Original scientific paper

The Beginning of the Creation Account in Genesis 1:1-2. Exegetical and Syntactic Analysis of Gen 1:1-2

Anto Popović ; Franciscan Theology - Institution of Higher Education of Franciscan Province Bosna Srebrna, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

This article analyses the syntax of the first two verses of the Bible (Gen 1:1-2) and their function within the Creation Account of Gen 1:3 - 2:3. The article consists of two main parts, preceded by an interlinear translation of the first three verses (Gen 1:1-3).
The first part briefly analyses the key expressions of Gen 1:1-2 from an exegetical and theological point of view. At the end of this analysis the possible link between Gen 1:1-2 and the traditional Christian doctrine of »creation out of nothing« (creatio ex nihilo) is considered.
Having examined the syntax of the first three verses (Gen 1:1-3), the second part of the article investigates the function of Gen 1:1 in the light of its extra biblical parallels as well as in the light of the so called Primeval History (Gen l —11).
Conclusion. This investigation concludes that Gen 1:1 stands separately and functions not only as the title and anticipatory announcement of the main themes of following account of creation, but it also is at the same time the solemn statement about God as the Creator of the entire existing world and about the created world as God's work. Gen 1:2 describes the conditions before the creation, where as the very first act of creation begins in Gen 1:3.

Keywords

Creation; create; »heaven and earth«; »in the beginning«; »ruah Elohim«; »creatio ex nihilo«

Hrčak ID:

22547

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/22547

Publication date:

12.12.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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