The Role of Bara in Scripture

What is Bara?

The term *Bara* appears prominently in Genesis 1:1, where it describes God’s act of creating the universe.

Derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to create,' *Bara* is uniquely associated with divine creation *ex nihilo*—the idea that God brought the cosmos into existence from nothing. This is evident in Genesis 1:1: 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,' and later reiterated in Exodus 20:11: 'For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth.' Unlike other Hebrew words for 'make' or 'form,' *Bara* emphasizes God’s sovereign power over creation.

While *Bara* is most often used to describe God’s creative work, its exclusive theological significance underscores the distinctiveness of divine action in Scripture. This concept invites further exploration of how creation language shapes biblical theology.

Bara in Genesis 1: Divine Creativity and Sovereignty

The term *Bara* appears three times in Genesis 1 (1:1, 21, 27), each instance underscoring God’s unique role as Creator who brings distinct realities into being through an act of sovereign will.

In Genesis 1:1, *Bara* introduces God’s creation of the heavens and earth, establishing His authority over all existence. Verse 21 uses *Bara* to describe the divine command that brought sea creatures and living beings into being, while 1:27 emphasizes humanity’s creation in God’s image—a climax of His creative intent. These repetitions highlight that *Bara* is reserved for acts of origin, not mere formation or modification.

This contrasts sharply with the Hebrew term *asah* (‘to make’ or ‘do’), which appears frequently in Genesis 1 for actions like shaping the earth (1:7) or forming humanity (2:7). While *asah* often implies working with existing materials, *Bara* denotes an act of bringing something into existence where there was none before. This distinction reinforces the theological claim that only God can create *ex nihilo*.

The deliberate repetition of *Bara* in Genesis 1 thus frames creation as an expression of divine sovereignty, setting the stage for later biblical reflections on God’s transcendence and human responsibility. This nuanced usage invites readers to consider how language about creation shapes understandings of divine power and purpose.

How to Read Baras Correctly

Understanding Bara requires attention to its theological distinctiveness and historical context.

In contrast to ancient Near Eastern myths where creation arises from divine conflict, Bara in Genesis emphasizes God’s sovereign, purposeful act without pre-existing chaos. Genesis 1:27 highlights this when it states, 'So God created man in His own image,' underscoring that human creation is a unique reflection of divine identity. This exclusivity reinforces monotheistic theology, affirming God as the sole Creator who exists independently of the cosmos.

Recognizing these principles clarifies Bara’s role in affirming God’s transcendence and uniqueness. This framework prepares readers to engage deeper with how Scripture consistently attributes creation’s origin to divine authority alone.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of *Bara*, consider how Psalm 102:25-27 and Hebrews 1:10-12 reflect on God’s enduring creative authority, even as creation changes.

Psalm 102:25-27 (echoed in Hebrews 1:10-12) contrasts God’s eternal nature with the temporary creation He made, using language that parallels *Bara*’s emphasis on divine origin. Exploring Genesis 1 commentaries, such as those by Claus Westermann or Terence E. Fretheim, can further illuminate the theological nuances of this foundational term.