Bible Basics

Days of Evolution?

In an attempt to reconcile the biblical record of creation and the evolutionary theory, some have considered the term “day” as used in Genesis chapter one as being figurative rather than a literal twenty-four hour period of time. If this is done, the term “day” can then represent millions of years, thus allowing evolutionary chronology time to exist. We must remember, however, an important rule of Bible interpretation: words must be understood literally unless the context demands otherwise. In Genesis one the word “day” is used in two senses: 1) “God called the light Day” (1:5); and 2) “there was evening and there was morning, one day” (1:5,8, 13, etc.). Obviously Moses used the term in precisely the same ways we use the term: 1) to refer to the daylight hours as opposed to night; 2) and to refer to a twenty-four hour period of time. To propose that there is anything within the context of this chapter to remotely suggest that a “day” consists of millions of years is totally unwarranted. Furthermore, notice that the text clearly distinguishes between “days” and “years,” for the “lights in the firmament of heaven” were to not only “divide the day from the night,” but the “days and years” (Gen. 1:14). If the “days” of Genesis chapter one signify millions of years, what does the term “years” mean? Think about it.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics