Man As Metaphor
And God said, “Let us make man in our image; according to our likeness.” Genesis 1:26
According To Our Likeness – De’mut is the Hebrew word translated “likeness.” It is a feminine noun. Tselem, the word for “image,” is a masculine noun. The text makes it quite clear that both words apply to the God-carrying, earth-creatures. But what’s the difference? Why not just say Man is created in God’s image and leave it at that? Why add this word?
A quick pass shows us God apparently combines masculine (image) and feminine (likeness) characteristics. Gender words don’t seem to be a problem here. Before sex is any kind of issue at all, the Hebrew text recognizes equality in its very choice of words.
Next we discover that de’mut (likeness) is often used in comparison of two dissimilar things. Wicked people are like snake venom (Psalm 58:4). The approaching wrath of God is like the thunder of an army on the move (Isaiah 13:4). We see these similes but where is the comparison in the Genesis text? What simile or metaphor is involved here?
We could suggest that the metaphor is the comparison of human beings with God. These truly dissimilar beings are brought together by comparing something similar in each. What is the similarity? For that, we need a picture.
The full phrase (“according to our likeness”) is kidmoo-tenoo. In the middle is de’mut. This word presents the picture: path-chaos-nail-seal (Daleth-Mem-Vav-Tau). We suggest “the path securing a covenant over chaos.” To be in God’s likeness is to be on the pathway that guarantees life over destruction. God’s image is about transferred authority and order over what destroys. God’s likeness is about the seal or guarantee that this pathway means life. Both are active, dynamic relationships, not static elements. Both require a prior and continuing connection to the Creator. And both endorse life over chaos.
What happens when we add the consonant prefix and suffix? Ki is the Hebrew word for “according to.” But the consonant Kaf is the picture of an open hand. It means “to allow, to open, to cover.” Noo adds two consonants to the word, one which acts as a vowel. They are Nun-Vav. The picture is life secured or added. What does the whole phrase look like? “Allow the path that secures a covenant over chaos of guaranteed life” might be one possibility. You might determine another, but the imagery seems obvious. Being human means being tied to God’s path to life. It means standing against chaos and the forces that destroy life. It means sharing in a covenant guarantee. It means knowing what is permitted and what is not, and acting accordingly. Any behavior that denies, negates or rejects these images is not human behavior and the creatures who exhibit non-human behavior are not the creatures God made. Perhaps more accurately, God intends His earth-creatures to become human. It is a process of dynamic interaction with roles, responsibilities and a relationship with Him. Over time, those who have been designed to become human can reject this path. Many do. They eventually arrive at a destination not intended for human beings. Human beings are intended to arrive at “our image and likeness.”
It might be useful for followers of the Way to recognize just what is at stake here. It’s not simply salvation, is it?
Topical Index: likeness, de’mut, kidmoo-tenoo, human, Genesis 1:26
Shalom
As Elohim is ONE, the human being created in His/Her image and likeness is one. One ” body” with two different expressions, just as God it is. But I would like to add one more element, that maybe Dr. Moen will take in consideration later. I’m talking about the words “ish” , “isha” and “aish” Can we see the relation between these words. “Men”=ish; Woman= “isha” ; but what is “aish” Ins’t it “fire”??? What relation exist between this words and the way they looked??? If we look at the flame of a candle we can see five colors. If we seek how many levels have our souls, ins’t five???
Just to think about it.
YG
I appreciate the reference to Rabbi Akiva and his insight into “fire” in the middle of ish and ishshah. It is a story worth knowing and a wonderful insight into the relationship between husband and wife. Frank Seekins has a little book on the subject.
I love the imagery and the way those word pictures are developed in that book. It takes us to a new level of understanding.
–just what is at stake here–
-just what is at stake here (is a stake). Let’s dance around all we want to but the way of the cross (the execution stake-tslav) leads home. Blood is life. “The life of the flesh is in the blood.” “When I see “the blood” I will pass over you. “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.”. Blood is life.
We also see in these very words a “plurality in unity” in the very word “elohim”. The LORD our G-d is one. Let us make man (mankind) in our image. We also are a “plurality in unity.” Body,soul,and spirit make up who I am in totality and unity. A marvelous mystery indeed. Let “them” rule. “Them” is a together word. We rule together. G-d did not say let “him” rule, rather let “them” rule. This is “life together”. We are (together) the body and bride of Yeshua.
I had no problem as a young child in calling upon G-d as – “Father”. I never was taught or caught the concept of the “femaleness” of YHWH. I like the views of Brennan Manning presenting YHWH as the “tender warrior”. This reveals the “maleness” and the femaleness” of our Creator, and bring me into a deeper understanding of both the character of G-d and the subsequent responsibilities I have to remember, recognize, reflect and reveal this same “tender warrior” spirit of YHWH as I walk the pathway of life.
Path-chaos-nail-seal. The via dolorosa- “the way of suffering”/ the way of the cross. We enter in to the pathway of life through the door of His death. Hallelujah for His cross..
All good stuff, Carl. Just a brief reminder that body-mind-soul is thoroughly Greek dualism. Stick with nephish. Thanks again for your effort to keep us all focused.
May G-d Himself, the G-d of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
For the word of G-d is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit .. (Hebrews 4.12)
And thou shalt love the Lord thy G-d with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
Yes, brother Skip the key word is ALL. We (as made in the likeness of Elohim) function as a plurality in unity. I am (also) who I am. YHWH is interested in the “all” of me. We spend far too much time in attempting to define the parts rather than focusing on the totality of our surrender. The little lad with the loaves and the fishes surrended “all” his lunch. When I married and became one with my wife, I received the “all” of her and she the same of me. (In her case she received the good, the bad, and the ugly!), but nevertheless we each received the “total package.” (including in-laws!). This is where we as followers of the Way fail, in our daily surrender of “all”, as we meet with our Maker at the start of each day. Our compassionate Abba is interested in the “all” of us. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, .. ALL. When I got to the point.. (and it was a long journey there) of total surrender to YHWH, and offered Him everything.. (which actually was nothing but an empty,open hand).. things started popping. Long story short.. -it’s been a ride!!. (I could almost hear Him say.. “fasten your seat belt.. it’s going to be a bumpy ride!- lol!)
Does your wife want 95% of you? Would you be satisfied with 95% of her? -nope. This is a slice of simplicity we have “in Christ”. He wants the “all” of each of us, totally surrendered daily to Him. He has promised to guide us, to guard us and to gladden us. He will be our Protector, our Provider, and our Peace.
Thank you once again brother Skip for “unwrapping” the words of YHWH. The teaching and instruction we receive from this website reveal to us the intricate and amazing beauty hidden within the words of G-d. We know our Bible to be His book of blessing to us. Thank you once again for your labors in His very words and opening to us the Scripture in the original languages, digging out many hidden treasures. What an amazing book and what a mighty G-d we serve!