Beginning the book of Genesis, (br) is typically translated into English as “In the beginning.” While often understood as a prepositional phrase, the word itself is a construct form of the Hebrew noun (r), meaning “head,” “beginning,” or “first.” It signifies not just a point in time, but the very commencement of all things.
This initial term sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative, establishing the foundational concept of creation ex nihilo, or “from nothing.” Its placement emphasizes the primacy of God as the initiator of existence. Historically, this word has been the subject of extensive theological and philosophical discussion, shaping understandings of cosmology, time, and the divine. Its position as the first word imbues it with immense significance, setting the tone and theme for everything that follows in the scriptures.