King James Version
Genesis 1:18 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Genesis 1:18 · KJV
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. to rule the day: Heb. for the rule of the day, etc.
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
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 the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. moving: or, creeping life: Heb. soul fowl: Heb. let fowl fly open: Heb. face of the firmament of heaven
KJV Study — Public Domain
“over the day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
“and over the night”
H3915properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
“and to divide”
H914to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
“the light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
“from the darkness”
H2822the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
“saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“and God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“that it was good”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Genesis 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge