The Hebrew Concept of Time in Genesis 1:1-2 and the Significance of "Yom"
The opening verses of Genesis, enshrined in the Hebrew Bible, have captivated theologians, scientists, and philosophers for millennia. The text reads: Genesis 1:1 : בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ׃ Genesis 1:2 : וְהָאָרֶץ הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ וְחֹשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם׃ These verses, translated as "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters," lay the foundation for the creation narrative. However, the Hebrew term "yom" (יום), often translated as "day," has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Understanding "Yom" and Its Temporal Implications The Hebrew word "yom" possesses a semantic range that extends beyond a simple 24-hour period. While it can indeed refer to a literal day marked by