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How could God create light after the creation of the Earth?

Claim:

Genesis teaches that God created light after the creation of the Earth. However, Earth came about after the existence of stars, which produce light.

Response:

The text doesn’t say that God created light after the Earth (Hebrew bara). Instead, it says, “Let there be light…” Because the language is different, this must refer to the purpose of light –not the existence of it. For instance, the purpose of light was to differentiate day and night (v.5). In other words, the text is saying, “Let there be light for the purpose of telling day from night.” For another instance of this, see comments on Genesis 1:14.

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.