Hebrew language and Genesis 1

[Christian3]

I was told that according to the Hebrew language Genesis 1 should read "at the beginning" and not "in the beginning."

True or not?

Thanks.

[Sparko]

I don't think either of those actual words are in the original Hebrew. Looking at the interlinear of the passage here:
https://www.studylight.org/desk/inte...3=str_nas&ns=0

It only has "Beginning" with a Hebrew translation. I think the other words are just added in English to make it understandable

But then I don't know Hebrew.

[Cow Poke]

I've never heard that before -- what's supposed to be the significance?

[lee_merrill]

Well, there's a missing word, but it's "the" that's missing, actually. And the Hebrew prefix "בְּ" can mean "in" or "at" (or a number of other things). So literally it would be "In beginning" or "At beginning", either would probably work, but "In the beginning" is smoother English.

Blessings,
Lee

[Cow Poke]

Well, there's a missing word, but it's "the" that's missing, actually. And the Hebrew prefix "בְּ" can mean "in" or "at" (or a number of other things). So literally it would be "In beginning" or "At beginning", either would probably work, but "In the beginning" is smoother English.

Blessings,
Lee

So, Lee, can you think of any reason somebody would zero in on that? Why it would be an issue?

[lee_merrill]

So, Lee, can you think of any reason somebody would zero in on that? Why it would be an issue?

We may note John 1:1, which is "In beginning" as well, now there is some debate as to which reading in Gen. 1:1 is correct:



If "the" is not appropriate here, then the reading would be:


So that little word does make a difference! But given the argument above, and the echo in John 1:1 (where I cannot find a reference that translates this other than "In the beginning", and the Septuagint of Gen. 1:1 has the same phrase as John 1:1) I would say that "the" does belong.

Blessings,
Lee

[Christian3]

I've never heard that before -- what's supposed to be the significance?

It came from my Pastor in a speech he made at a Bible Study class. I'm trying to find out why he thought it important. I asked a Jew who teaches Hebrew and he said:

It's ambiguous. Rashi suggested repointing the text to read "in the beginning of God's creating..." I tend to like it. That would be translated as "when God began to create..."

I don't see that it makes any difference at all.

[Christian3]

OK, guys I finally heard from my Pastor and this is what he said:

"I was explaining that Jewish Midrash states that God created twice before the current creation we have. Once with just love and once with just law. Our creation has both."

Notice it is now Midrash and not Hebrew Language.

Anyone know what he is talking about? Thanks

[Christian3]

This a link to my Pastor's thoughts.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Ge...e=1&item=22827

[Sparko]

This a link to my Pastor's thoughts.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Ge...e=1&item=22827

The idea presupposes that God is not omniscient and made a mistake that he later corrected.

[Christian3]

The idea presupposes that God is not omniscient and made a mistake that he later corrected.

Not really. As I understand it, it had to do with Justice and Mercy.

In the future, the universe will return to the Divine attribute of Justice, with Mercy concealed within, thus uniting all apparent opposites.

I had a Rabbi look at this and he was confused. Another Jew who teaches Hebrew said: That certainly doesn't come from a plain reading of the Torah text

[Sparko]

Not really. As I understand it, it had to do with Justice and Mercy.

In the future, the universe will return to the Divine attribute of Justice, with Mercy concealed within, thus uniting all apparent opposites.

I had a Rabbi look at this and he was confused. Another Jew who teaches Hebrew said: That certainly doesn't come from a plain reading of the Torah text

But then He saw

[Christian3]

But then He saw

You are right, Sparko. Thanks.