Word Studies

Bereshit establishes GOD as the eternal Creator who exists before time, space, and matter. The word implies not just temporal priority but supremacy and sovereignty. GOD is the Absolute Beginning from whom all things flow.

Logos is GOD's self-expression and communication. In the beginning was the Logos (John 1:1) - not an impersonal force, but the personal Son of GOD, JESUS CHRIST. The Logos is both GOD's creative power (Genesis 1: "And GOD said...") and His redemptive revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Elohim is the first name for GOD in Scripture (Genesis 1:1). It emphasizes GOD's power, might, and sovereignty as Creator. The plural form with singular verbs hints at the Trinity - one GOD in three persons. Context determines whether Elohim refers to the Almighty, false gods, or the divine council.

GOD is the ultimate Giver (James 1:17). Every good gift descends from the Father of lights. The supreme gift is JESUS CHRIST Himself (John 3:16, 2 Cor 9:15). From this central gift flow all others: the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), eternal life (Rom 6:23), spiritual gifts for edification (1 Cor 12:4-11), and material blessings (Eccl 3:13, 5:19). Gifts are never earned - they are manifestations of grace. The Hebrew concept emphasizes the relationship between giver and receiver, while the Greek concept (charisma) emphasizes the grace-origin of all gifts. Spiritual gifts (charismata) are supernatural enablings for ministry, given by the Spirit for the common good (1 Cor 12:7). The greatest gift context is love (1 Cor 13).

Woman is created in GOD's image equally with man (Gen 1:27). The term ishshah emphasizes her relational connection to ish (man) while affirming her distinct identity. She is עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (ezer kenegdo) - a "strong helper corresponding to him" (Gen 2:18). Ezer is a military term used primarily for GOD as warrior-deliverer (Ps 121:1-2), indicating strength, not weakness. Wife is not inferior servant but essential ally, co-image-bearer, and partner in GOD's cultural mandate (Gen 1:28). The Fall disrupted this partnership (Gen 3:16 - "he shall rule over you"), but CHRIST restores it (Gal 3:28 - "no male and female"). Proverbs 31 presents the virtuous wife as entrepreneurial, strong, wise, and worthy of honor. Marriage is the first covenant, establishing the pattern for GOD's covenant with His people. Ultimately, the Church is the Bride of CHRIST (Eph 5:25-32, Rev 19:7-9), fulfilling all earthly marriage typology.

Husband (ish) is called to be covenant partner, not dominating master. Genesis 2:24 establishes the pattern: "Therefore a man (אִישׁ) shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife." The husband initiates covenant by leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh. Significantly, GOD rejects the "baal-husband" model (master/owner) in favor of "ish-relationship" (partnership): "You will call me 'My Husband' (אִישִׁי, ishi), and no longer 'My Master' (בַּעְלִי, ba'ali)" (Hos 2:16). The New Testament defines husbandly love through CHRIST: "Husbands, love your wives, as CHRIST loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Eph 5:25). This is sacrificial, sanctifying, selfless love - the opposite of tyranny. Headship (κεφαλή) is qualified by "as CHRIST" = servant-leadership, not domination. The husband is covenant-keeper (Mal 2:14), protector, provider, and lover.