WORD STUDY ON Bara

General Definition of arB

     According to BDB, arB is a verb meaning to shape or create: 1. (Qal) to shape, fashion, creates, always of divine activity; or of transformations: a clean heart, new heaven and earth, or nature. 2. (Niphal) be created: the object of creation, whether heaven and earth, creatures, humankind, with reference to birds; with reference to birth: in the place where thou was created; of something new or astonishing: i.e. miracles, new things. In the Piel, it means to cut down, but this meaning will not be discussed in this word study. 3. ArB is also used in the noun form to identify the One who created, whether generic or specific in purpose.

Usage of arB

1.         Verbally, to identify God as the means through which the act occurred-

a.   Concerning nature: the sky, creatures, heaven, and earth

The act of creating something from nothing, or to bring into being that previously did not exist nor could naturally occur apart from divine initiative (Gen. 1:1, 21; 2:3, 4; Ps. 89:12, 104:30; 148:5; Isa. 40:26; 42:5; 43:15; 45:18; Ezek. 21:30; and Amos 4:13). Simply said, matter and time began at Genesis 1:1. Isaiah 45:18 specifically states that there is a purpose in creation. 

b.   Concerning man

The beginning of man in reference to divine activity, not an evolutionary byproduct based on “natural” processes (Gen. 1:27; 5:1, 2; 6:7; Deut. 4:32; Ps. 89:47; Isa. 43:1, 7; 45:12; 54:16; Ezek. 28:15; Mal. 2:10). 

c.    Concerning human skill

Not only did God create man, but also the skills and jobs that a person does (Isa. 54:16). Man did not “evolve educationally”, but was created with gifts and talents that were intended to bring glory and honor back to God. 

d.   Concerning nature and man together

It is used to describe an all-encompassing, creative act that brought the whole of the universe into existence (Ezek. 28:13).

e.    Concerning miraculous acts in nature

Specific acts are described in the Old Testament where God personally intervenes by doing something divine, which defies natural laws (Ex. 34:10; Num. 16:30).

f.    Concerning miraculous acts in reference to man/humankind

God creates not only man in general, but specific men for His purpose as well as uses calamities in order to bring His will to pass (Isa. 41:20; 45:7, 8; 48:7; Jer. 31:22; Ezek. 28:13).

2.         Verbally, to indicate a future act planned as well as done by God

a.   In reference to a future earth

A new heaven and earth will be created, and the old one will be done away (Isa. 65:17).

b.   In reference to a future Zion

New Jerusalem will be transformed by YHVH into a holy city fully worthy of His name and throne (Isa. 4:5). 

c.    In reference to future generations

The purpose of future generations is to bring praise to YAH (Ps. 102:18).

3.         Verbally, the act of transforming from one thing to another

a.   Inside of man individually

David asks God to create in him a clean heart, to transform that which is evil into that which is good (Ps. 51:10). Isaiah describes the change that occurs inside a person based on the goodness of God (Isa. 57:19).

b.   In reference to a man as a people group

Jerusalem will be transformed into a group that rejoices continually in the presence of YHVH (Isa. 65:18). The word arb is used twice in this reference; the first mention indicates that we are to worship YHVH forever “in that which I create”, especially since the former things are remembered no more (Isa. 65:16), which leads God to say, “I create Jerusalem a rejoicing” which is the natural outcome of the new heaven, new earth, and new Zion.

4.         Used as a noun to identify God as the actor

a.   In the general sense of creating everything

We are asked to forget that which is vain and remember our Creator in the days of our youth (Ecc. 12:1).

b.   The Creator of the earth and everything within it

God created “the ends of the earth” which encompasses everything within the earth- creatures, humanity, and nature (Isa. 40:28). 

c.    The Creator of man; specifically a people group

God specifically created Israel with a purpose (Isa. 43:15).

Comparison of arb with rxy

            Rxy also means to form or fashion something; however, unlike the verb arB, rxy also allows for human creativity. An example of this would be the potter using clay to create a vessel (Isa. 29:16). This usage of potter and clay is also used as a word picture to demonstrate God creating Adam from the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7-8). The usage of rxy demonstrates more clearly a purpose for the creation of an item, such as Isaiah 54:17 in which a weapon that is formed against Israel will not prosper. The weapon’s intent was to cause hurt and pain. Several passages also insist that days, situations, occurrences, and occasions are pre-ordained with a divine purpose (Isa. 22:11; 37:26 cf. II Kings 19:25; Ps 139:16). It also refers to those who make graven images (Isa. 44:9; Hab. 2:18). ArB is never used to indicate a human’s act in regards to creation- this word is reserved for God alone.

Conclusions

            Based on this word study, there are some conclusions that can be derived. First, the word arB is only used in reference to an act by God, or God the actor in creation. This act of creation includes the realms of heaven and earth, such as nature, the animal kingdom, and humanity. Genesis 1:1 indicates that God created all that exists, both in the heavens and in the earth; there is nothing that has existed, is existing, or will exist apart from God. The basis for Genesis 1-2 is to declare that before God created, there was nothing preexistent in the universe. This is known as creation ex nihilo. This same thought is carried throughout each use of arB concerning creation, whether nature or humanity. Second, it is used to describe a transformation that cannot occur apart from God, whether it is the heart or a people group in general. Third, in a similar instance, it is used to describe the act of something new replacing something old, in this case the heavens and the earth, as well as Zion will be replaced by new heavens and earth as well as new Zion.