In the original Hebrew, the Bible begins with Bereshit bara Elohim. This phrase, typically translated into English as “In the beginning God created,” immediately establishes the central theme of creation and introduces the principal actor, God. The Hebrew word Bereshit, meaning “in the beginning,” sets the stage for a narrative of origins.
These opening words hold immense theological significance. They assert God’s role as the ultimate source of all existence and introduce the concept of creation ex nihilo, or creation from nothing. Historically, these words have been the subject of extensive interpretation and commentary, shaping religious and philosophical thought for millennia. The conciseness and power of this opening phrase have resonated with readers across cultures and generations, grounding fundamental beliefs about the nature of reality and humanity’s place within it.