Slowly and Carefully
Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 NASB
Formed – You don’t know what you are supposed to do until you know who you are made to be. That’s why the opening passages of the Bible are so important. That is also why we must not rush through them, assuming we know what they say simply because we have heard the story before. We must proceed very slowly and with great consideration of each of the words and their implications.
So far we’ve learned there are two verbs in play in the creation account. The first is bara’, a verb that describes initial creative activity, almost exclusively relegated to God’s handiwork (cf. Genesis 1:1 and 1:21). Bara’ signals a uniquely creative action that brings into being something that did not exist before. This is obvious in Genesis 1:1, but not so obvious (and therefore all the more important) in Genesis 1:21. We discovered that animate life is of a different order than the rest of the created world. That’s why bara’ is used in Genesis 1:21. In the biblical account, all original “stuff” is created, not formed. Then everything is formed, not created, until we get to living things. These are created (something brand new is added).* Two verbs. Two actions. But there is still another division in the creation story.
The statements of Genesis 1:26-27 use both of these verbs. Genesis 1:26 says that God made (‘asah) Man. Does this mean that Man is no different than the animals (look at verse 25 and you will see that the same verb, ‘asah, is used to describe the construction of the “beasts of the earth”)? We might think so except for the next verse. Genesis 1:27 uses bara’ when it describes the creation of Man in God’s own image. Just as God creates animate life in Genesis 1:21, and then forms the living creatures from this new “stuff” called animate life, so God creates human life, formed from the same stuff as other animate life – but with a significant change. This difference is marked by two changes in the Hebrew text. The first change is the use of a new verb, the first time the verb is used in the story. That verb is yatsar. It means, “to form, to fashion, to shape,” implying intentional and purposeful design. It comes from the idea of cutting and framing. In ordinary life, this is the verb used to describe the actions of a potter or an artist. Yatsar describes fashioning something for a purpose. What God does He does deliberately, with intentional forethought. Nothing about this is haphazard or accidental.
In ordinary life, the activity of yatsar not only describes the familiar role of the potter, it also announces purpose. Ten occurrences of the noun yetser in the Tanakh all should be translated “purpose.” When God forms Man, it is the mark of exquisite craftsmanship. When God forms Man, a special verb is used, a verb that is not applied to any other part of creation. The NASB tries to capture this nuance by translating the word “formed” rather than “made,” but I suspect that an English reader would not recognize the significant difference.
In order to grasp the implications of the use of yatsar, we must recognize its etymological connections to other ancient languages. In Phoenician and Akkadian, the verb is associated with competing cosmological stories about the creation (e.g. the Babylonian Emunah Elish). These parallels show us that this verb would have been connected to the actions of pagan gods in their creation of men. If you read this story in the 16th century BC, you would realize that using this verb, yatsar, deliberately confronts the other creation myths found in the surrounding cultures. This verb acts like a communications line, telling you that what God does replaces your prior information about the roles of the gods. The same action is given a new context. Men do not arise from a war between the gods or from sexual activity among the gods or from some other pagan explanation. Men are the deliberate, purposeful result of God’s own design. Yatsar makes it so.
The second important distinction is the introduction of the word adamah, translated “dust.” Once again, this is the first occurrence of the word. No other part of creation is formed (yatsar) from the dust of the ground (adamah). It is true that adamah is used in other places in the Tanakh to signify earth, clay, dirt and ground, but in the elaboration of this action in Genesis 2:7, the word adamah in combination with apar (dust) plays a particular role not found in its other occurrences. This will be the next point of examination.
Are you wondering why we are taking so much time to inspect these details? Let’s draw out some implications. First, the Hebrew text is written within the context of other ancient mythological explanations of the origin of everything. In that context, the words chosen to describe the acts of God act in opposition to these myths. The meanings of the terms come from this background, not from a physics textbook. Secondly, the Scriptures make hard and fast distinctions between life and non-life and between human life and all other life. These distinctions are fundamental for understanding the purpose of Man and his relationship to the rest of creation. Dogs might be best friends, but they do not share the same “life” status as human beings. Nor is the planet on the same plane as human life. This difference has enormous ethical implications. Today’s culture completely blurs these distinctions with resulting ethical confusion. And finally, for now, something entirely unique and absolutely new is happening in the fashioning of human life. Understanding what this difference is becomes crucial for fulfilling the purposes God has in mind. As we shall see.
Topical Index: ‘asah, make, yatsar, form, fashion, potter, adamah, dust, dirt, Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:7
* This does not ignore the fact that Genesis 1:25 uses the verb ‘asah instead of bara’ in the same context. There are many passages where ‘asah and bara are used indiscriminately to describe God’s actions (cf. Isaiah 41:20; 43:7 and 45:7 or Psalm 33:6). The context of the passages determines if the act is initial and unique rather than formation of something already present. In the case of Genesis 1:25, the initial creation of animated life is now formed into all the beasts of the earth.
Another affirmation of “The Purpose Driven Life.” I think I’ll read it again.. (lol!-and let it bless my soul!)
~ if any man have ears to hear, let him hear ~ God really does, no doubt, know what He’s doing. (I feel strangely stupid in sharing this) – I really want to add… a “duhh!”
How desperate I was, how ready to hear from God, most assuredly traveling through not a zenith but a nadir in my life. (How low can you go?). I was, and I did- “cry out to God.” I needed Him and best of all- He knew it, far more than I. So He “showed up”- ~ to show Himself strong to those whose heart is perfect toward Him ~ Yes, friends, I did have an “encounter of the very close kind.”. Strange that a mountain top experience would happen in a valley, but isn’t that just like Him to do that?
“Strike while the iron is hot”- is the saying, but I must inquire – is the iron still hot? Has the passion died?- This “event” struck such spiritual fervor into me, I would’ve have taken on Goliath (at the time) -no sling necessary. But I never was fully able to share my story of how God “delivered me,” besides you are too busy to hear it. And, I must also add, still to this day, not-too-many years later- I still, in my heart-of-hearts, want to share what God did for me. “Amazing” is a very good word. Yes, (in Greek) “ecstasis.” Yes, indeed, ye old “mountain-top experience”- and let me also confide- it ain’t easy sitting’ on this. When God “shows up” (and you know it’s Him)- well… – “good news” is meant to be shared…- amen?
But steel must be tempered, even spiritual steel, so there is a process of tempering, which also includes (oh joy!) – the pounding of the Blacksmith’s hammer!) And what do the scripture’s say? ~ Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? ~ (Jeremiah 23.29)
Fellow (hard-hearted) rocks, God only uses “broken things.” We, (the broken ones) are wounded healers. ~ This is My Body, (us) broken for use and for you. ~ The Captain of our salvation was crushed.
Why the crushing? Why the breaking? We are being (a process known as sanctification) “conformed” into the image (likeness) of the Son. Conformed is also a word of “heat and pressure!” (Imagine that!)- Is it hot in here? ~ the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold ~ (Proverbs 27.21) -Is God “going for the gold” in your life? And (more good news!) He knows “how hot” and “how long.” Time and temperature are “both” in His loving and capable hands. Short term pain…-long term gain. God is pruning us,-growing us, and will use us in His kingdom’s work, but again- amazingly, He needs our permission to do so! We must “let” or “allow” Him, “invite” Him to accomplish (first) in us, and then through us-that which is pleasing to Him.
“Self” has to die. So long self. EGO- Edge God Out. “He must increase, BUT (all of God’s “buts” are huge!) “I” must decrease. “I” too, must die daily. A grain of wheat (me) must fall into the ground and die,- and only then, “post-death” will the seed that is planted, be resurrected to bear fruit for Him. Death, burial, and resurrection- every day and every moment of every day- this is the gospel truth.
Yes, (once again, only this time with feeling) ~ if “any man” be in Christ, he (or she) is a new creation ~ (2 Corinthians 5.17) Let’s reduce this further, down to the crux of the matter. Listen to these two words, – this is the heart, this is the core- ***in Christ***
There are only two types of peoples in this world. Only two. Are you a sheep? or are you a goat? Are you a wheat? or are you a look-alike-wannabe tare? Are you “in Christ?”
Location, location, location. ~ If you abide in Me, and my words abide in You…~ (John 15.7)
Are you in Good Hands? -Do you belong to the Shepherd?
~The LORD is my Shepherd. I shall not want ~ (Psalm 23.1)
~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me ~ (Psalm 51.10) -Amen!
Exciting and paradigm-shifting stuff, Skip – I look forward to the next installment!
There is a strong thematic element in this analysis that can be derived from a chiastic structural approach (see THE GARDEN OF EDEN ACCOUNT: THE CHIASTIC STRUCTURE OF GENESIS 2-3 ROBERTOO URO Villa Aurora Theological Seminary Florence, Italy from further information) which is predicated on hebraic accusative form. Taking the subject of divine action as a sacred act of covenant worship (i.e. Elohim is perfect and can not act in a profane manner. He always acts within the purposeful character of covenant worship making every action an act of covenant worship of Himself.) It becomes an expression of day 1, whereby Adonai acts using adamah and yatser in a way similar to seperating light from the dark. This is a view expressed more properly in the introduction to the Gospel of John but here exists in subcontext indicating a correlation that John, the author of the Gospel, viewed both creation accounts as a chiastic structure where covenant worship of Elohim is the light and man’s profane action is the dark. In reference to the text above the purpose of Adonai is man’s covenant relationship with Him.
Huh?
It’s the difficulty of english which uses only nominative forms (i.e. subject) to express hebrew which uses nominative-accusative forms (subject, direct object, etc.). Do you translate, “… and God said, ‘ Let there be light …’ ” or do you translate “… and God worshipped saying, ‘Let there be light …’ “.
Though only available as a used book, a worthwhile and accessible read on John’s writing approach and use of symbolism is Stephen Verney’s Water Into Wine.
For John’s chiasmic writing approach, as recommended by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, see Robert Laws, The Tests Of Life: A Study Of The First Epistle Of St. John: Being The Kerr Lectures For 1909.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YKG3DQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
–In reference to the text above the purpose of ADONAI is man’s covenant relationship with Him.–
Dear Christoper, – “Bingo”
~ for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins ~
(Matthew 26.28)
For further study (and a thorough, life-giving, life-imparting blessing), “The Blood Covenant” by H.C. Trumbull
I find that fascinating because I was thinking along the lines of the Talmud Balvi tractate Shabbos I am studying and yet see where I have arrived?! There is a rabbinic tradition that posits Adonai created everything through Torah. If we seperate Torah as written word from Torah as a divine attribute (to prevent making a graven image) we end up at a point of consensus between Judaism and Christianity that was slowly discarded after 300 C.E.
A great point. As the Greek-based paradigm of the Gentile believers grew (and they were not incorporated into the existing Hebraic culture of the synagogue), even these language syntax differences contributed to a shift in the meaning, and therefore a shift in the belief structure. This did lead to a parting of the ways, but not of the ones who adopted the Hebrew worldview and were absorbed into the Messianic Jewish culture. The ones who parted were the ones who did not shift paradigms but rather continues to retain their Greek ideas while trying to “convert” those ideas to fit the alien syntax.
So the Gentile believers, in rejecting the Hebraic view, did not employ yatzer ha tov, but rather yatzer ha rah, in a very CREATIVE way, they created a divergent Greek religion.
Good point Cheryl.
Interesting that Ro 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” was written to the Roman assembly.
Should we be surprised that that’s what happens when we forsake Moses?
He. 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
These things were written as examples for us but we continue to glean the wrong message from them. Our flesh just can’t wrap itself around the idea of suffering for those who cause us constant pain. 🙁
Bara signals a uniquely creative action that brings into being something that did not exist before.
So then:
In beginnings. Elohim created out of nothing the heavens and the earth.
Or:
In beginnings. Not having existed beforehand, Elohim brought into being the heavens and the earth.
And then we read in Proverbs 8:22-31 that before this action first took place God created chokman, skill and cunning. And from Ephesians 2:10, there were works planned beforehand for those in Christ to walk in.
Pretty amazing our God!
Great post! Interestingly, John and I were talking about God and the act of creation, and how it compared to the other “creation myths” of the day. Kind of cool to see even more detail to continue the conversation. 🙂
Thanks Skip!
Mark found TWO (tow) typos in the text of this TW. Obviously, it should have read “Two verbs. Two actions.” Too many tows. 🙂 My fingers often don’t write what I think.
I ran across this short paragraph today by Gerald Schroeder, author of Science and God, Genesis & The Big Bang and other titles. Schroeder is Israeli, and believes the Bible to be literal including Genesis 1-3. The below paragraph represents a translation insight he brought up on his website, Geraldschroeder.com. I’ve bolded his translation insight. Thank you!
Adam was the first human, the first Homo sapiens with the soul of a human, the neshama. That is the creation listed in Genesis 1:27. Adam was not the first Homo sapiens. Maimonides in The Guide for the Perplexed (part 1 chapter 7) described animals co-existing with Adam that were identical to humans in shape and intelligence, but because they lacked the neshama, they were animals. The Guide for the Perplexed was published in the year 1190, seven centuries before Darwin and long before any evidence was popular relative to fossils of cave men and women. So from where did these ancients get the knowledge of the pre-Adam hominids? They learned it, correctly we discover, from the subtle wording of the biblical text. Those animals in human shape and intelligence would be the “adam” listed in Genesis 1:26, when God says “Let us make Adam.” But in the next verse God creates “the Adam,” the Adam, a specific being [a nuance in the Hebrew text first pointed out to me by Peggy Ketz and totally missed in the English translations!]. The Mishna in the section, Keli’im, discusses “masters of the field” that were animals but so identical to humans that when they died one could not tell them apart from a dead human.
The Genesis 2:19 we read that the Creator also yatsar every living animal of the field (kol chayat hasadeh) after He determined that the Adam should not be alone.