בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ
Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”
Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz (בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “in the beginning god created the heavens and the earth,” pronounced “be-re-SHEET ba-RA e-lo-HIM et ha-sha-MA-yim ve-ET ha-A-retz.” The literal translation is “in-beginning created god [marker] the-heavens and-[marker] the-earth.” The opening verse of the entire Bible — Genesis 1:1. Seven Hebrew words that launch the creation narrative.
| Hebrew | בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz |
| English Meaning | In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth |
| Literal Translation | In-beginning created God [marker] the-heavens and-[marker] the-earth |
| Pronunciation | be-re-SHEET ba-RA e-lo-HIM et ha-sha-MA-yim ve-ET ha-A-retz |
| Category | Bible Verses |
| Origin | Biblical — Genesis 1:1, the opening verse of the Torah and the entire Hebrew Bible. |
| Scripture Reference | Genesis 1:1 |
Seven Hebrew words changed history. Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz — 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.' This single sentence introduced the revolutionary idea that the universe had a beginning, that it was created intentionally by a single God, and that it was not eternal or self-generating. Every word is theologically loaded: bara (created) is a verb used exclusively for God's creative activity; Elohim (God) uses the plural form with a singular verb, generating millennia of theological discussion; and the heavens and earth together represent the totality of existence. No seven words have had a greater impact on human civilization.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Where Does “Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz” Come From?
Biblical — Genesis 1:1, the opening verse of the Torah and the entire Hebrew Bible.
When and How to Say “Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz”
The first verse read in the annual Torah cycle. Studied in every Jewish and Christian educational setting. Referenced whenever discussing origins, creation, and beginnings. The first Torah portion (Parashat Bereshit) is read on Simchat Torah.
Cultural Context of Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz
Genesis 1:1 is arguably the most analyzed sentence in human history. Scientists, theologians, philosophers, and linguists have debated its seven words for millennia. The verse is inscribed on synagogue walls, embroidered on Torah covers, and has been translated into virtually every human language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” in Hebrew?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” in Hebrew is Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz (בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ), pronounced “be-re-SHEET ba-RA e-lo-HIM et ha-sha-MA-yim ve-ET ha-A-retz.” The literal translation is “In-beginning created God [marker] the-heavens and-[marker] the-earth.” The opening verse of the entire Bible — Genesis 1:1. Seven Hebrew words that launch the creation narrative.
How do you pronounce Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz?
Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz is pronounced “be-re-SHEET ba-RA e-lo-HIM et ha-sha-MA-yim ve-ET ha-A-retz.” The literal meaning is “In-beginning created God [marker] the-heavens and-[marker] the-earth.”
What does 'bara' mean in Hebrew?
Bara (בָּרָא) means 'created' and is used exclusively in the Bible for God's creative activity. Humans 'make' (asah) or 'form' (yatzar), but only God 'bara.' This verb implies creating something new, not just reshaping existing material. It appears in Genesis 1:1, 1:21, and 1:27.
Why does Genesis use Elohim (plural) with a singular verb?
Elohim has the Hebrew plural suffix (-im) but takes a singular verb (bara, not bar'u). This has been interpreted as a 'royal plural' (majesty), an indication of God's fullness and complexity, or (in Christian theology) a hint of the Trinity. In Jewish tradition, it expresses God's all-encompassing nature.
What is the word 'et' in Genesis 1:1?
Et (אֵת) is a Hebrew grammatical particle that marks the direct object of a verb. It has no English translation. In Genesis 1:1, it appears before 'hashamayim' (the heavens) and 'ha'aretz' (the earth), marking them as the objects of God's creation. Kabbalists have found mystical significance in et as containing the first (alef) and last (tav) letters of the alphabet.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Bible Verses Phrases
Explore other Hebrew phrases in the Bible Verses category
Adonai ro'i lo echsar
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
Ki anokhi yadati et hamachshavot
For I know the plans I have for you
Vekovei Adonai yachalifu choach
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength
Betach el Adonai bekhol libekha
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One
Related Hebrew Phrases
Learn a New Hebrew Phrase Every Day
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free