When does a biblical day begin? Let’s see what scripture says.
Greg Witter | Ephraim’s Cry
Hebraic Mindset Study Series
It is interesting how controversial it is about when a biblical day starts. Everybody has their ideas, has their reasons, their opinions, their interpretations. But very few have the actual facts, documentation and information, reasoning, as to when and why, a Biblical day starts when it does.There are two opinions. One is right. One is wrong. One can be very much supported with scripture. The other has very little support. One is argued that other cultures did it. And that therefore it can’t be that way or that so the debate rages. We’re going to take a serious look at this and see if we can determine, verify and prove when a biblical day actually begins disproving all the other theories and opinions.
The question of when a biblical day begins has sparked considerable debate across various religious communities. While many have their own interpretations, traditions, and opinions, it is essential to turn to the Scriptures to gain a clear understanding. The Hebraic Biblical perspective, rooted in the Torah and the Old Testament, offers substantial evidence that a biblical day begins at sunset. This study will explore the scriptural foundation for this belief, analyze relevant passages, and examine how Yahûshûa (Jesus), Paul, and the Apostles referenced these concepts. Additionally, we will delve deeper into the theological implications and how they relate to the broader narrative of Scripture.
The Creation Account: Establishing the Beginning of a Day
Darkness before light, there is a whole lot packed into that simple statement. The light came out of the darkness. The world was born out of Darkness. We are born out of the Darkness.
Genesis 1:5 is foundational for understanding when a biblical day begins: “Elohim/God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning—the first day.” This verse, repeated throughout the creation narrative (Genesis 1:5, 1:8, 1:13, 1:19, 1:23, 1:31), establishes a clear pattern: a day begins with evening, followed by morning, thereby completing a full 24-hour period.
The Hebrew word for “evening” used in these verses is “עֶרֶב” (ereb), which signifies the transition from light to darkness. This is crucial because it establishes that the transition into darkness marks the beginning of a new day. The word for “morning” is “בֹּקֶר” (boqer), indicating the breaking of dawn or the transition from darkness to light. The consistent use of these terms across the six days of creation indicates a deliberate divine order where darkness precedes light, and evening precedes morning.
This pattern is not arbitrary but deeply rooted in the order that Elohim/God set at the very beginning of creation. Darkness precedes light, and evening precedes morning, emphasizing that the day starts with sunset. This understanding is critical as it lays the foundation for the rest of the biblical narrative and how time is to be observed according to Elohim/God’s design.
The Sabbath and High Sabbaths: Evening-to-Evening Observance
The observance of the Sabbath provides further clarity on when a biblical day begins. Leviticus 23:32 explicitly instructs, “It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening, you are to keep your Sabbath.” This command underscores the importance of observing the Sabbath from evening to evening, which aligns with the creation account.
The Hebrew phrase “מֵעֶרֶב עַד עֶרֶב” (me’erev ad erev), meaning “from evening to evening,” is used here to specify the duration of the Sabbath. This reinforces the understanding that a day, according to Elohim/God’s reckoning, begins at sunset. This observance of time is not merely about ritual; it is about aligning with the divine order established from creation.
The High Sabbaths, such as Passover and the Day of Atonement, are also observed from evening to evening. For example, Exodus 12:18 regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread states, “In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening.” This reinforces the understanding that the biblical day begins at sunset.
These instructions are not merely ritualistic; they reflect the sanctity and order established by Elohim/God. The evening-to-evening observance is a tangible expression of obedience to His commands, ensuring that His people are aligned with His divine timing. The emphasis on evening as the beginning of the day also connects to the broader theological theme of light overcoming darkness, which is a recurring motif throughout Scripture.
The Prophetic Days: Evening and Morning in Daniel
Daniel 8:14 adds another layer of understanding with the prophecy of “2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be justified.” The use of “evenings and mornings” further solidifies the concept that a day begins in the evening, consistent with the creation narrative. This prophetic reference aligns with the established order of time in the Torah, highlighting the continuity of this understanding throughout Scripture.
The phrase “evenings and mornings” in Daniel not only refers to literal days but also carries a deeper symbolic meaning. In the context of Daniel’s prophecy, the “evening and morning” sequence points to the cyclical nature of divine judgment and restoration. The “sanctuary being justified” after 2,300 days suggests a return to divine order, which begins with the proper recognition of time as ordained by Elohim/God.
This understanding of time is critical in prophetic literature because it connects the physical observance of days with the spiritual reality of Elohim/God’s plan for redemption and restoration. The evening-to-evening pattern reflects the ultimate triumph of light over darkness, which is a central theme in the redemptive history outlined in the Scriptures.
Addressing Misconceptions: Babylonian Influence and Cultural Practices
A common misconception is that the evening-to-evening day started during the Babylonian captivity. However, this is not supported by the historical or biblical record. While the Babylonians did start their days at sunset, it is crucial to recognize that they likely adopted this practice from more ancient traditions, possibly reflecting the biblical timeline established by Elohim/God.
Deuteronomy 12:30 warns against adopting the customs of other nations, such as the Egyptian practice of starting the day in the morning due to their worship of the sun god Ra. This passage reinforces the importance of adhering to the divine order established by Elohim/God, rather than following the practices of surrounding cultures.
The Egyptians, for example, were known for their sun worship, with Ra being the chief deity. Their day started at sunrise, reflecting their theological framework where light (Ra) was the source of all life and order. In contrast, the biblical order starts with evening, symbolizing the primacy of Elohim/God who brings order out of chaos (darkness) and is the true source of light. The biblical day starting at sunset serves as a corrective to the pagan practices that invert the divine order.
Yahûshûa, Paul, and the Apostles: References and Allusions
Yahûshûa (Jesus), Paul, and the Apostles frequently referenced or alluded to the Old Testament scriptures, affirming the Hebraic Biblical understanding of when a day begins:
Yahûshûa HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) and the Sabbath: In Mark 1:29-33, Yahûshûa heals many after the Sabbath ends at sunset. The passage notes, “That evening at sundown they brought to Him all who were sick or oppressed by demons.” The timing of these healings, right after the Sabbath, indicates the end of the day at sunset, aligning with the evening-to-evening understanding.
Luke 4:40 also records a similar event where people brought their sick to Yahûshûa after sunset, confirming the practice of waiting until the Sabbath had ended at evening. This shows the community’s understanding of time and the observance of Elohim/God’s commandments.
Paul and the Passover: In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul refers to Yahûshûa’s institution of the Passover, which occurred after sunset, aligning with the evening start of the biblical day. Paul emphasizes the importance of observing these traditions as they were delivered by Yahûshûa, rooted in the Hebraic Biblical timeline.
Paul’s reference to the Passover highlights the continuation of the evening-to-evening observance in the early Ekklesia (Assembly/Congregation). This connection between the Last Supper and the Passover meal, both beginning at sunset, underscores the importance of this timing in the redemptive narrative.
John’s Gospel and the Resurrection: In John 20:1, Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb “early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark.” This timing, after the Sabbath had ended at sunset, again underscores the understanding that the day begins in the evening.
The resurrection event is framed within the context of the biblical day beginning at sunset. The fact that Mary arrives while it is still dark but on the first day of the week confirms that the new day had already begun at sunset the previous evening.
Mark 16:1: This passage describes how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to anoint Yahûshûa after the Sabbath had ended, further illustrating the evening-to-evening observance of the day.
The women’s actions following the end of the Sabbath demonstrate their adherence to the commandment to rest from work during the Sabbath and to resume activities only after it ended at sunset. This practice was rooted in their Hebraic Biblical understanding of the timing of the day.
Nehemiah 13:19: Nehemiah ordered the gates of Jerusalem to be closed “as it began to grow dark” before the Sabbath, emphasizing the start of the Sabbath at sunset.
This passage shows the practical application of the evening-to-evening observance, where commerce and work were halted as the Sabbath began at sunset. The closing of the gates before dark was a protective measure to ensure the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Acts 4:3: Some argue that this verse supports a day-to-day Sabbath, but a deeper look shows that the word used for “evening” here refers to the time just before evening, or afternoon. This nuance aligns with the evening-to-evening understanding.
The arrest and custody in Acts 4:3 reflect the legal and social practices of the time, which were influenced by the biblical understanding of time. The use of a specific term for the time of day indicates a nuanced understanding that aligns with the broader scriptural narrative.
The Healing at Sunset: In Mark 1:32-33, the people waited until the Sabbath had ended at sunset to bring the sick to Yahûshûa for healing, indicating their observance of the Sabbath as ending with the setting sun.
The community’s behavior reflects their respect for the Sabbath commandment and their understanding that it ends at sunset. The fact that they waited until evening to bring the sick to Yahûshûa reinforces the evening-to-evening structure of the day.
Deeper Understanding of Old Testament Concepts
The Old Testament, or Tanakh, provides the foundational understanding of many complex theological concepts, including the timing of the biblical day. The creation account not only establishes the order of the cosmos but also sets a pattern for timekeeping that is followed throughout Scripture.
The Sabbath, introduced in Genesis 2:1-3, is not merely a day of rest but a sign of the covenant between Elohim/God and His people. The command to observe the Sabbath from evening to evening reflects the divine order established at creation and is a perpetual reminder of Elohim/God’s sovereignty and the sanctity of time as ordained by Him.
Leviticus 11:24 and Deuteronomy 23:11 further clarify that uncleanness lasts until evening, reinforcing the concept that the day ends and begins at sunset. These laws, given by Elohim/God, ensure that His people maintain purity according to His timing.
The significance of time in the Old Testament is deeply connected to the concept of holiness. Time, like space, can be sanctified. The evening-to-evening structure is not just about chronological order but about recognizing the sanctity of time as a gift from Elohim/God. Observing the Sabbath from evening to evening is a way of participating in the divine rhythm of creation, aligning human activity with the order established by Elohim/God.
Conclusion
The biblical evidence overwhelmingly supports that a day, according to Scripture, begins at sunset. This understanding aligns with the creation account, the Sabbath instructions, and the practices observed by the biblical figures. The evening-to-evening reckoning of time is not only consistent with the Hebraic Biblical perspective but also honors the divine order established by Elohim/God from the very beginning.
By observing the day from evening to evening, believers participate in the divine order, recognizing Elohim/God’s sovereignty over time. This practice connects us to the broader narrative of Scripture, where light overcomes darkness, and the sanctity of time is preserved as a testimony to Elohim/God’s eternal covenant with His people. As believers, it is crucial to seek truth with humility, ensuring our understanding and practices align with the whole counsel of Scripture. This alignment with divine timing is not just a matter of ritual observance but a declaration of faith in Elohim/God’s order and a witness to the world of His unchanging truth.
Discussion Questions and Answers
Why does the Bible emphasize “evening and morning” in the creation account?
Answer: The “evening and morning” sequence establishes the Hebraic Biblical understanding that a day begins at sunset, aligning with the natural order Elohim/God set during creation. This pattern is foundational and reflects the divine order where darkness (chaos) is followed by light (order).
How does the observance of the Sabbath from evening to evening reflect the creation account?
Answer: The evening-to-evening observance of the Sabbath mirrors the creation account’s structure, where each day begins at sunset. This practice reinforces the continuity of the divine order throughout Scripture, from creation to the observance of holy days.
What significance does the timing of Yahûshûa’s (Jesus’) healings in Mark 1:29-33 have for understanding the biblical day?
Answer: The healings occurring after sunset on the Sabbath indicate the end of the biblical day, supporting the evening-to-evening understanding. This timing reflects the community’s adherence to the Sabbath commandment and the Hebraic Biblical understanding of time.
How does Daniel 8:14’s reference to “evenings and mornings” relate to the creation account?
Answer: The prophecy’s use of “evenings and mornings” echoes the creation account, reinforcing the understanding that a day begins in the evening. This connection highlights the cyclical nature of time in Elohim/God’s redemptive plan, where judgment and restoration follow a divine order.
Why is it important to understand the Hebrew word for “day” in its multifaceted meaning?
Answer: The Hebrew word for “day” can refer to both daylight hours and a full 24-hour period. Recognizing this helps avoid misinterpretations and aligns our understanding with the whole of Scripture. The multifaceted nature of the word reflects the complexity and depth of biblical timekeeping.
How do the High Sabbaths, such as Passover and the Day of Atonement, demonstrate the timing of a biblical day?
Answer: These High Sabbaths are observed from evening to evening, emphasizing that a biblical day begins at sunset, consistent with the rest of Scripture. The specific timing of these holy days underscores the importance of following Elohim/God’s ordained structure for time.
What role does Deuteronomy 12:30 play in understanding the timing of the biblical day?
Answer: Deuteronomy 12:30 warns against adopting practices from other nations, such as starting the day in the morning, which contrasts with the biblical instruction to begin the day at sunset. This passage reinforces the importance of maintaining the divine order established by Elohim/God and avoiding the influences of pagan practices.
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