The title “Genesis” comes from the Greek word for origin.
Verse 1
Bereshit (H7225): in beginning
בראשׁית
Rosh, (H7218): head
ראשׁ
The very first word in The Bible begins with ב, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This pictograph for this letter is a house which is fitting for the creation story as God build a house for us.
Why doesn’t it start with א, the first letter? א is representative of God, the Creator. He is not part of creation, but rather, outside of it. The very first thing in creation is still second to God.
Elohim (H430): God, gods
אלהים
Eloah (H433): deity
אלה
El (H410): strength, God
אל
- When referencing God, Elohim is grammatically singular despite the word being plural. This is known as an “honorific plural”. It may also be a reference to the Trinity.
Shamayim (H8064): heavens
שׁמים
Mayim, (H4325): waters
מים
- The heavens were created on the first day with the earth.
Erets (H776): earth, land
ארץ
- The earth was created on the first day with the heavens.
- Formless & void (tohu & bohu) at first