Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Genesis 1-2 – Different Creation Accounts?
A young lady approached me wanting help with the “contradictions” between the two creation accounts in Genesis 1-2.
Firstly, these two chapters don’t contradict; they are complementary to each other just as coins have both heads and tails.
Genesis 1 is geo-centric focusing on the earth.
Genesis 2 is anthro-centric focusing on Adam and Eve and their home in the garden of Eden.
Genesis 1 focuses on mankind’s, both male and female, shared spiritual identity – in God’s image.
Genesis 2 focuses on mankind’s physical identity – Adam out of dust; Eve out of man.
Genesis 1 shows male and female having ontological equality – both in God’s image and therefore both functionally ruling over the earth.
Genesis 2 shows male and female having functional differences – subjection of the female and yet not inferior because she is created to help the male. Being a helper implied ability.
Differences are even found in what God is called. This made some conclude the chapters had different authors. Once more we must look deeper into intent:
Genesis 1 God is Elohim who creates everything which emphasizes God’s power.
Genesis 2 has, what is revealed later to Moses, God’s personal name, Yahweh. This emphasizes the more personal side of creation which is shown in how Yahweh individually forms Adam and Eve. This more personal view shows Yahweh to be concerned for Adam’s needs.
Secondly, all of this shows that if we want to understand a text, especially those that are seemingly contradictory, we must first understand the writer’s purpose. What appears contradictory is beautifully complimentary.
Comments