Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
In the beginning
The phrase "In the beginning" marks the commencement of time and creation, setting the stage for the entire biblical narrative. In Hebrew, this is "בְּרֵאשִׁית" (Bereshit), which signifies the absolute start of God's creative work. It implies that before this moment, there was nothing but God Himself, emphasizing His eternal nature and sovereignty. This beginning is not just a point in time but the initiation of God's divine plan for the universe, highlighting His omnipotence and the intentionality behind creation.

God
The Hebrew word used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural noun that is often used with singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting a complex unity. This term underscores the majesty and power of God, as well as the foundational Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which sees the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God in three persons. Elohim's use here establishes God as the central figure in the creation narrative, the ultimate authority and source of all that exists.

created
The Hebrew verb "בָּרָא" (bara) is used exclusively for divine activity, indicating that creation is an act of God alone. This word conveys the idea of creating something new and unprecedented, ex nihilo (out of nothing), which is a fundamental concept in Christian theology. It underscores God's unique ability to bring forth existence from non-existence, highlighting His creative power and the miraculous nature of the universe's origin.

the heavens
In Hebrew, "הַשָּׁמַיִם" (hashamayim) refers to the skies or the celestial realm. This term encompasses the vast expanse of the universe, including the spiritual realm where God dwells. The creation of the heavens signifies the establishment of the cosmic order and the domain of God's glory. It reflects the grandeur and complexity of God's creation, inviting humanity to ponder the majesty of the universe and the Creator behind it.

and the earth
The Hebrew word "הָאָרֶץ" (ha'aretz) refers to the physical world, the planet we inhabit. The creation of the earth signifies the formation of a habitable environment for life, particularly human life, which is central to God's plan. This phrase emphasizes the intentionality and care with which God crafted the world, preparing it as a place where His purposes would unfold. It also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of human history and God's redemptive work within it.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Elohim)
The supreme, eternal being who is the creator of the universe. The Hebrew word "Elohim" is a plural noun, which can imply the majesty and fullness of God, and is often understood to hint at the Trinity in Christian theology.

2. The Beginning
Refers to the start of time and creation. It marks the commencement of the universe as we know it, initiated by God's creative act.

3. Creation
The act of God bringing the universe into existence. This includes everything in the heavens and the earth, signifying the totality of creation.

4. The Heavens
Represents the sky, outer space, and the spiritual realm. It encompasses all that is above the earth.

5. The Earth
Refers to the physical world, the planet on which we live. It is the focus of much of the biblical account.
Teaching Points
God as Creator
Recognize God as the ultimate source of all life and existence. This understanding should lead to a posture of worship and reverence.

The Beginning of Time
Reflect on the concept of time as a creation of God, reminding us of His eternal nature and our place within His timeline.

The Majesty of Creation
Appreciate the complexity and beauty of the universe as a testament to God's power and creativity. This can inspire awe and stewardship of the earth.

Theological Implications of Elohim
Consider the plural form of "Elohim" as an early hint of the Trinity, encouraging deeper exploration of the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Foundation for Faith
Use Genesis 1:1 as a foundational truth for faith, affirming that God is the origin of all things and has a purpose for His creation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as the Creator influence your view of the world and your place in it?

2. In what ways does the concept of "the beginning" challenge or affirm your understanding of time and eternity?

3. How can the majesty and complexity of creation inspire you to worship and serve God more fully?

4. What does the use of the plural form "Elohim" reveal about the nature of God, and how does this impact your relationship with Him?

5. How can Genesis 1:1 serve as a foundation for your faith and understanding of the rest of Scripture? Consider connections to other biblical passages that affirm God's role as Creator.
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 1:1-3
This passage echoes Genesis 1:1 by affirming that the Word (Jesus) was present at the beginning and was instrumental in creation, highlighting the divine nature of Christ.

Colossians 1:16-17
These verses emphasize that all things were created through and for Christ, reinforcing the idea of Jesus' preeminence and involvement in creation.

Hebrews 11:3
This verse speaks to the understanding that the universe was formed at God's command, aligning with the creation account in Genesis.
A Question for AtheistsJ. B. Clark.Genesis 1:1
A Revelation of God and of NaturePulpit AnalystGenesis 1:1
Beginning is a Word Familiarly on Our LipsJ.F. Montgomery Genesis 1:1
Chance Cannot Explain Order in CreationArchbishop Tillotson.Genesis 1:1
Chance not CreativeGenesis 1:1
CreationC. P. Eden, M. A.Genesis 1:1
CreationA. Monod, D. D.Genesis 1:1
CreationA. H. Strong, D. D.Genesis 1:1
CreationJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 1:1
CreationJames G. Murphy, LL. D.Genesis 1:1
CreationW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 1:1
Creation a Comforting ThoughtGenesis 1:1
Creation's BirthJ. S. Withington.Genesis 1:1
DesignWm. Adamson.Genesis 1:1
Genesis of the UniverseG. D. Boardman.Genesis 1:1
God FirstF. J. Falding, D. D.Genesis 1:1
God the Author of All ThingsGenesis 1:1
God the Maker of Heaven and EarthT. T. Shore, M. A.Genesis 1:1
Import of Faith in a CreatorCanon Liddon.Genesis 1:1
Love in the Fact of CreationDean Alford.Genesis 1:1
Man's Limited Knowledge of NatureT. Carlyle.Genesis 1:1
Moses and DarwinD. B. James.Genesis 1:1
On BeginningsJ. E. Gibberd.Genesis 1:1
On the Existence and Character of GodPreb. Row, M. A.Genesis 1:1
Order no Proof of EvolutionW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 1:1
PantheismA. H. Strong, D. D.Genesis 1:1
Seeking the True GodE. Stock.Genesis 1:1
The Birth of the World Also the Birth of TimeJ. P. Lange, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The Christian Doctrine of CreationD. Greig, M. A.Genesis 1:1
The CreationR. S. Candlish, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The CreationStopford A. Brooke, M. A.Genesis 1:1
The CreationL. D. Bevan, LL. B.Genesis 1:1
The CreationD. C. Hughes, M. A.Genesis 1:1
The Creation and Revelation of Life from GodJ. P. Lange, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The Creation as a Revelation of GodJ. P. Lange, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The Creative Laws and the Scripture RevelationS. Kellogg, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The Creator and His WorkJ. S. Exell, M. A.Genesis 1:1
The Creator and the CreationJ. Vaughan, M. A.Genesis 1:1
The End of God in CreationW. C. Wisner.Genesis 1:1
The Folly of AtheismGenesis 1:1
The Outline of CreationJ. P. Lange, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The Theology of CreationJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The Word Earth as Used in ScriptureProf. Gaussen.Genesis 1:1
The Work of God and the Work of ManJ. P. Lange, D. D.Genesis 1:1
The World According to its Various FormsJ. P. Lange, D. D.Genesis 1:1
What We Learn Here About GodJ. White.Genesis 1:1
A True and Firm FoundationR.A. Redford Genesis 1:1-5
People
Adam
Places
Eden
Topics
Beginning, Created, God's, Heaven, Heavens, Preparing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 1:1

     1080   God, living
     4903   time
     4909   beginning
     4945   history
     5267   control
     5776   achievement
     6708   predestination
     8315   orthodoxy, in OT
     8341   separation
     9121   eternity, nature of
     9122   eternity, and God

Genesis 1:1-2

     4045   chaos
     4203   earth, the

Genesis 1:1-3

     1170   God, unity of
     1305   God, activity of
     4026   world, God's creation

Genesis 1:1-10

     4006   creation, origin

Genesis 1:1-25

     1325   God, the Creator

Genesis 1:1-31

     1653   numbers, 6-10
     5272   craftsmen

Library
God's World
(Preached before the Prince of Wales, at Sandringham, 1866.) GENESIS i. 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. It may seem hardly worth while to preach upon this text. Every one thinks that he believes it. Of course--they say--we know that God made the world. Teach us something we do not know, not something which we do. Why preach to us about a text which we fully understand, and believe already? Because, my friends, there are few texts in the Bible more difficult to believe
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The vision of Creation
'And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in His own image: in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian Men...
IN the present crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian men, the task of destroying confidence in the first chapter of Genesis has been undertaken by Mr. C. W. Goodwin, M.A. He requires us to "regard it as the speculation of some Hebrew Descartes or Newton, promulgated in all good faith as the best and most probable account that could be then given of God's Universe." (p. 252.) Mr. Goodwin remarks with scorn, that "we are asked to believe that a vision of Creation was presented to him
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus.
God Spelling Himself out in Jesus: change in the original language--bother in spelling Jesus out--sticklers for the old forms--Jesus' new spelling of old words. Jesus is God following us up: God heart-broken--man's native air--bad choice affected man's will--the wrong lane--God following us up. The Early Eden Picture, Genesis 1:26-31. 2:7-25: unfallen man--like God--the breath of God in man--a spirit, infinite, eternal--love--holy--wise--sovereign over creation, Psalm 8:5-8--in his own will--summary--God's
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Human Nature (Septuagesima Sunday. )
GENESIS i. 27. So God created man in his own image; in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. On this Sunday the Church bids us to begin to read the book of Genesis, and hear how the world was made, and how man was made, and what the world is, and who man is. And why? To prepare us, I think, for Lent, and Passion week, Good Friday, and Easter day. For you must know what a thing ought to be, before you can know what it ought not to be; you must know what health is, before
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

God's Creation
GENESIS i. 31. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good. This is good news, and a gospel. The Bible was written to bring good news, and therefore with good news it begins, and with good news it ends. But it is not so easy to believe. We want faith to believe; and that faith will be sometimes sorely tried. Yes; we want faith. As St. Paul says: 'Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God; so that things which are seen were not made of
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Likeness of God
(Trinity Sunday.) GENESIS i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. This is a hard saying. It is difficult at times to believe it to be true. If one looks not at what God has made man, but at what man has made himself, one will never believe it to be true. When one looks at what man has made himself; at the back streets of some of our great cities; at the thousands of poor Germans and Irish across the ocean bribed to kill and to be killed, they know not why; at the
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

God in Christ
(Septuagesima Sunday.) GENESIS i. I. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. We have begun this Sunday to read the book of Genesis. I trust that you will listen to it as you ought--with peculiar respect and awe, as the oldest part of the Bible, and therefore the oldest of all known works--the earliest human thought which has been handed down to us. And what is the first written thought which has been handed down to us by the Providence of Almighty God? 'In the beginning God created
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Of Creation
Heb. xi. 3.--"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."--Gen. i. 1. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." We are come down from the Lord's purposes and decrees to the execution of them, which is partly in the works of creation and partly in the works of providence. The Lord having resolved upon it to manifest his own glory did in that due and predeterminate time apply his
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of the First Covenant Made with Man
Gen. ii. 17.--"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it, for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die."--Gen. i. 26.--"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." The state wherein man was created at first, you heard was exceeding good,--all
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

South -- the Image of God in Man
Robert South, who was born in the borough of Hackney, London, England, in 1638, attracted wide attention by his vigorous mind and his clear, argumentative style in preaching. Some of his sermons are notable specimens of pulpit eloquence. A keen analytical mind, great depth of feeling, and wide range of fancy combined to make him a powerful and impressive speaker. By some critics his style has been considered unsurpassed in force and beauty. What he lacked in tenderness was made up in masculine strength.
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Vol. 2

Gordon -- Man in the Image of God
George Angier Gordon, Congregational divine, was born in Scotland, 1853. He was educated at Harvard, and has been minister of Old South Church, Boston, Massachusetts, since 1884. His pulpit style is conspicuous for its directness and forcefulness, and he is considered in a high sense the successor of Philip Brooks. He was lecturer in the Lowell Institute Course, 1900; Lyman Beecher Lecturer, Yale, 1901; university preacher to Harvard, 1886-1890; to Yale, 1888-1901; Harvard overseer. He is the author
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man
THERE are not a few difficulties in the account, which Moses has given of the creation of the world, and of the formation, and temptation, and fall of our first parents. Some by the six days of the creation have understood as many years. Whilst others have thought the creation of the world instantaneous: and that the number of days mentioned by Moses is only intended to assist our conception, who are best able to think of things in order of succession. No one part of this account is fuller of difficulties,
Nathaniel Lardner—An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man

The Christian's God
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; 17:1; Exodus 34:6,7; 20:3-7; Deuteronomy 32:4; 33:27; Isaiah 40:28; 45:21; Psalm 90:2; 145:17; 139:1-12; John 1:1-5; 1:18; 4:23,24; 14:6-11; Matthew 28:19,20; Revelation 4:11; 22:13. WHO IS GOD? How Shall We Think of God?--"Upon the conception that is entertained of God will depend the nature and quality of the religion of any soul or race; and in accordance with the view that is held of God, His nature, His character and His relation to other beings, the spirit
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Christian Man
Scripture references: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7; 9:6; Job 33:4; Psalm 100:3; 8:4-9; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45; Hebrews 2:6,7; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 2:9. WHAT IS MAN? What Shall We Think of Man?--Who is he? What is his place on the earth and in the universe? What is his destiny? He is of necessity an object of thought. He is the subject of natural laws, instincts and passions. How far is he free; how far bound?
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished.
"And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."--Gen. i. 2. What, in general, is the work of the Holy Spirit as distinguished from that of the Father and of the Son? Not that every believer needs to know these distinctions in all particulars. The existence of faith does not depend upon intellectual distinctions. The main question is not whether we can distinguish the work of the Father from that of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but whether we have experienced their gracious operations.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Image and Likeness.
"Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." --Gen. i. 26. Glorious is the divine utterance that introduces the origin and creation of man: "And God created man after His own image and after His own likeness; after the image of God created He him" (Dutch translation). The significance of these important words was recently discussed by the well-known professor, Dr. Edward Böhl, of Vienna. According to him it should read: Man is created "in", not "after" God's image, i.e., the image is
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Creation
Q-7: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? A: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever shall come to pass. I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God under the attribute of his immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, and he-is unchangeable in his decrees; his counsel shall stand. He decrees the issue of all things, and carries them on to their accomplishment by his providence; I
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Opinion of St. Augustin
Concerning His Confessions, as Embodied in His Retractations, II. 6 1. "The Thirteen Books of my Confessions whether they refer to my evil or good, praise the just and good God, and stimulate the heart and mind of man to approach unto Him. And, as far as pertaineth unto me, they wrought this in me when they were written, and this they work when they are read. What some think of them they may have seen, but that they have given much pleasure, and do give pleasure, to many brethren I know. From the
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St

On Genesis.
[1139] Gen. i. 5 And it was evening, and it was morning, one day. Hippolytus. He did not say [1140] "night and day," but "one day," with reference to the name of the light. He did not say the "first day;" for if he had said the "first" day, he would also have had to say that the "second" day was made. But it was right to speak not of the "first day," but of "one day," in order that by saying "one," he might show that it returns on its orbit and, while it remains one, makes up the week. Gen. i. 6
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus

The Sovereignty of God in Creation
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11). Having shown that Sovereignty characterises the whole Being of God, let us now observe how it marks all His ways and dealings. In the great expanse of eternity which stretches behind Genesis 1:1, the universe was unborn and creation existed only in the mind of the great Creator. In His Sovereign majesty God dwelt all alone. We refer to that
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering.
1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to prosecute their civil dissensions, they betook themselves to make preparations for the war with the Romans. Now in Jerusalem the high priest Artanus, and do as many of the men of power as were not in the interest of the Romans, both repaired the walls, and made a great many warlike instruments, insomuch that in all parts of the city darts and all sorts of armor were upon the anvil. Although the multitude of the young
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

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