The Genesis Creation Narrative

 

The Genesis creation narrative (or creation myth) comes from the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis describing the divine creation of the world including the first man and woman.

It was a product of the cultural world of the ancient Near East and yet distinctively different, incorporating older Mesopotamian myths, but adapting them to the unique conception of the Hebrew's one God.

Chapter one describes the creation of the world by Elohim (the Hebrew word meaning "God") in six days by means of divine speech culminating in the creation of mankind, then resting on, blessing and sanctifying the seventh day.

Creation is performed by divine incantation: 

  • Day 1 - God created light and separated the light from the darkness, calling light "day" and darkness "night."

  • Day 2 - God created an expanse to separate the waters and called it "sky." 

  • Day 3 - God created the dry ground and gathered the waters, calling the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters "seas." On day three, God also created vegetation (plants and trees).

  • Day 4 - God created the sun, moon, and the stars to give light to the earth and to govern and separate the day and the night. These would also serve as signs to mark seasons, days, and years.

  • Day 5 - God created every living creature of the seas and every winged bird, blessing them to multiply and fill the waters and the sky with life.

  • Day 6 - God created the animals to fill the earth. On day six, God also created man and woman (Adam and Eve) in his own image to commune with him. He blessed them and gave them every creature and the whole earth to rule over, care for, and cultivate.

  • Day 7 - God had finished his work of creation and so he rested on the seventh day, blessing it and making it holy.

 

Chapter two also describes creation yet appears in reverse order:

  • man is formed out of dust from the ground.

  • trees and plants sprout and man is placed in the garden of Eden

  • woman is made along with domestic animals and birds

 

Order of things "Made" in Genesis 1

Order of things "Formed" in Genesis 2

Vegetation (made first - 3rd day)

Adam (formed first)

Animals (made second - 5th and 6th day)

Vegetation (formed second)

Male (made third - 6th day)

Animals (formed third)

Female (made fourth - 6th day)

Eve (formed fourth)

Chapter 2 gives us an entirely different account of Creation, with different methods and in a different order. In Chapter 1 (first Creation), God makes man and woman at the same time on day six, after he has made everything else. But here in Chapter 2 (second Creation), He forms man, but not woman, before he makes plants and animals. Only later, after the plants and animals arrive, does God create woman, from Adam's rib. And while man and woman are created equal in the first Creation, here in the second Creation the woman is made explicitly to be man's "helper."

As many of us have been brought up on the Bible and the Genesis creation narrative; the Genesis creation narrative along with the entirety of the Bible has a lot of questions and contradictions throughout its readings.

Take for example, which is the real story and why are there two?

Or 
Click Here to Go Back 
Where You Just Came From

 

Part of How Did Life Begin Series

 

This site is maintained for research purposes only.
See Disclaimer
Contact us
Please direct website  comments
or questions to webmaster

Copyright © 2004 Jon's

Images, Inc. All rights reserved

The Influence is designed and maintained by Jon Anderson
Established January 2012


DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ

I make no claim to be an expert pertaining to the knowledge and information of God and religion and all that which relates to God and religion.

I make no claims, promises or guarantees about the completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. Nothing on this site constitutes legal or medical advice.

This website is an unofficial source of news and information continually updated from thousands of sources around the net.

This website is the composition of many hours of research. Information contained within this site has come from numerous sources such as websites, newspapers, books, and magazines.

This site represents some of my research, thoughts and ideas regarding God, the Bible and religion(s). Do not take anything on this site as the "Gospel Truth." I encourage you to be a "good Berean" and study these things out for yourself to come to your own conclusions.

In case the article on this page was quoted from another source, the following statement applies:
Fair Use policy applies since the quote is for non-profit educational and research purposes only. For more information, go to: http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

 By printing, downloading, or using  any info from this site, you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms by clicking here. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. All information on this web site is provided as a free service. Under no conditions does it constitute professional advice. No representations are made as to the completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or otherwise of the information provided. This site is considered publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS  IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.