The second chapter of the book of Genesis, verse 7, is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, providing insight into the creation of humanity. The Hebrew text of this verse offers a nuanced understanding of the creation story, highlighting the unique relationship between God and humanity.
In the Hebrew Bible, Genesis 2:7 is written as follows:
וַיִּיצֶר יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶת־הָאָדָם עָפָר מִן־הָאֲדָמָה וַיִּפַּח בְּאַפָּיו נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים וַיְהִי הָאָדָם לְנֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה
Transliterated, this verse reads:
“Vayyiytser YHWH Elohim et-ha’adam afar min-ha’adamah vayyipach be’apayv nishmat chayyim vayyehi ha’adam l’nefesh chayah”
This can be translated into English as:
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
The Hebrew language used in this verse provides deep insights into the nature of humanity and its creation. Several key terms and concepts are central to understanding this narrative:
יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים (YHWH Elohim): This combination of God’s personal name (YHWH) and the generic term for God (Elohim) emphasizes both the personal and powerful aspects of God’s nature. It signifies a Creator who is both intimately involved with humanity and transcendentally divine.
הָאָדָם (ha’adam): The word for “man” or “human” is derived from הָאֲדָמָה (ha’adamah), meaning “the ground” or “earth.” This etymological connection underscores the earthly origin of humanity, highlighting the physical aspect of human existence.
עָפָר (afar): Translated as “dust,” this term refers to the material from which Adam was formed. It signifies the humble and temporal nature of human physical existence.
נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים (nishmat chayyim): The phrase “breath of life” signifies the divine component given to humanity, distinguishing humans from other creations. It is through this breath that humanity becomes נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה (nefesh chayah), a “living soul,” imbued with life and vitality.
The creation of humanity in Genesis 2:7 emphasizes the dual nature of human existence: the physical body formed from the earth and the spiritual breath of life bestowed by God. This duality sets the stage for the complex and multifaceted exploration of human nature throughout the biblical narrative and beyond. The verse not only recounts the origins of humanity but also touches on fundamental questions about the essence of human life, the relationship between the physical and spiritual, and the unique position of humanity within creation.
