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Структура рассказа о творении мира в первой главе книги Бытия
The article presents a historical-philological commentary and an analysis of the composition of the narrative describing God’s creation of the world (Genesis 1:1–2:3). The creation story, or Hexaemeron, sets the perspective for the entire narrative of the Book of Genesis, from the prehistory of humanity to the patriarchal cycle. This account is distinguished by its carefully structured composition and elevated style. The text, usually associated with the so-called Priestly Code, serves to express key theological concepts and may be described as a liturgical hymn to the one God, to His creative design, and to His care for the world and humankind.
The article, in particular, presents arguments in favor of interpreting the first verse as a temporal clause. Such a reading corresponds to the more ancient understanding of the opening lines of Genesis and aligns well with other parallel texts, not only within the Book of Genesis but also in the Mesopotamian cosmogony Enuma Elish. In analyzing the creation account, the article also considers ancient textual witnesses, primarily the Greek translation of the Bible — the Septuagint — which reflects the reception of the biblical story in the Hellenistic period.