Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

If I am not mistaken, the Hebrew word for "in the beginning" in Bereishit 1:1, could have been reishit. However, the word used was bereshit. It is my understanding that the use of bereshit (reishit with a bet at its beginning) is significant in that, by the inclusion of the second letter in the Aleph Bet, may indicate a second beginning, or a recreation. Is my understanding correct?

share|improve this question
I have done some writing on this word because of the confusing nature of the word "bereishit." It is both a root plus prefix and suffix (reish plus b- and -it) and a complete word on its own marking a specific moment. I can pass info along if you'd like. – Danno Sep 23 '12 at 16:15
Do you have a source or reason to back up your under standing? – JNF Oct 12 '12 at 9:41

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

At least on a basic level, there is no reason why the addition of a bet would signify a second beginning. Furthermore, reishit in Biblical Hebrew cannot mean "in the beginning"; it is an adjective meaning "the first of", and it must be attached to a noun (e.g. "reishit bikkurei admat'cha" - "the first of the fruits of your land").

share|improve this answer
Midrash Raba addresses this point (not directly - but according to commetaries this is the hidden question) – JNF Oct 12 '12 at 9:41
@JNF - By all means, feel free to elaborate and produce your source, maybe even in a new answer. – Fred Oct 14 '12 at 19:42
up vote 2 down vote

The b- means "in". Just as in English, where you can't say "the beginning, such-and-such happened" but rather say "in the beginning, such-and-such happened", in Hebrew you need to say b'reshis not reshis. That's why the b- is there.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.