God's language in Genesis?

[Eddi]

Genesis 1:3 says

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light

He also says stuff in Genesis 1:6, Genesis 1:9, Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:14, Genesis 1:20

But here are my questions:

1. When God spoke in these verses, what language did he use?
2. And who was he talking to? Why did he speak?
3. Also: in what language did Adam and Eve speak to each other in?

 

[dybmh]

It's a great set of questions... According to Judaism, God was speaking in Hebrew. Whom he is speaking to is up for debate. There are legends about it. But, I think it makes most sense that God was speaking to Himself.

Further:

If God creates through speech, and we are created in God's image, then our own choice of words when speaking to each other is rather important, isn't it?

 

[Terry Sampson]

When God spoke in these verses, what language did he use?

The King's English?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

1. It's an anthropomorphism.
2. (a) God only knows. (b) Texting had not been created.
3. Once again the dictum "there is no such thing as a stupid question" is proven wrong.

 

[shunyadragon]

God is not speaking in Genesis. It is an anthropomorphic cultural human view of God speaking. God does not have a language nor a culture as many diverse conflicting human religions claim.

God is God.

We are the fishes and God is the sea.

 

[Eddi]

1. Once again the dictum "there is no such thing as a stupid question" is proven wrong.

So now asking what exactly people believe about something that's central to the creation account of one's religion is stupid???

I was interested in what people have thought about those questions, traditionally

Perhaps I should have worded it differently...

 

[Good-Ole-Rebel]

God is not speaking in Genesis. It is an anthropomorphic cultural human view of God speaking. God does not have a language nor a culture as many diverse human religions claim.

God is God.

We are the fishes and God is the sea.

As a Christian and one who believes both the Old and New Testament are the written Word of God, I believe God is speaking, as it says 'God said'.

As to the language, we cannot know.

The (Genesis) record is given by God as a written record to man. Originally, I believe it was given to Moses. The point being God spoke the creation into existence. He didn't need anyone to be present when He spoke.

Good-Ole-Rebel

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

So now asking what exactly people believe about something that's central to the creation account of one's religion is stupid???

My apologies. Clearly you know something that I don't. So tell me: To which religion is the language used by Adam and Eve "central"?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

As a Christian and one who believes both the Old and New Testament are the written Word of God, I believe God is speaking, as it says 'God said'.

There appears to be three common interpretations:

• He was communicating with Himself.
• He was communicating with the angels.
• He was communicating with the Divine Council.

 

[Eddi]

My apologies. Clearly you know something that I don't. So tell me: To which religion is the language used by Adam and Eve "central"?

I meant that Adam and Eve themselves were central - and that therefore their language was a potential issue

So apologies if I was not clear

 

[shunyadragon]

Don't you have to say, 'you believe God is not speaking'. Every time I speak that clearly of my belief, I get a warning that I can't say that unless I make it clear that that is just my belief.

As a Christian and one who believes both the Old and New Testament are the written Word of God, I believe God is speaking, as it says 'God said'.

As to the language, we cannot know.

No, I do not 'have to say' anything other than what I said. There is absolutely no evidence that Genesis is true as written.

The (Genesis) record is given by God as a written record to man. Originally, I believe it was given to Moses. The point being God spoke the creation into existence. He didn't need anyone to be present when He spoke.

Good-Ole-Rebel

As a Christian of one of many denominations, you simply say what you believe.

Though we cannot 'know' what you believe is true concerning Genesis.

 

[Kelly of the Phoenix]

Edomite?

 

[SalixIncendium]

Once again the dictum "there is no such thing as a stupid question" is proven wrong.

Since it's such a "stupid question," perhaps you will share with the class how Adam and Eve communicated with one another.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I meant that Adam and Eve themselves were central - and that therefore their language was a potential issue

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Good-Ole-Rebel]

No, I do not 'have to say' anything other than what I said. There is absolutely no evidence that Genesis is true as written.



As a Christian of one of many denominations, you simply say what you believe.

Though we cannot 'know' what you believe is true concerning Genesis.

But that is not what you said.

Good-Ole-Rebel

 

[shunyadragon]

But that is not what you said.

Good-Ole-Rebel

Nonetheless what I said stands, no problem.

 

[sojourner]

Genesis 1:3 says

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light

He also says stuff in Genesis 1:6, Genesis 1:9, Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:14, Genesis 1:20

But here are my questions:

1. When God spoke in these verses, what language did he use?
2. And who was he talking to? Why did he speak?
3. Also: in what language did Adam and Eve speak to each other in?

Why ask questions that aren’t pertinent? Nothing about the myth hinges on languages, objects, or grammar and syntax. It’s like contemplating Mozart’s operas and the only thing on your mind is who’s drawing the residuals.

 

[Rival]

Why ask questions that aren’t pertinent?

Maybe they're not pertinent to you. In Judaism the fact that this language is considered Hebrew is significant. It's Lashon Hakodesh, the holy language, and translations of scripture are in some ways considered treasonous.

 

[sojourner]

Maybe they're not pertinent to you. In Judaism the fact that this language is considered Hebrew is significant. It's Lashon Hakodesh, the holy language, and translations of scripture are in some ways considered treasonous.

Except that the myth is much older than Hebrew culture. It comes to the Hebrews from Sumerian myth.

 

[shunyadragon]

Maybe they're not pertinent to you. In Judaism the fact that this language is considered Hebrew is significant. It's Lashon Hakodesh, the holy language, and translations of scripture are in some ways considered treasonous.

This is just one reason that Judaism appeals to an ancient tribal view and cannot address the universal diversity God's relationship with humanity.

God does not speak Hebrew. By the evidence Hebrew evolved quit late fromm more ancient Sinitic spoken and written languages such as Canaanite, Phoenician and Egyptian. Including their names of Gods.