OBST 650 Page 1 of 3 LECTURE NOTES: EXEGESIS AND EISEGESIS DISCUSSION BOARD 4 Key Trinitarian Possibilities in the Opening Chapters of Genesis: Threads of the Trinity or a Tangled Theorem? 1. Genesis 1:1  Pros • The Trinity could be present literally in the first three words of the Bible. The name used for God, Elohim, grammatically speaking is a plural noun that takes a singular verb. Hence, three (or at least more than one) in one. • Schaeffer argues numerous NT passages ground creation promises in an assumed relationship between the Father, Son and Spirit (16-19). • Hunt’s essay argues the Gospel of John establishes Christ’s preexistence in the OT, especially through an implied encounter with Abraham in Genesis 18. • A scholar and Hebraist, Dr. Gleason Archer has affirmed the Trinitarian nature of God from the opening verses (see the Additional Materials presentation on the Exegesis and Eisegesis Discussion Board).  Cons • Many Hebrew words have a plural form but are understood in a singular sense: mayim (water), chayim (life), shamayim (heaven), be’alim (owner) and behemoth (fem. pl. for beast such as in Job 40:15). All languages have grammatical exceptions or peculiarities without exploded meaning. http://www.israelofgod.org/elohim1.htm http://www.israelofgod.org/elohim2.htm • Multiplicity runs counter to the understanding of the original audience that stressed monotheism (think Shema) over polytheism present in other contemporary religious cultures. • Other explanations of plural: plural of majesty, form of respectful address, intensives, etc. 2. Genesis 1:2  Pros • The common translation of ruah Elohim as “Spirit of God” could refer to the Holy Spirit. • Schaeffer endorses this position at least implicitly (24). • Walton notes the strong Trinitarian associations from very early on in church history (76).  Cons • Since ruach can be translated as wind or breath, there are other translation options that may be more in keeping with the imagery present in the rest of the passage. Walton, for instance, suggests a translation of “a supernatural wind that was permeated with the power of God circulated over the surface of the waters” (78).