A Multidisciplinary Contextualized Analysis of Select Passages From Genesis

Literary Structure

[This is an excerpt from a longer personal study of the book of Genesis which can be found here. The purpose of this exercise is to compare a naive reading of the text to our current understanding of language, paleontology, and the physical sciences. Constructive discussion on the elements presented is always encouraged!]

Among historical, scientific, and linguistic considerations, one must also consider the literary structure employed.  But this is not always obvious to the occasional reader or those listening from the congregation.  Many people are exposed to the Bible in short segments or quoted as one liners. And analysis or commentary is often done in a segmented fashion between the arbitrary chapter divisions and on a verse-by-verse basis. These selective and paced approaches risk overlooking the complete story arc and the literary pattern of writing.

Some interpretations of the first several chapters of Genesis betray such selective analysis.  This is evidenced by the popular view that the heavens and earth are created and exist in verse 1:1.  However, when read as a complete story and compared to the rest of Genesis, there is a clear literary structure to the creation story which clarifies when each creation event occurs.

Genesis 1 through 2:4a is structured as follows:

• 1:1 Headnote

  • 1:2 Exposition

• 1:3 Declaration

  • 1:4 Action

  • 1:5 Confirmation

• 1:6 Declaration

  • 1:7 Action

  • 1:8 Confirmation

• 1:9 Declaration

  • 1:10 Confirmation

• 1:11 Declaration

  • 1:12 Confirmation

• 1:14-15 Declaration

  • 1:16-17 Action

  • 1:18 Confirmation

• 1:20 Declaration

  • 1:21 Action

  • 1:22 Confirmation

• 1:24 Declaration

  • 1:25 Action/Confirmation

• 1:26 Declaration

  • 1:27 Action

  • 1:28-31 Confirmation

• 2:1-3 Conclusion

• 2:4a Subscript

When considering this structure, it is clear that no change or action occurs prior to God’s declaration. The first action of creation therefore takes place in verse 3 with the creation of light, not verse 1 as is often the interpretation. Additionally, this format of using a headnote or exposition preceding a list of information which may be closed with a subscript is found throughout the Bible.  A few strong examples of this pattern are found in Genesis 10, 36, and 1 Chronicles 3:1-9.

One might then argue that the literary pattern to which I am referring is most often used for genealogies as opposed to narrative sections. The three examples given are among roughly 30 such lists found in the Old Testament. Interestingly, Genesis 2:4a declares that Genesis 1-2:3 is, “the history of the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created,” including the Hebrew word “toledot” (תוֹלְד֧וֹת) which is the same word used for “generations” in the family genealogies throughout the bible.

Although in most cases “toledot” (תוֹלְד֧וֹת) is used to headnote a genealogy, in the case of Genesis 10 it is an example of its use in both the headnote and the subscript.  Additionally, Genesis 2:4a specifically states it is referring to “the [toledot] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created”, not that of Adam or any other person.  So not only is the creation story formatted similar to a genealogy, but it ultimately declares itself to be one.

Treating the creation story as though it were a genealogy of the universe itself may seem unusual, but it is logical from the standpoint that each creative act is dependent upon the completion of the previous one.  As with any genealogy, there can be no child without the actions of their parents before them, and it would be the original grandfather paradox if fish existed before the seas were formed to contain them!

Also note that “man” was created on the 6th day, and in Genesis 6 there is a distinction between “God’s sons” and “men’s daughters”.  I interpret this along with 2:4a to mean that He considered Adam and by extension Adam’s kin to be His children, but not mankind as created on the 6th day.  Again, mankind is included in the “generations of the heavens and the earth” as they are part of that creation “era”.  Adam is created afterwards and personally formed by God for himself.

All this serves to reinforce the identification of Genesis 1:1 as a headnote and not itself the first action of God.

But what of the divisions of chapter and verse? If the story of creation is from 1:1 through 2:4a, why is there a chapter break? It is important to realize that the chapters used in nearly all Bibles were added by an Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton, around 1227 AD. And verses were first assigned by the French printer Robert Estienne in 1551. These arbitrary divisions and references, although very convenient, were never part of the original Biblical writings.  Outside of whatever decision making process was utilized by the aforementioned individuals, there is no theological basis for those chapter or verse designations.

Further exacerbating such editorial confusion are liberties taken by many paraphrased and study oriented translations. For example, the New International Version makes liberal use of section headers not found in original texts along with margin notes throughout. These well intentioned inclusions are very useful in enhancing accessibility and trying to add context, but may rely on popular interpretation over literal translation.

I believe that the benefits of these editorial enhancements do largely outweigh the drawbacks. However, when trying to realize the Bible with technical scrutiny as is being done here, it is best practice to recognize that these additions are interpretive and to seek out other literal translations or consider original language versions of scripture.

Therefore, that the “generations” of creation crosses a chapter break and ends its subscript half way through verse 2:4 is wholly inconsequential. That the first chapter concludes with the end of the sixth [era] likely reflects Langton favoring the common interpretation of the story of Adam as being a flashback elaboration of the 6th day in Genesis 1. However, if that is the case, it would be the only story in Genesis let alone within any book of the entire Bible to use a flashback elaboration literary device. Within each of the books of the Bible, the narrative is overwhelmingly linear.

Additionally, when we include the creation of Adam as a continuation of the creation story after the 7th day, there is a clear change of scope. As we read through each “Yom” (יום‎), the products of creation are impersonal categories.  It is only when Adam is created that the narrative becomes personal and singular.  And if one considers the physical scale of each of God’s declarations, a pattern emerges.

1. The entire universe filled with the first light.

2. The condensation of nebulas that form into galaxies like our own.

3. Planetary bodies of our solar system and main sequence ignition of our sun

4. Major geological features of Earth and Vegetation

5. Sea creatures who can travel all of the oceans and waterways, and air creatures capable of uninhibited travel over great distances.

6. Landlocked animals, including mankind, who would likely be geographically restricted.

7. An individual named human.