בראשית
Bereshit
The English phrase "genesis" is translated into Hebrew as בראשית (Bereshit).
בראשית is used as the name for the first book of the Torah/Bible. It also refers to the origin, start or the point at which something comes into being.
Meaning: the origin, start, or point at which something comes into being (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of the preposition ב (in) and the noun ראשית (beginning).
How do you pronounce it?
Bereshit
When do people say it?
The term literally translates to "in the beginning."
Did you know?
- The word בראשית is built from ראשית, which is closely related to the Hebrew word for 'head'.
- In Hebrew tradition, the name of the book of Genesis is derived solely from its very first word, a naming convention used for all books of the Torah.
- Ancient commentators like Rashi were puzzled by the lack of a definite article in בראשית, leading to centuries of debate over its exact grammatical structure.
Examples in context
- הילדים לומדים על בְּרֵאשִׁית בבית ספר הדתיThe children are learning about Genesis at the religious school.
Example conversation
Daniel and Rotem are discussing a history project.
- דניאל Danielרוטם, איפה נמצא בראשית הרעיון?Rotem, eifo nimtsa bereshit haraiyon?Rotem, where was the origin of the idea?
- רוטם Rotemהכל התחיל בשיחה אחת.hakol hitkhil besicha akhat.It all started with one conversation.
- דניאל Danielאני רוצה לכתוב על בראשית התקופה.ani rotse likhtov al bereshit hatkufa.I want to write about the genesis of the period.
- רוטם Rotemזה נשמע כמו רעיון מצוין.ze nishma kemo raiyon metzuyan.That sounds like a great idea.
