Overview

Keywords: face, water, spirit, word, mirror, light

Reference Translation

Genesis 1:1-5 retranslated with the Hebrew parsing showing “God said, I am true light” rather than the traditional “Let there be light.”

True Light

The verb hayah is used in Genesis 1:3 in the same Qal imperfect form as Exodus 3:14 (“I AM THAT I AM”). The repetition ‘owr ‘owr signifies emphasis — “true light” or “exceeding brilliant light.”

God Himself is the light of the first day, before the sun was created. Moses’ face shone after being in God’s presence. There will be no need of the sun in the New Jerusalem.

Face to Face

Proverbs 27:19 — “As in water face to face, so the heart of man to man.” God hovering on the face of the waters evokes the image of gazing into a looking glass.

The Word

John 1:1-14 parallels Genesis 1. In the beginning God spoke to Himself. When God gives a verbal command, He demonstrates His authority over all things.