Exploring the Bible: Metanarrative, Creation, Fall, and Abrahamic Covenant

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts, literary divisions, theological definitions, structural models, and historical narrative arc from Genesis 1 through 25.

Metanarrative

A synthesis or linking of stories that forms an overarching story, philosophy, or worldview; a master plot or archetypal story governing constitutive stories.

Covenant

An agreement enacted between two parties in which one or both make promises under oath to perform or refrain from certain actions stipulated in advance.

Covenantal Metanarrative

The overarching story of God and His people to which the individual biblical stories bear witness.

Biblical Story Flowchart

The sequential historical arc of the biblical metanarrative, progressing from Creation and Ancestral Narrative through the Kingdom, Exile, Jesus, the Church, and New Creation.

Old Testament

The Hebrew Bible and sacred text of Israel, known to Jesus and early Christians, serving as the first testament (covenant) of the Christian Bible.

TaNaKh

The traditional three-part canonical division of the Hebrew Bible, representing the Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Exodus and Exile

The two central historical events around which the overarching Old Testament story is anchored.

Torah (Pentateuch)

The first major section of the Old Testament—comprising Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—centered on the partial fulfillment of divine promises regarding posterity, relationship, and land.

Primeval Narrative

Genesis chapters 1–11, covering cosmic and human origins including Creation, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel.

Ancestral Narrative

Genesis chapters 12–50, detailing the patriarchal origins of Israel through Abraham (chs. 12–25), Isaac (chs. 25–26), Jacob (chs. 27–36), and Joseph (chs. 37–50).

Ancient Near Eastern Cosmology

The ancient three-tiered cosmological model depicting a solid dome firmament (Raqia), waters above, windows/portals, the earth set on pillars, and Sheol located in the deep below.

Enuma Elish

A Babylonian creation story compiled c. 1100 BCE featuring Tiamat, Apsu, and Marduk, in which humans are created from Kingu's blood to work for the gods.

Creation Week Framework (Days 1–3 vs. 4–6)

The two-column structural framework in Genesis 1 where Days 1–3 establish environments (Light, Sky/Water, Land/Vegetation) and Days 4–6 populate them with inhabitants (Luminaries, Birds/Fish, Animals/Humans).

Four-Fold Primeval Narrative Pattern

The recurring narrative structure in Genesis 1–11 consisting of Sin, Divine Speech (pronouncement of judgment), Mitigation, and Punishment.

Temptation Motifs in Genesis 3

The three aspects of human desire highlighted during the Fall (Gen 3:5–6): good for food (appetite), delight to the eyes (beauty), and desirable for making wise (pride).

Parity Treaty

An Ancient Near Eastern covenant enacted between equals, where both parties contribute to the agreement and bear equal obligations.

Suzerainty Treaty

An Ancient Near Eastern treaty between a superior party (suzerain) and an inferior subordinate (vassal), featuring explicit stipulations, blessings, and curses.

Call of Abram

God's command in Genesis 12 for Abram to leave his family, land, and local/clan gods in exchange for divine promises of land, descendants, and national/global blessing.

Genesis 17 Covenant Requirement

The institution of circumcision as the mandatory physical sign of the everlasting covenant made between God and Abraham's descendants.

Binding of Isaac (Gen 22)

The divine test of Abraham's faith and fear of God, where God commands him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice before intervening to provide a substitute.