1. The original hebrew word yôm translated day can mean a long period--literally
The hebrew word for day yom has
multiple literal definitions.
The original old testament was written in Hebrew.
Although most translated versions are considered reliable, ultimate authority
is given to the original text, especially for detailed study.
The Hebrew word yom, translated day in Genesis, has three literal definitions:
a) from sunrise to sunset
b) from sunset to sunset,
c) a segment of time without any reference to solar days
In addition to the word "day", the hebrew words for "morning" and "evening" used in the the text also allow similar
flexiblity.
2. Other Biblical examples show day used to mean a period of time
The Bible uses the word "day" referring to all six creation days.
Genesis 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,KJV
[emphasis added]
Here, the word day refers to all six creation days. This clearly shows that the day must be longer than a literal day.
The Bible uses the word "day" referring to thousands of years
Hosea 6:2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Here, the Bible is speaking about God reviving the State of Israel. The days in this case must mean thousands of years since the time between the destruction of Israel and the revival of the state was almost 2000 years.
3. The Bible teaches that God's days are not the same as human's.
2 Peter (3:8) But do not forget this one thing,
dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a
thousand years are like a day. NIV
Psalm (90:4) For a thousand years in your
sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. NIV
The actions of creation in Genesis are done by God. Furthermore, humans are not
even introduced in the accounts until day six. It seems reasonable to conclude that the
days of creation are God's days. - Genesis 1:1 "In the
Beginning God..."
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4.The events of the sixth day, suggest more than 24 hours is covered.
On the sixth day, described in Genesis 1:24-31:
- God created many of the land mammals.
- God created Adam.
- God planted a garden in Eden, making "all kinds of trees to grow out of the ground"
- Adam works and cares for the garden.
- God brought all the animals to Adam to name.
- Adam realizes that none of these creatures was a suitable helper for him.
- God puts Adam into a deep sleep.
- God performs an operation on Adam, and creates Eve.
- God awakens Adam, and introduces him to newly created Eve, and upon seeing her exclaims happa'am (Hebrew usually translated "now at length")
- Finally, both Adam and Eve received instructions from God concerning their responsibilities in managing the plants, animals, and the resources of the earth.
The activities on the sixth day are events that we would expect to take weeks, months, years or much more to complete today. Here also the text gives us a hint that the long definition of Hebrew translated "day" is implied.
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5. Scripture teaches that the seventh day still continues.
The seventh day of creation is not closed out. The seventh day continues.
The first six creation days in Genesis are concluded by the writer saying in the original Hebrew: "and there was evening, and there was morning-the Xth day."
The first six creation days had a beginning and an ending, but not for the seventh day. Furthermore, in Hebrews, the Bible teaches that Gods day of rest continues and that some remain to enter it:
Hebrews 4:4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his work."
Hebrews 4:6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.
Day seven is clearly a long period of time.
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