essence of Christ. He discusses the hopelessness in |