Topics Biblical Interpretation
The Mayim of Creation
By Jeff A. Benner
Abstract: The creation account concludes with, "Such is the story of heaven and earth when they were
created" (Genesis 2:4 NJPS), yet many who have read the account come to the conclusion that it
describes the restoration of heaven and earth rather than their actual creation. Is the conclusion
of this story a misprint? Have we not been told the whole story as some conclude? Was יהוה
(Yahweh/LORD) referring to a different six days of creation when He told Moses that the seventh
day of the week is holy because, "...in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the
seventh day He ceased from work and was refreshed" (Exodus 31:17 & 20:11 NJPS)? The
misconception that the creation account is an account of the restoration of heaven and earth
stems, in part, from a misinterpretation of a key ancient Hebrew word used throughout the
account. The ancient Hebrew word which is misinterpreted is (מַיִם mayim/waters). This article will analyze the creation account and show that it does not use מַיִם to refer to physical water as many down through the ages have tried to interpret it.
To continue the article open the PDF
Related Pages by Jeff A. Benner
| | Aman: Believe (Article) The Hebrew language developed in a nomadic agricultural culture. Because of this much of the language is centered around this lifestyle. |
| | Ark of the Covenant (Video Playlist) An investigation into the meaning of the words surrounding the Ark of the Covenant and their Hebraic interpretation. |
|