When does the Bible say Earth was created? This question has intrigued countless individuals throughout history, as the Bible provides a foundational narrative for the origins of the Earth and humanity. The answer can be found within the first book of the Bible, Genesis, which outlines the creation story in a series of days.
In Genesis 1:1, the Bible states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse marks the beginning of the creation account, but it does not provide a specific timeframe. However, the subsequent verses detail the creation of the Earth over a period of six days, followed by a day of rest on the seventh day.
The creation story in Genesis is as follows:
1. Day 1: God created the heavens and the earth.
2. Day 2: God separated the waters to create land and skies.
3. Day 3: God created plants, seas, and birds.
4. Day 4: God created the sun, moon, and stars.
5. Day 5: God created sea creatures and birds.
6. Day 6: God created land animals and humans.
7. Day 7: God rested, and He blessed the seventh day.
Based on this narrative, the Bible suggests that Earth was created on the first day of the creation week, which is approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, depending on the interpretation of the “day” as either a literal 24-hour period or a metaphorical long period of time. This interpretation of the creation story has been a point of contention among scholars and religious followers, with some adhering to a literal interpretation and others considering it as a symbolic or metaphorical account of the Earth’s origins.
It is important to note that the Bible is not a scientific text and does not aim to provide a comprehensive explanation of the Earth’s creation in terms of geological or cosmological processes. Instead, it offers a spiritual and moral perspective on the origin of the Earth and humanity, emphasizing the role of God in the creation process and the importance of living in accordance with His will. As such, the question of when the Bible says Earth was created is not solely a scientific inquiry but also a theological and philosophical one.
