Question

1. what does the word genesis mean? 2. name the two key characteristics of god highlighted by genesis 1:1. why are they important? 3. why is it significant that the hebrew word for god in genesis 1:1 is elohim and is used with a singular verb? 4. describe how god created the world according to genesis 1:1.

Explanation:

1. "Genesis" comes from the Greek word "genesis" which means "origin" or "beginning". It refers to the start of things, especially in the context of the creation story in the Bible.
2. In Genesis 1:1, God is highlighted as being both sovereign (having supreme authority) and creative (able to bring things into existence from nothing). These are important as they establish God's power and role as the creator of the universe.
3. The Hebrew word "Elohim" is a plural - form word for God, yet it is used with a singular verb in Genesis 1:1. This may suggest a complex nature of God, hinting at a unity within a multiplicity, which has been a topic of theological discussion regarding the nature of the divine.
4. According to Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." It is a concise statement indicating that God was the initiator of the creation of the entire universe, both the celestial and terrestrial realms, out of nothing.

Answer:

1. "Origin" or "beginning".
2. Sovereign and creative. Their importance lies in establishing God's power and role as the creator.
3. It may suggest a complex nature of God, hinting at unity within multiplicity.
4. God initiated the creation of the heavens and the earth out of nothing.