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Unveiling the Hidden Meaning of Genesis 1:1
Most people are familiar with the opening words of the Bible: “In the beginning…”. These English words are translated from a single Hebrew word, בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית (Bereshit). While it may not be immediately apparent, this word potentially holds a clue that points to Jesus. I must admit that there is some interpretation involved, but as we delve into the meaning, you’ll see how it all comes together.
The Significance Lies in the Hebrew Letters
Hebrew letters carry not only a numerical value but also pictures associated with them. To illustrate, let’s consider the Hebrew word אָב (Ab), meaning “father.” It comprises the letters אָ (Alef) and ב (Bet). Alef symbolizes the head of an ox, representing strength, authority, and power. Bet, on the other hand, is depicted as a tent, signifying a house. Therefore, the father embodies the strength, power, and authority of the house.
Analyzing בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית (Bereshit)
Now, let’s break down the word בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית (Bereshit):
- בְּ (Bet): a house
- רֵ (Resh): a human head
- א (Alef): an ox head, representing strength, power, and authority
- שִׁ֖ (Shin): teeth, symbolizing destruction
- י (Yod): hand
- ת (Tau): two crossed sticks
Starting with בְּ (Bet), we have the house. Next comes רֵ (Resh), which signifies the head of the house. In this case, it refers to Jesus, the human head of the house, appointed by God (the father) as stated in John 3:35, Matthew 28:18, and Matthew 11:27. Combining the first two letters, we get the word “Bar,” which means “son” in Aramaic. Interestingly, Psalm 2:12 uses this term when referring to the Messiah.
Then we have א (Alef), representing God’s authority. God is often referred to as the Alpha (and Omega). Adding שִׁ֖ (Shin), the destruction depicted by teeth, we arrive at the Hebrew word אֵשׂ (Esh), meaning fire. This aligns with Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29, where God is described as a consuming fire.
Lastly, we encounter י (Yod), the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It begins the names of God (YHWH), Jesus (Yeshua), and the holy land (Yerusalem). The Yod, represented by a hand, denotes actions, works, or deeds. Here, it symbolizes the son of God destroying himself, as stated in John 10:18.
The Cross, the Ultimate Symbol
Bringing it all together, we find the Tau, two interlocking sticks that can form the shape of a cross. Thus, the head of the tent, representing the son of God, is consumed by his own hand, ultimately leading to the cross.
Jesus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), fulfills God’s plan declared from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). This hidden message in the first word of the Bible hints at the profound significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.
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