Background, Genesis and Exodus

Marcion

Early Christian teacher who rejected the Old Testament and believed the God of the Old Testament was different from the God of the New Testament.

Masoretes

Jewish scholars who preserved, copied, and added vowel markings and pronunciation notes to the Hebrew Bible.

Masoretic Text

The traditional Hebrew text of the Old Testament preserved by the Masoretes.

Torah

The Hebrew word for “Law”; refers especially to the first five books of the Old Testament.

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Books of Moses

Another name for the Pentateuch, traditionally associated with Moses.

Law

Another name for the Torah or the first five books of the Old Testament.

Tanakh (TaNaK)

The Hebrew Bible, divided into Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim.

Torah

“Law”; the first section of the Hebrew Bible.

Nevi’im

“Prophets”; the second major section of the Hebrew Bible.

Ketuvim

“Writings”; the third major section of the Hebrew Bible.

Typology

A biblical pattern in which a person, event, or object in the Old Testament points forward to something later, especially in the New Testament.

Septuagint

An ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.

LXX

The Roman numeral 70; commonly used as another name for the Septuagint.

Covenant

A formal agreement or relationship established between God and people.

Enuma Elish

An ancient Babylonian creation story involving the gods and the creation of the world.

Gilgamesh

An ancient Mesopotamian epic that includes a famous flood story.

Atrahasis

An ancient Mesopotamian story containing a creation account and a flood narrative.

Documentary Hypothesis

A theory that the Pentateuch was compiled from several different written sources.

Yahweh

God’s personal covenant name revealed to Moses; connected to the phrase “I am who I am.”

Elohim

A Hebrew name for God used frequently in Genesis and the Old Testament.

Bereshith

Hebrew meaning “In the beginning”; the opening words and Hebrew name associated with Genesis.

Sabbath

The seventh day of the week, set apart as a day of rest following God's creation work.

Toledoth

A Hebrew term meaning “generations,” “account,” or “history”; used as a structural phrase in Genesis.

Image of God

The biblical idea that human beings were created in God’s image, giving humanity a unique status and responsibility in creation.

Protoevangelium

“First Gospel”; traditionally refers to Genesis 3:15 and its promise of eventual victory over the serpent.

Ziggurat

A large stepped temple structure common in ancient Mesopotamia.

Nephilim

Mysterious figures mentioned in Genesis 6, described as powerful or renowned beings associated with the period before the flood.

Teraphim

Household gods or idols, such as those mentioned in the story of Rachel.

Theophany

A visible or otherwise direct manifestation of God to humans.

Antediluvian

Meaning “before the flood”; referring to the time before Noah’s flood.

Post-diluvian

Meaning “after the flood.”

Exodus

A departure or journey out; specifically, Israel’s departure from slavery in Egypt.

Theophany

A visible manifestation of God, such as God appearing to Moses.

Yam Suph

Hebrew term commonly translated “Sea of Reeds”; associated with the body of water crossed by Israel during the Exodus.

Merneptah Stele

An Egyptian inscription from the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah that contains one of the earliest known references to Israel.

Shekinah

A term used to describe God’s dwelling or presence among his people.

Lex Talionis

“Law of retaliation”; the principle commonly expressed as “eye for eye” in biblical law.

Passover

A feast commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt.

Unleavened Bread

Bread made without yeast; associated with Israel’s hurried departure from Egypt and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Pesach

The Hebrew name for Passover.

Tabernacle

The portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Book of the Covenant

The collection of laws and covenant regulations given to Israel following the Sinai covenant.

Pentecost

A later name associated with the Feast of Weeks.

Feast of Weeks

An Israelite harvest festival also called Shavuoth.

Shavuoth

Hebrew name for the Feast of Weeks.

Feast of Tabernacles

A major Israelite feast celebrating the harvest and remembering Israel’s wilderness experience.

Booths

Temporary shelters associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.

Ingathering

A term associated with the gathering of the harvest.

Succoth

Hebrew name associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.

Manna

The food God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness.

Urim and Thummim

Objects associated with the high priest that were used in seeking God’s guidance; the terms are often translated “lights and perfections.”

Yahweh

God’s personal covenant name revealed to Moses.

Inspiration

The belief that Scripture was given through God's guidance or influence.

Authority of Scripture

The idea that Scripture has a unique role and authority in teaching God's truth.

Old Testament

The first major section of the Christian Bible and the Scriptures of ancient Israel.

New Testament

The second major section of the Christian Bible, centered on Jesus and the early Christian church.

Hebrew Bible

The collection of Jewish Scriptures that Christians generally call the Old Testament.

Covenant

A binding relationship or agreement between God and people.

Patriarchs

The major ancestral fathers of Israel, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Promised Land

The land God promised to Abraham and his descendants, associated with Canaan.

Tabernacle

Israel’s portable place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence during the wilderness period.

Ten Commandments

The foundational commandments God gave Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai; they are found in Exodus 20.

Sinai Covenant

The covenant God established with Israel at Mount Sinai.

Golden Calf

An idol made by the Israelites while Moses was on Mount Sinai, representing a major act of disobedience.

Passover Meal

The meal commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, including lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.

The Promised Land

Canaan, the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants.