““In the In the Beginning”Beginning” A Self-Paced Tour of A Self-Paced Tour of

ScriptureScriptureIn Two PartsIn Two Parts

By Barbara L. Klika, MSW, Personal By Barbara L. Klika, MSW, Personal Life CoachLife Coach

Under shepherdUnder shepherdSet Apart Ministries, Inc.Set Apart Ministries, Inc.

February 2010February 2010

Preparation & StudyPreparation & Study In the first portion of this presentation, you will In the first portion of this presentation, you will

find some groundwork for the study of the find some groundwork for the study of the phrase phrase “in the beginning.”“in the beginning.” There will be There will be some links you may choose to follow for further some links you may choose to follow for further support if you like. You may also just go support if you like. You may also just go through both parts and return later for more through both parts and return later for more information.information.

The second part will walk through the findings The second part will walk through the findings with your participation. Should you decide to with your participation. Should you decide to use the links, you will be able to get familiar use the links, you will be able to get familiar with them for your own research at another with them for your own research at another time.time.

PreparationPreparation The best preparation for any study of the Word is to The best preparation for any study of the Word is to

invite our God to be present with us so may we invite our God to be present with us so may we begin with a prayer?begin with a prayer?

Father, our Abba, we want to know You better. We Father, our Abba, we want to know You better. We want to understand what You have provided for us want to understand what You have provided for us

through the Written and the Living Word. We want to through the Written and the Living Word. We want to understand what You have placed there for us, not understand what You have placed there for us, not

what man may “read into” the text.what man may “read into” the text.

Please let Your Spirit be active within us as we begin Please let Your Spirit be active within us as we begin this exploration of your plansthis exploration of your plans “in the beginning.”“in the beginning.” We We

ask for Your eyes to see and ears to hear, in the ask for Your eyes to see and ears to hear, in the Name of our Messiah, Yeshua; Jesus of Nazareth. Name of our Messiah, Yeshua; Jesus of Nazareth.

May it be so. May it be so.

Part OnePart OneMany ways to Study Many ways to Study

ScriptureScripture Often our first exposure to Often our first exposure to

Scripture came in the form of Scripture came in the form of children’s stories which were children’s stories which were simplified accounts of the simplified accounts of the people of the Book. people of the Book.

The stories usually highlighted The stories usually highlighted the the

people’s relationship to our people’s relationship to our

Creator God through their Creator God through their lives.lives.

At some point, we began to At some point, we began to understand that these people understand that these people and their stories were and their stories were connected to one another.connected to one another.

As our understanding As our understanding progressed, we saw progressed, we saw that God has had a plan that God has had a plan and has been bringing and has been bringing it about through His it about through His people over all time. people over all time.

We saw that it involved We saw that it involved Jesus Our Messiah, Jesus Our Messiah, whose Hebrew Name is whose Hebrew Name is Yeshua, and His work Yeshua, and His work on our behalf at His on our behalf at His first coming and in His first coming and in His long anticipated return.long anticipated return.

Unfortunately, all too many people stop Unfortunately, all too many people stop right about there, and decide that they right about there, and decide that they only need to know His story/History as only need to know His story/History as told in what’s called the “New told in what’s called the “New Testament” losing the opportunity to find Testament” losing the opportunity to find the wonderful Truths that have been a the wonderful Truths that have been a part of the Biblical record… part of the Biblical record…

FROM THE BEGINNING!FROM THE BEGINNING!

When we prayerfully delve deeper When we prayerfully delve deeper beyond the people, places, and events, we beyond the people, places, and events, we find some amazing truths and we begin to find some amazing truths and we begin to see the “markers” of similar phrases and see the “markers” of similar phrases and concepts that fill the Scriptural concepts that fill the Scriptural landscape… landscape…

… …the poetry of the poetry of Scripture.Scripture.

This is especially true as we correlate This is especially true as we correlate between the Old and New Testaments and between the Old and New Testaments and see our need for see our need for all all Scripture Scripture from the from the beginningbeginning of our Bible. of our Bible.

All scripture is given by inspiration of All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished may be perfect, thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)(2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)

The Scripture referred to here by Paul is The Scripture referred to here by Paul is from from the beginning:the beginning: the Torah, the Prophets and the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings. This is what existed when he the Writings. This is what existed when he wrote his letter to Timothy!wrote his letter to Timothy!

Torah, Prophets and Torah, Prophets and Writings?Writings?

In Hebraic understanding “In Hebraic understanding “Torah”Torah” has has several different levels of meaning. several different levels of meaning.

In our western or Greek way of In our western or Greek way of thinking, there is often just one way to thinking, there is often just one way to understand a concept-- “either this or understand a concept-- “either this or that.” that.”

In Hebrew it is more common to find a In Hebrew it is more common to find a “both/and” approach, or multiple levels “both/and” approach, or multiple levels of meaning.of meaning.

In its most narrow definition, Torah In its most narrow definition, Torah refers to the first five books of the refers to the first five books of the Bible, those written by Moses, Bible, those written by Moses, Genesis through Deuteronomy.Genesis through Deuteronomy.

A second level of the use of “Torah” A second level of the use of “Torah” is in reference to what we have is in reference to what we have called the “Old Testament.”called the “Old Testament.”

It is made up of three parts in Hebraic It is made up of three parts in Hebraic thought;thought;

The Torah, The Prophets and the The Torah, The Prophets and the Writings.Writings.

The Hebrew words for these three The Hebrew words for these three parts are parts are TorahTorah, , Nevi’imNevi’im, and , and KetuvimKetuvim. .

These three are often summarized in These three are often summarized in one word, one word, TaNaKhTaNaKh, like the English , like the English concept of an acronym. concept of an acronym.

And the most broad definition of “Torah”…And the most broad definition of “Torah”…

Though it has been translated as “Law,” Though it has been translated as “Law,” through the use of the Greek word for law, through the use of the Greek word for law, ““nomosnomos” a more literal definition is “God’s ” a more literal definition is “God’s Teachings on Righteousness.” Teachings on Righteousness.”

Hebrew is a very action or function Hebrew is a very action or function oriented language so there is a good oriented language so there is a good picture of this meaning in the word itself.picture of this meaning in the word itself.

Torah TranslationTorah Translation

Literally, the word Literally, the word “Torah” is from the “Torah” is from the root word “root word “yara” yara” which means which means

“ “to hit the mark.”to hit the mark.” The word for sin, The word for sin,

““hatahata””

means means

“ “to miss the to miss the mark.”mark.”

Context will show you what Context will show you what level of Torah is indicated.level of Torah is indicated.

Any reference to righteousness or God’s Any reference to righteousness or God’s teachings is often “summarized” by calling teachings is often “summarized” by calling it Torah. it Torah.

These are 3 basic levels of interpretation These are 3 basic levels of interpretation of the term “Torah” though there is so of the term “Torah” though there is so much more!much more!

The foundation for all sound Scripture The foundation for all sound Scripture study is familiarity with the account given study is familiarity with the account given there.there.

Once we know the Once we know the basic facts, people, basic facts, people,

places, events…places, events… ……we complete the we complete the

first level of study first level of study which can be called which can be called the literal or the literal or historical level.historical level.

It involves the simple, It involves the simple, straightforward straightforward meaning of the text meaning of the text which is so important which is so important to grasp.to grasp.

These basic facts These basic facts give us a foundation give us a foundation so we can move on so we can move on to further to further exploration such as exploration such as is presented here. is presented here.

We can show We can show ourselves approved ourselves approved as students of the as students of the Word; good Word; good Bereans!Bereans! (Acts (Acts 17: 10-12)17: 10-12)

I’m confused!I’m confused! Most Believers know that the whole Bible is Most Believers know that the whole Bible is

inspired by our God but in actual practice, the inspired by our God but in actual practice, the New Testament is often promoted as all that is New Testament is often promoted as all that is needed. needed.

Why do we need to go back Why do we need to go back to the to the beginning?beginning?

How do we know that the Old Testament is How do we know that the Old Testament is important for us to know our Messiah? Is He important for us to know our Messiah? Is He even mentioned in it?even mentioned in it?

We know because He, We know because He, Himself, told the disciples Himself, told the disciples how important it is!how important it is!

Did you ever notice what Did you ever notice what Messiah said on the road to Messiah said on the road to

Emmaus?Emmaus? And And beginningbeginning at at MosesMoses and all the prophets, and all the prophets,

he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.things concerning himself.…And he said unto them, These are the words …And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

(Luke 24: 27, 44 KJV)(Luke 24: 27, 44 KJV)

You could say this was a walking tour You could say this was a walking tour of the Scriptures about Himself!of the Scriptures about Himself!

Another Way to Study Another Way to Study ScriptureScripture

Some people focus on the Bible as literature, Some people focus on the Bible as literature, and believe you can gain from its beauty, and believe you can gain from its beauty, whether or not you are a believer. I tend to be whether or not you are a believer. I tend to be wary of this approach; are you?wary of this approach; are you?

While there While there isis value, it is not the same thing as value, it is not the same thing as seeing the beauty of the Scripture through the seeing the beauty of the Scripture through the eyes of faith! eyes of faith!

But the But the naturalnatural man receiveth not the man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishnessfoolishness unto him: neither can he unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually know them, because they are spiritually discerned.discerned. ((1 Cor. 2:14 KJV)1 Cor. 2:14 KJV)

But if Scripture IS But if Scripture IS Literature…Literature…

Wouldn’t there be things we could learn Wouldn’t there be things we could learn from the various aspects such as style, from the various aspects such as style, structure, theme and poetry?structure, theme and poetry?

Is it possible to consider these aspects Is it possible to consider these aspects

without losing our eyes of faith?without losing our eyes of faith?

Not only is it possible, but many treasures Not only is it possible, but many treasures are found in this type of study that we are found in this type of study that we would not see any other way!would not see any other way!

How do we know that How do we know that Scripture is Scripture is

considered “literature?”considered “literature?”Let’s stop here…Let’s stop here…

Take a moment to find an online Bible such as Take a moment to find an online Bible such as

www.biblegateway.comwww.biblegateway.com or or www.blueletterbible.org www.blueletterbible.org

You can also obtain an excellent Bible study tool You can also obtain an excellent Bible study tool free of charge at free of charge at www.esword.comwww.esword.com

You can choose one or more translations to You can choose one or more translations to search. search.

I usually start with KJV, NKJV, NASB and NIV.I usually start with KJV, NKJV, NASB and NIV.

Go to the keyword search function, all words, Go to the keyword search function, all words, and enter “literature.”and enter “literature.”

If your search is like mine, you will find If your search is like mine, you will find “literature” used only twice. It is found in “literature” used only twice. It is found in Daniel 1; in connection with the four Daniel 1; in connection with the four young boys brought into the King’s court young boys brought into the King’s court and onlyand only

in 3 newer translations—NKJV, NASB and in 3 newer translations—NKJV, NASB and ESV. ESV.

““Literature” is listed as Strong’s #5612; Literature” is listed as Strong’s #5612;

the Hebrew word the Hebrew word sepher—a writing, a sepher—a writing, a letter,letter,

a document, a bill, a register, a book, a a document, a bill, a register, a book, a scroll.scroll.

Now let’s check the dictionary for Now let’s check the dictionary for its current meaning in English, its current meaning in English, especially since only the newer especially since only the newer translations chose “literature” for translations chose “literature” for sepher.sepher.

““Writings in prose or verse; Writings in prose or verse; especiallyespecially :: writings having excellence of form or writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest”permanent or universal interest”

((First Entry--Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; First Entry--Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; February 2, 2010)February 2, 2010)

What about a Bible What about a Bible Dictionary?Dictionary?

““Literature” as found in these three Literature” as found in these three translations is not found in translations is not found in Vine’s Expository Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the Old and New Testaments.Dictionary of the Old and New Testaments.

The Theological Wordbook of the Old The Theological Wordbook of the Old TestamentTestament has a lengthy entry for has a lengthy entry for sephersepher. .

To summarize: To summarize: writing, book, scribal art and writing, book, scribal art and legal document.legal document. There is also note of There is also note of

training in literary formstraining in literary forms for the for the

scribes who recorded the important scribes who recorded the important

events of the kingdoms of the ages.events of the kingdoms of the ages.

The Bible as LiteratureThe Bible as Literature

The Scriptures certainly are a historical The Scriptures certainly are a historical account and they do have elements of account and they do have elements of legal documents– covenants – as well as legal documents– covenants – as well as prophetic visions and majestic poetry. prophetic visions and majestic poetry.

Clearly, we would also understand them Clearly, we would also understand them to have universal importance and to have universal importance and

excellence of expression as well!excellence of expression as well! Most importantly, we knowMost importantly, we know that they were inspired by our God! that they were inspired by our God!

Should we be surprised Should we be surprised that He filled it with that He filled it with buried treasures?buried treasures?

We know that He is the Living Word and the written We know that He is the Living Word and the written Word as well, unchanging and inseparable.Word as well, unchanging and inseparable.

In the beginningIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginningin the beginning with God. with God.

(John 1: 1-2 NKJV)(John 1: 1-2 NKJV)

For if you believed Moses you would believe me, For if you believed Moses you would believe me, for he wrote about me.for he wrote about me. (John 5:46 NKJV)(John 5:46 NKJV)

How do we find these treasures?How do we find these treasures?

Thematic AnalysisThematic Analysis One of the in-depth ways to study literature, One of the in-depth ways to study literature,

and Scripture, is to examine the structure and and Scripture, is to examine the structure and style of the writing. This includes many style of the writing. This includes many aspects; among them, evaluation of the themes aspects; among them, evaluation of the themes and the language used, sometimes called either and the language used, sometimes called either parallelisms or chiastic study.parallelisms or chiastic study.

Hebrew poetry involves repeating concepts and Hebrew poetry involves repeating concepts and images rather than the rhyming words or images rather than the rhyming words or rhythm English speakers are accustomed to rhythm English speakers are accustomed to reading.reading.

It is important to consider translation issues It is important to consider translation issues because it is often difficult to completely or because it is often difficult to completely or accurately convey concepts in the second accurately convey concepts in the second language.language.

Some concepts were just transliterated and Some concepts were just transliterated and not translated, i.e., not translated, i.e., AmenAmen and and HalleluyahHalleluyah are are transliterations (sounds represented in transliterations (sounds represented in known alphabet), not translations (defined known alphabet), not translations (defined meaning.) Amen means “ may it be so” and meaning.) Amen means “ may it be so” and Halleluyah means “Praise to Yah.” Halleluyah means “Praise to Yah.”

Transliterations do not always use exactly Transliterations do not always use exactly the same letters for a word as people hear the same letters for a word as people hear the sounds differently. Since it is not the the sounds differently. Since it is not the original language, this is not really a original language, this is not really a problem but it underlines the importance of problem but it underlines the importance of considering the original language in study.considering the original language in study.

Translation vs. Translation vs. TransliterationTransliteration

On the other hand, the Hebrew On the other hand, the Hebrew alphabet has added depth because the alphabet has added depth because the specific letters specific letters areare important. Each of important. Each of its letters were originally in the form of its letters were originally in the form of pictographs and have meanings of their pictographs and have meanings of their own before the modern script came into own before the modern script came into common use. common use.

The study of these ancient meanings The study of these ancient meanings has become more accessible in recent has become more accessible in recent years as researchers are publishing years as researchers are publishing their findings. their findings.

There are Hebraic There are Hebraic understandings for understandings for concepts, colors, concepts, colors, places, things, places, things, directions, and directions, and numbers which are numbers which are derived by their derived by their context and context and sometimes by their sometimes by their pictographic meaning pictographic meaning in ancient Hebrew.in ancient Hebrew.

All Scripture All Scripture isis God- God-Breathed!Breathed!

We can be comfortable that there is We can be comfortable that there is a reason for every specific word in a reason for every specific word in its place throughout all of Scripture. its place throughout all of Scripture.

Though this is not always clear in Though this is not always clear in English or other languages the Bible English or other languages the Bible has been translated into, it becomes has been translated into, it becomes wonderfully clear as we examine the wonderfully clear as we examine the Hebrew roots of the text.Hebrew roots of the text.

The choice of words used in the Greek The choice of words used in the Greek translation of the original Hebrew Torah (the translation of the original Hebrew Torah (the Septuagint) became the basis for the specific Septuagint) became the basis for the specific words chosen to convey the same concepts in words chosen to convey the same concepts in the New Testament.the New Testament.

All that is written in the New Testament All that is written in the New Testament confirms and is fulfillment of all that was confirms and is fulfillment of all that was written in the Torah originally. written in the Torah originally.

We We cancan allow Scripture to interpret Scripture allow Scripture to interpret Scripture with boldness and confidence in the Author.with boldness and confidence in the Author.

Greek or Hebrew?Greek or Hebrew? There is no argument that what we call the There is no argument that what we call the

“Old Testament” was written in Hebrew “Old Testament” was written in Hebrew with some Aramaic. The debate may go on with some Aramaic. The debate may go on as to whether the “New Testament” as to whether the “New Testament” Scriptures were originally written in Greek Scriptures were originally written in Greek or in Hebrew, but most scholars will agreeor in Hebrew, but most scholars will agree

that the worldview, thought content, that the worldview, thought content, and imagery used is purely Hebraic!and imagery used is purely Hebraic!

Whatever the language, the imagery Whatever the language, the imagery doesn’t change!doesn’t change!

Now with that Now with that background…background…

Let’s move on Let’s move on to our study of to our study of what is related what is related

toto

In The In The Beginning!Beginning!

““In The Beginning”In The Beginning” This is a powerful and well This is a powerful and well

recognized phrase. Most people know recognized phrase. Most people know that it is the first phrase in the Bible.that it is the first phrase in the Bible.

What they may What they may notnot know is how know is how thoroughly this concept permeates thoroughly this concept permeates ALL of Scripture.ALL of Scripture.

GenesisGenesis We are accustomed to seeing this word as the We are accustomed to seeing this word as the

title of the first book of the Bible.title of the first book of the Bible.

It refers to It refers to the beginningthe beginning of things,of things, coming from coming from the Greek language: the Greek language: as in similar words such as in similar words such as genes, generations, as genes, generations, generate. generate.

The Greek “The Greek “gengen” originated from the Hebrew ” originated from the Hebrew “gan“gan” which means “garden,” as in the First ” which means “garden,” as in the First Garden, Eden. Garden, Eden.

The English translation uses this The English translation uses this concept as a title for the book. In concept as a title for the book. In Hebrew, the titles of each portion Hebrew, the titles of each portion of Scripture are generally the of Scripture are generally the opening words of that section. opening words of that section.

Underneath “Genesis” our familiar Underneath “Genesis” our familiar English title there is the Hebrew English title there is the Hebrew Name by which it is known.Name by which it is known.

BeresheitBeresheit

Stop here…Stop here… Take a moment to find your online Bible Take a moment to find your online Bible

keyword search page again: keyword search page again: www.biblegateway.com www.biblegateway.com

www.blueletterbible.org www.blueletterbible.org Search the phrase: Search the phrase: “in the beginning”“in the beginning”

www.wildbranch.orgwww.wildbranch.org & & www.ancient-hebrew.orgwww.ancient-hebrew.org are both good are both good resources to learn more about Hebrew, too!resources to learn more about Hebrew, too!

Come back for Part 2 when you have done Come back for Part 2 when you have done so, so,

or continue on.or continue on.

Part Two The Part Two The StudyStudy

If your search is If your search is like mine, you like mine, you found many found many responses responses incorporating incorporating “beginning.”“beginning.”

Save the lists of Scripture references Save the lists of Scripture references you have found and we will move you have found and we will move back and forth now between them back and forth now between them and this presentation. and this presentation.

Some people prefer to save as a Some people prefer to save as a Word document and some people Word document and some people like printed copies. Experiment to like printed copies. Experiment to find out what works best for you.find out what works best for you.

How do we know they are How do we know they are not just random uses of the not just random uses of the

same phrase?same phrase? This might be our conclusion, knowing that This might be our conclusion, knowing that

many different people wrote the Books of many different people wrote the Books of Scripture. Scripture.

We will look for the imprint of the same We will look for the imprint of the same Source of inspiration or Author throughout Source of inspiration or Author throughout Scripture.Scripture.

““In the beginning”In the beginning” is one word in the Hebrew: is one word in the Hebrew:

““Beresheit”Beresheit”

Translation vs. Translation vs. TransliterationTransliteration

““Beresheit”Beresheit” as written here in English as written here in English letters is a letters is a transliterationtransliteration:: use of use of known alphabet to attempt to known alphabet to attempt to recreate the sounds of a word from recreate the sounds of a word from another language. It is also another language. It is also transliterated as “B’resheit” and transliterated as “B’resheit” and B’reshiyt.”B’reshiyt.”

““In the beginning”In the beginning” is a is a translationtranslation of of the meaning of the word.the meaning of the word.

Reishith, as it is transliterated in

Zodhiates Lexical Aid, Strong’s #7225, is said to mean first in place, time, order, or rank; first with regard to dignity; the first of its kind and first fruits. The connection is made between Genesis 49: 3 and Revelation 3:14.

Take a moment to look these up and Take a moment to look these up and confirm the similar meaning. confirm the similar meaning. (The Blue (The Blue Letter Bible program offers the Strong’s Letter Bible program offers the Strong’s numbers and definitions online.)numbers and definitions online.)

The root word of reishith is The root word of reishith is Rosh,Rosh, which is which is Strong’s #7218.Strong’s #7218.

RoshRosh is said to mean the head, person, chief, is said to mean the head, person, chief, leader; whether appointed, elected or self-leader; whether appointed, elected or self-appointed. There are many additional appointed. There are many additional connotations.connotations.

For this study, we note that:For this study, we note that:““RoshRosh can also refer to the headstone of the can also refer to the headstone of the

corner which was carried over into the NT and corner which was carried over into the NT and quoted by Jesus. quoted by Jesus. (Matt. 21:42, Luke 20:17, Eph. 2:20, 1 (Matt. 21:42, Luke 20:17, Eph. 2:20, 1 Peter 2:7)Peter 2:7)

Jesus is the head of the church. Jesus is the head of the church. (Eph.5:23)(Eph.5:23)” ”

(Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament (Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words)Words)

And there is so much And there is so much more!more!

Since Hebrew words work from a “root” Since Hebrew words work from a “root” system of consonants, all words from a system of consonants, all words from a similar root will carry various related similar root will carry various related meanings. meanings.

Putting them together helps us understand Putting them together helps us understand the pictures that are “under the surface.”the pictures that are “under the surface.”

Here you will begin to find some of the Here you will begin to find some of the

buried treasures of His Word!buried treasures of His Word!

We can consider the translation of the We can consider the translation of the meaning of the word AND the meaning meaning of the word AND the meaning of each of the letters. of each of the letters.

We can then consider the meaning of We can then consider the meaning of various combinations of the letters, various combinations of the letters, remembering Hebrew reads from right remembering Hebrew reads from right to left. to left.

There is no limitation to internal There is no limitation to internal comparisons such as there is for comparisons such as there is for English compound words.English compound words.

tyeXaertyeXaerBBHere is the word in Modern Hebrew Here is the word in Modern Hebrew

script, such as you would find in script, such as you would find in most Torah scrolls. most Torah scrolls.

Here is an interpretation of the word.Here is an interpretation of the word.

The “beit” or “B” is symbolic of a The “beit” or “B” is symbolic of a house or a tent house or a tent

In this place in the Torah, the first word, In this place in the Torah, the first word, it is drawn larger than the other letters, it is drawn larger than the other letters, as it is shown here. You might say “THE” as it is shown here. You might say “THE”

house!house!

In a grammatical, literal sense, it In a grammatical, literal sense, it conveys “in the” while the remaining conveys “in the” while the remaining letters represent “reisheit” meaning letters represent “reisheit” meaning

“beginning.”“beginning.”

This is a “resch” or “R”. This is a “resch” or “R”.

In ancient or paleo-In ancient or paleo-Hebrew, it Hebrew, it represents “the represents “the

head of a man.”head of a man.”Taken together, they form “Taken together, they form “rbrb” or “bar” ” or “bar”

which means “son.”which means “son.”

The first two letters alone then carry the The first two letters alone then carry the idea of the “son of the house” along idea of the “son of the house” along

with their grammatical meaning of with their grammatical meaning of “in “in the beginning.”the beginning.”

The last letter is a “tav” The last letter is a “tav” or “T”. or “T”. This This

letter carries the meaning of letter carries the meaning of a “mark” or “signature.” a “mark” or “signature.”

When put together with the first two letters, When put together with the first two letters, we find “we find “trb” trb” or transliterated as “brit” or transliterated as “brit”

which means “covenant.”which means “covenant.”

Now we have the sense of “a covenant with Now we have the sense of “a covenant with the son of the house the son of the house from the beginning.”from the beginning.”

And the heart of the And the heart of the word….word….

This letter is a “shin.” This letter is a “shin.”

It is commonly recognized as a reference to our It is commonly recognized as a reference to our “All Sufficient God,” Who is called “El “All Sufficient God,” Who is called “El

Shaddai.”Shaddai.”

Now we can understand “Beresheit” more fully:Now we can understand “Beresheit” more fully:

A covenant between El Shaddai A covenant between El Shaddai and the Son of the House from and the Son of the House from

the beginning!the beginning!

Is there any doubt in Is there any doubt in your mind as to the your mind as to the

identity of the “Son of identity of the “Son of The House?”The House?”

When we remember that Yeshua Messiah When we remember that Yeshua Messiah was slain from before the foundation of was slain from before the foundation of the world, in obedience, as part of our El the world, in obedience, as part of our El Shaddai’s plan to redeem sinful mankind, Shaddai’s plan to redeem sinful mankind, how can we help but rejoice to see this how can we help but rejoice to see this message right in the first Word alone! message right in the first Word alone! (Rev. 13:8)(Rev. 13:8)

The Alpha and the The Alpha and the OmegaOmega

We are familiar with this phrase from We are familiar with this phrase from Revelation and most people know it refers Revelation and most people know it refers to the first and last letters of the alphabet to the first and last letters of the alphabet in the Greek language.in the Greek language.

It is a metaphor to include everything from It is a metaphor to include everything from A to Z. Our Messiah used this to describe A to Z. Our Messiah used this to describe Himself. Himself.

In Hebrew, it is In Hebrew, it is AlefAlef and and Tav. Tav. Reference to Reference to this is found in the first seven words of this is found in the first seven words of Scripture, the fourth word after Beresheit!Scripture, the fourth word after Beresheit!

It looks like this…It looks like this…

It is not translated from Hebrew and is a It is not translated from Hebrew and is a grammatical form, but those of us who know grammatical form, but those of us who know Messiah Yeshua see the connection with how Messiah Yeshua see the connection with how He described Himself. He described Himself.

And He came on the Fourth Day if you consider And He came on the Fourth Day if you consider a day as a thousand years of our time on earth. a day as a thousand years of our time on earth. (2 Peter 3:8)(2 Peter 3:8)

Now go back to those Now go back to those listings of listings of

“in the beginning”“in the beginning” Strong’s # 7225 is “Resheit” or “Beginning.”Strong’s # 7225 is “Resheit” or “Beginning.” You will probably need to sort out some of You will probably need to sort out some of

them as having just the word them as having just the word “beginning”“beginning” and not the entire phrase. Some of these will and not the entire phrase. Some of these will be pregnant with meaning, too, though not be pregnant with meaning, too, though not directly related to our study here.directly related to our study here.

Where there is the Where there is the “in the beginning”“in the beginning” or or “from the beginning”“from the beginning” phrase in the text, phrase in the text, consider this more full meaning of the phrase consider this more full meaning of the phrase in context with the subject. in context with the subject.

Watch for the “Two’s”Watch for the “Two’s” As is so often the case in Scripture, you will find As is so often the case in Scripture, you will find

two aspects of “beginning.” Some will be in two aspects of “beginning.” Some will be in relation to our Messiah but some will be in relation to our Messiah but some will be in reference to the evil one and those who serve reference to the evil one and those who serve him. him.

They have beginnings, too!They have beginnings, too! The number “2” carries the meanings The number “2” carries the meanings of both “witness” and “division.” of both “witness” and “division.” Other “2”s are:Other “2”s are:Lion of Judah/Prowling lion; Tree of Life/Tree of Knowledge of Good & Lion of Judah/Prowling lion; Tree of Life/Tree of Knowledge of Good &

Evil Godly Kings/Kings of the earth.Evil Godly Kings/Kings of the earth.

It takes two to agree on something as a witness, It takes two to agree on something as a witness, but two can disagree and create division as well.but two can disagree and create division as well.

A “beginning” A “beginning” example:example:

The fear of the LORD is The fear of the LORD is the the beginningbeginning of wisdom… of wisdom…

((Psalm 111:10 KJV)Psalm 111:10 KJV)

BeginningBeginning is “reisheit” Strong’s #7225. is “reisheit” Strong’s #7225. ““Fear” is yirah, Strong’s # 3374, which Fear” is yirah, Strong’s # 3374, which

refers to reverence and awe. There is refers to reverence and awe. There is reason to understand that this concept reason to understand that this concept really does include a healthy fear of the really does include a healthy fear of the power and position of our God, not just power and position of our God, not just awe.awe.

Check this link to Check this link to www.ancient-hebrew.org/56_home.html www.ancient-hebrew.org/56_home.html for for further information on “yirah.” It is right at further information on “yirah.” It is right at the top of the page. (If the hyperlink doesn’t the top of the page. (If the hyperlink doesn’t work, just cut & paste into your browser.)work, just cut & paste into your browser.)

Might we not have fear when we realize that Might we not have fear when we realize that

our El Shaddai made a covenant with the our El Shaddai made a covenant with the Son of the House Son of the House from the beginningfrom the beginning of time of time as He created all things? Wouldn’t this give as He created all things? Wouldn’t this give us wisdom as we understand more about our us wisdom as we understand more about our own place in all of His plan?own place in all of His plan?

An “An “in thein the beginning” beginning” exampleexample

““The LORD possessed me The LORD possessed me in the beginningin the beginning of His way, of His way, beforebefore His works of old.” His works of old.” ((Proverbs 8:22 NKJV)Proverbs 8:22 NKJV)

““Me” refers to “wisdom” from vs. 12 and Me” refers to “wisdom” from vs. 12 and “in the beginning”“in the beginning” is again “reisheit.” This is again “reisheit.” This is the first of the Seven Spirits of God that is the first of the Seven Spirits of God that rest on Messiah, with His Holy Spirit at rest on Messiah, with His Holy Spirit at the center.the center.

(Isaiah 11: 1-2, Rev. 1 & (Isaiah 11: 1-2, Rev. 1 & 2)2)

We know from Isaiah We know from Isaiah 11:1-2 that the Spirit of 11:1-2 that the Spirit of Wisdom is the first in the Wisdom is the first in the list of seven that rest on list of seven that rest on the Branch, Who is the Branch, Who is commonly understood to commonly understood to refer to Messiah in refer to Messiah in Judaism; and specifically, Judaism; and specifically, Yeshua Messiah for Yeshua Messiah for Believers. Believers.

The menorah is a type of The menorah is a type of the Tree of Life, and its the Tree of Life, and its middle stem has a name middle stem has a name that means “Servant.” that means “Servant.” Messiah stood in the Messiah stood in the middle as He spoke to middle as He spoke to John.John.

Who came to bring us Life, and is Who came to bring us Life, and is referred to as a Branch? referred to as a Branch?

Who is referred to as a Servant Who is referred to as a Servant King?King?

Who was present Who was present at the beginningat the beginning??

Now lets go to the New Testament, Now lets go to the New Testament, to confirm what John said about Him. to confirm what John said about Him.

““Beginning” in Hebrew and Beginning” in Hebrew and in Greek?in Greek?

In the beginningIn the beginning was was the Word, and the Word the Word, and the Word was with God, and the was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was God. The same was same was

in the beginning in the beginning with with God. All things were God. All things were made by him; and made by him; and without him was not without him was not anything made that was anything made that was made. In him was life; made. In him was life; and the life was the and the life was the light of men.light of men.

((John 1: 1-4 KJV)John 1: 1-4 KJV)

““Arche” Arche”

This word translated as This word translated as “beginning”“beginning” in in John is from the Greek word, “arche” John is from the Greek word, “arche” Strong’s # 746.Strong’s # 746.

““A passive beginning or an active cause A passive beginning or an active cause

(Col. 1:18, Rev. 3:4, Rev. 1:8, 21:6, 22:13)(Col. 1:18, Rev. 3:4, Rev. 1:8, 21:6, 22:13) Christ is called Christ is called the beginningthe beginning because He because He

is the efficient cause of the creation; the is the efficient cause of the creation; the head because He is before all things and head because He is before all things and all things were created by Him and for all things were created by Him and for Him.” Him.” (Strong’s Lexical Aids)(Strong’s Lexical Aids)

Beresheit, Rosh & Beresheit, Rosh & ArcheArche

Did you see the same terms used here?Did you see the same terms used here?

The Beginning, The Head, CornerstoneThe Beginning, The Head, Cornerstone

This word “arche,” translated as This word “arche,” translated as “beginning,”“beginning,” is used no less than nine is used no less than nine times in 1 and 2 John alone! (Check times in 1 and 2 John alone! (Check your keyword search here!)your keyword search here!)

Before Before the the Beginning?Beginning?

Interesting, too, to note that both Interesting, too, to note that both ancient Rabbis and Greek scholars have ancient Rabbis and Greek scholars have commented and debated that these commented and debated that these words really indicate a words really indicate a “beginning”“beginning” that that was BEFORE the creation of the was BEFORE the creation of the heavens and the earth.heavens and the earth.

This confirms the eternal nature of our This confirms the eternal nature of our Messiah and El Shaddai! Messiah and El Shaddai!

But didn’t Messiah But didn’t Messiah BEGINBEGIN with His ministry here on with His ministry here on earth? earth?

Didn’t our faith Didn’t our faith BEGINBEGIN with with the Holy Spirit’s appearance the Holy Spirit’s appearance at Pentecost?at Pentecost?

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit Did you know that the Hebrew phrase for the Did you know that the Hebrew phrase for the

Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Ruach ha Kodesh Ruach ha Kodesh includes the includes the picture of the Spirit as being a breath or a picture of the Spirit as being a breath or a wind as well as fire?wind as well as fire?

Go to your online Strong’s and check a Go to your online Strong’s and check a reference to the Holy Spirit to confirm this! reference to the Holy Spirit to confirm this!

You will also find a nice description of You will also find a nice description of RuachRuach from the ancient Hebrew at from the ancient Hebrew at http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/56_home.html http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/56_home.html if you click here and scroll nearly to the bottom if you click here and scroll nearly to the bottom of the page…of the page…

Breath, Wind and FireBreath, Wind and Fire

Watch for “wind” which is transliterated Watch for “wind” which is transliterated “ruach” Strong’s # 7307 and “holy” which “ruach” Strong’s # 7307 and “holy” which is transliterated “qadosh” Strong’s # 6918.is transliterated “qadosh” Strong’s # 6918.

The Hebrew word translated as “heaven” is The Hebrew word translated as “heaven” is from “from “shamayim”shamayim” which carries the which carries the concept of “fire water!” concept of “fire water!”

This information should give you a better This information should give you a better picture of the presence and nature of what picture of the presence and nature of what we call The Holy Spirt.we call The Holy Spirt.

At the beginning…At the beginning… as we often think of it: as we often think of it:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one come, they were all with one accord in one place. place.

((Acts 2:1 KJV)Acts 2:1 KJV)

Many people think the “church” began at Many people think the “church” began at Pentecost. Pentecost is Strong’s #4005. It is Pentecost. Pentecost is Strong’s #4005. It is the Greek word for 50the Greek word for 50thth..

It is the 50It is the 50thth day from the Passover season, day from the Passover season, which is also the same Feast the Israelites call which is also the same Feast the Israelites call Shavuot…the day they Shavuot…the day they firstfirst stood at Mt. Sinai stood at Mt. Sinai to meet the God of their Fathers as well as the to meet the God of their Fathers as well as the day Messiah sent His Spirit to those waiting in day Messiah sent His Spirit to those waiting in Jerusalem many years later.Jerusalem many years later.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us fell on them, as on us at the beginning.at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.the Holy Spirit.

((Acts 11: 15-16 KJV)Acts 11: 15-16 KJV)

#746 arche Greek#746 arche Greek

#7218 rosh Hebrew#7218 rosh Hebrew

#7225 reisheit Hebrew#7225 reisheit Hebrew

What happened at Pentecost?What happened at Pentecost?

And suddenly there came And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,rushing mighty wind, and it and it filled all the house where they were filled all the house where they were

sitting. And there appeared unto sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of them cloven tongues like as of fire,fire, and it sat upon each of them. And and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, …Spirit, …

((Acts 2: 2-4a KJV)Acts 2: 2-4a KJV)

What happened at What happened at Shavuot?Shavuot?

And Moses brought forth the people out of the And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. nether part of the mount. And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the because the LORD descended upon it in fire:LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, of a furnace,

and the whole mount quaked greatly…and the whole mount quaked greatly… so the people stood afar off but Mosesso the people stood afar off but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.drew near the thick darkness where God was. ((Exodus/Shemot 19:17-18, 21)Exodus/Shemot 19:17-18, 21)

Can there be more than one Can there be more than one “beginning?”“beginning?”

Here is the example of the concept of Here is the example of the concept of “beginning”“beginning” being used in comparison, a poetic being used in comparison, a poetic parallelism or a theme. parallelism or a theme.

When John said it was When John said it was asas on us on us “at the “at the beginning”beginning” he drew the metaphorical he drew the metaphorical connection with this pattern of our God’s ways. connection with this pattern of our God’s ways.

Where else do we see the Spirit of Messiah at Where else do we see the Spirit of Messiah at workwork

““at the at the beginning?”beginning?”

What happened at What happened at Creation?Creation?

And the earth was without form and void; and And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.waters.

(Genesis/Beresheit 1:2 KJV)(Genesis/Beresheit 1:2 KJV)

The Hebrew word for “darkness” is the same The Hebrew word for “darkness” is the same as the word for “thick darkness” when Moses as the word for “thick darkness” when Moses

approached the mountain as the Spirit approached the mountain as the Spirit descended on it.descended on it.

The Spirit breathed or moved over the waters. The Spirit breathed or moved over the waters. The waters are from the heavens.The waters are from the heavens.

Do you see the same picture?Do you see the same picture?

The Holy Spirit, and the Spirit of Wisdom in The Holy Spirit, and the Spirit of Wisdom in particular as we have followed in this study, particular as we have followed in this study, which is on Messiah Yeshua was present which is on Messiah Yeshua was present

at Creation… at Creation… at Mount Sinai…..at Mount Sinai….. at Jerusalem….at Jerusalem….

And will be with us at the end as He was And will be with us at the end as He was …FROM …FROM THE BEGINNING.THE BEGINNING.

Our Messiah said:Our Messiah said: I am the Alpha and Omega, I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning the beginning

and the end, the first and the last.and the end, the first and the last.

Blessed are they that do his Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may commandments, that they may have the right to have the right to the tree of life, and may , and may

enter in through the gates into the city.enter in through the gates into the city. ((Revelation 22: 13-14 Revelation 22: 13-14

KJV)KJV)

Back to the Garden….In the beginning!Back to the Garden….In the beginning!

Don’t stop here!Don’t stop here! Please, keep right on checking what is Please, keep right on checking what is

presented here and pursue the depths that presented here and pursue the depths that our all-knowing God has placed there for us! our all-knowing God has placed there for us!

Check out the poetry, themes, and the Check out the poetry, themes, and the parallels described all the way from the parallels described all the way from the beginning to the end of His Word. beginning to the end of His Word. Genesis/Beresheit to Revelation/Hitgalut!Genesis/Beresheit to Revelation/Hitgalut!

He IS coming again soon! He IS coming again soon!

Praise Yeshua, the Beginning and the Praise Yeshua, the Beginning and the End! End!

ResourcesResources The Complete Word Study Old TestamentThe Complete Word Study Old Testament Zodhiates, AMG PublishersZodhiates, AMG Publishers The Complete Word Study New TestamentThe Complete Word Study New Testament Zodhiates, AMG PublishersZodhiates, AMG Publishers Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible & Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible & www.ancient-www.ancient-

hebrew.orghebrew.org Jeff A. Benner, VBW PublishingJeff A. Benner, VBW Publishing ““A Study of Beresheit: The Book of Beginnings” A Study of Beresheit: The Book of Beginnings” Bradford Scott, Audio & notes, Wildbranch Bradford Scott, Audio & notes, Wildbranch

MinistriesMinistries www.biblegateway.orgwww.biblegateway.org online Scripture resource online Scripture resource www.blueletterbible.orgwww.blueletterbible.org online Scripture resource online Scripture resource Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament

WordsWords W.E. Vine, Nelson PublishersW.E. Vine, Nelson Publishers Theological Wordbook of the Old TestamentTheological Wordbook of the Old Testament Harris, Archer, Waltke; Moody PressHarris, Archer, Waltke; Moody Press

Be Blessed and Be Blessed and Strengthened!Strengthened!

If you would like more information If you would like more information please contact us at:please contact us at:

Set Apart Ministries, Inc.Set Apart Ministries, Inc.P. O. Box 5584P. O. Box 5584

De Pere, WI 54115De Pere, WI 54115(920) 336-7005(920) 336-7005

sam@setapartmingb.orgsam@setapartmingb.org www.setapartmingb.orgwww.setapartmingb.org