The Bible, especially in its original Hebrew and Greek texts, demonstrates numerical patterns that align with timeless concepts. In this post, we explore how the structure of Genesis 1:1 relates to the Block Universe model, where all events are part of a fixed, interconnected whole.
Step 1: Understanding Biblical Numerical Systems
The Hebrew and Greek languages assign numerical values to letters:
- Hebrew Gematria: Each letter has a corresponding numerical value (e.g., Aleph (א) = 1, Tav (ת) = 400).
- Greek Isopsephy: Similar to gematria, each Greek letter also has a numerical value (e.g., Alpha (Α) = 1, Omega (Ω) = 800).
Step 2: Genesis 1:1 Example
Hebrew Text: בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ
“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.”
Numerical Breakdown
Hebrew Word | Numerical Value |
בְּרֵאשִׁית (B’reishit) | 913 |
בָּרָא (bara) | 203 |
אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) | 86 |
אֵת (et) | 401 |
הַשָּׁמַיִם (hashamayim) | 395 |
וְאֵת (v’et) | 407 |
הָאָרֶץ (ha’aretz) | 296 |
The total value is 2,731, symbolizing divine completeness and order.
Mathematical Analysis
The spacetime interval equation is given by:
s² = -c² * (Δt)² + (Δx)² + (Δy)² + (Δz)²
In this context, the words of Genesis 1:1 represent a static structure of creation. The sequence of events in the text parallels the fixed, interconnected events in spacetime described by the Block Universe model.
Step 3: Alpha and Omega Example
In Revelation 1:8, God says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.” This phrase emphasizes the completeness of God’s eternal nature, similar to how the Block Universe encompasses all events at once.
Step 4: Visualizing the Concept
The diagram above shows how the seven words in Genesis 1:1 correspond to events in symbolic time. Each word contributes to the complete creation event, much like how events in spacetime form a continuous whole.
Conclusion
The numerical and structural patterns in the Bible reflect a timeless order, where God’s plan encompasses all moments in a fixed, interconnected structure. This mirrors the Block Universe model’s view of spacetime.
Pastor Scott-Andrew Contributing:
B’reishit bara Elohim et hashamayim v’et ha’aretz.
Numerical Values:
B’reishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית) = 2 + 200 + 1 + 300 + 10 + 400 = 913
Bara (בָּרָא) = 2 + 200 + 1 = 203
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) = 1 + 30 + 5 + 10 + 40 = 86
Et (אֵת) = 1 + 400 = 401
Hashamayim (הַשָּׁמַיִם) = 5 + 300 + 40 + 10 + 40 = 395
V’et (וְאֵת) = 6 + 1 + 400 = 407
Ha’aretz (הָאָרֶץ) = 5 + 1 + 200 + 90 = 296
Total Numerical Value: 2701
I’m currently taking a Biblical Hebrew class at the moment.
The numerical values of the Hebrew words in Genesis 1:1 have deep significance in gematria (the study of numerical values in Hebrew letters). Let’s break them down:
1. בְּרֵאשִׁית (B’reishit) = 913
Meaning: “In the beginning”
Symbolism: 913 is the sum of different numerical patterns in Hebrew. It signifies divine order and the foundation of creation.
2. בָּרָא (Bara) = 203
Meaning: “Created”
Symbolism: The number 203 is related to divine action, emphasizing that creation was not random but intentional.
3. אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) = 86
Meaning: “God”
Symbolism: 86 is linked to judgment (din) in Jewish mysticism, indicating that God is both the Creator and Ruler.
4. אֵת (Et) = 401
Meaning: This word is untranslatable but includes the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph and Tav), signifying the totality of creation.
Symbolism: The number 401 represents completeness, as it connects the beginning (Aleph) and end (Tav).
5. הַשָּׁמַיִם (Hashamayim) = 395
Meaning: “The heavens”
Symbolism: The heavens (shamayim) are the realm of God. The number 395 is linked to spiritual realms and the divine structure of creation.
6. וְאֵת (V’et) = 407
Meaning: “And” (another untranslatable Aleph-Tav combination)
Symbolism: This reinforces the idea that everything from the beginning to the end is under divine authority.
7. הָאָרֶץ (Ha’aretz) = 296
Meaning: “The earth”
Symbolism: The number 296 is connected to physical creation, stability, and structure.
TOTAL: 2701 (The Divine Signature of Creation)
Mathematical Structure:
2701 is 37 × 73 (both prime numbers).
37 and 73 are mirror reflections of each other and symbolize wisdom and perfection in Jewish mysticism.
2701 also matches the sum of the Hebrew letters in key Messianic and divine phrases.
This verse is mathematically encoded with divine structure, emphasizing that God’s creation was intentional, complete, and ordered.
Also the word “B’reishit” (בְּרֵאשִׁית) does not directly transliterate to “In the beginning” in a strict, word-for-word sense. Let’s break it down properly:
Breaking Down בְּרֵאשִׁית (B’reishit)
בְּ (B’) = “In” or “With”
רֵאשִׁית (Reishit) = “Beginning,” “First,” or “Head”
A more literal translation could be:
“In a beginning” or “With beginning”
Why Is It Translated as “In the Beginning”?
1. Hebrew Lacks Indefinite Articles – The definite article “the” (הַ) is missing, which leads some scholars to argue that it should be translated “In a beginning” rather than “In the beginning.”
2. Reishit (רֵאשִׁית) is a construct form – This means it connects to the next word, suggesting something like “In the beginning of…”
3. Traditional Interpretation – Ancient Jewish and Christian translations, including the Septuagint (Greek) and the Latin Vulgate, rendered it as “In the beginning” to match the theological concept of the absolute start of creation.