There was a thread recently, and I have been told that they are common, about Genesis 1 and 2. Sadly, even those who may agree with me on this topic, were short coming with their explinations on why, if taken literally, they are not in contradiction with each other. I am here to clear up this errant thinking that Genesis 1 and 2 are contradictory as far as man being created after the beasts in Genesis 1, and then being "created" again, before the beasts, in Genesis 2. First thing to consider is the wording in the passages. Genesis 1 clearly uses the word CREATED and MADE, and GENESIS 2 uses the word FORMED. Regardless of wether the words are synonymous or not, it is a fact that they are completely different words. Synonomus don't always mean the exact same meaning. As far as the actual definition of the words, we all know that words have changed meaning, or had definitions added on throughout history. Take, for example, the word GAY. A 1611 dictionary would not have the definition of the word GAY as a HOMOSEXUAL, but go to Dictionary.com, and the first definition of the word GAY is "Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex".
So, how are we going to figure out what definition of the words we are going to use? Read the entire passages, and see what they have to say. Because many of you may not be accustomed to the King James Version of the Bible, I will help you along, just link here
Bible, King James Version to an online version of the Bible, or follow me as we go along the verses using your own KJV Bible. For arguments sake, we will use the Dictionary.com number 1. defintions of all these following word:
CREATE (tr.v.) created, creating, creates: 1. To cause to exist; bring into being
VOID (adj.) : 1. Containing no matter; empty.
MAKE (v.) made, making, makes: 1. To cause to exist or happen; bring about; create: made problems for us; making a commotion.
FORM (n.):
1. a. The shape and structure of an object.
2. b. The body or outward appearance of a person or an animal considered separately from the face or head; figure.
formed, forming, forms (v.):
1. a. To give form to; shape: form clay into figures.
2. b. To develop in the mind; conceive: form an opinion.
Ok, remember, we are doing this as a literalist, and you have me to walk you along and explain every step of the way, lets do this:
Genesis 1:1 - This verse is clear, God created (brought into existence) the earth and the heavens.
Genesis 1:2 - This verse is key to solving your "mystery" In this verse, we come across two problems with the earth after the initial foundation of the earth is created. "And the earth was without form; and void". Notice how it is clear here, with the word void, that it had nothing in it. It was not filled at this time. So we can gather from this, that it needs something CREATED, and FORMED.
Genesis 1:25 - "...God made the beast of the earth"
Genesis 1:26 - "...God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..."
Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image..." these verses make it clear that MAKE, and CREATE are the same. No where in this chapter has anything been "formed" yet. So we can conclude without a doubt, that MADE and CREATED are the same, however FORMED carrys on a different meaning.
Now onto the "controversey". The second chapter. Notice the first five verses are an account of what was created in the first chapter. After this account, no longer is the word created or made used in Chapter 2, until the creation of the woman is gone into more detail. This must mean, that something else is happening. Indeed, something else is happening, the earth and everything that was MADE in Chapter 1, is now being FORMED in Chapter 2. We are not having everything created again, which is the reason for the wording change. Remeber, "the earth was without form; and void". CREATED covers the "void" problem, and, obviously, FORMED covers the "without form" problem. No controversey here, unless you want to take the Bible out of context, in a non-literal way. I could go on and on, but, I'm sure it won't make any difference, if you don't see it clearly already.
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