Genesis, Exodus, and Key Biblical Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering the literary sources, theological themes, and key terms introduced in the lecture on Genesis and Exodus.

J Source (Yahwehist)

A 10th-century BCE source in the Hebrew Bible that refers to God as Yahweh, depicting God as relational, personal, and anthropomorphic.

P Source (Priestly Source)

A 6th-century BCE source written during the Babylonian Exile that refers to God as Elohim, emphasizing order, worship, ritual purity, and structured creation.

Elohim

A plural Hebrew word meaning gods or God, used by the Priestly source to refer to the divine creator.

Yahweh

The proper name for God used by the J source, typically rendered as LORD in all capital letters in English translations.

Righteousness

The goal for human beings across Genesis and Exodus, defined as being in right relationship with God, with other people, and with the surrounding world.

Logos

The Greek word for word or reason, used in the Septuagint to describe God's creative word and later associated with Jesus in Christian theology.

Ruach

The Hebrew word for breath, spirit, or wind, referring both to the spirit of God hovering over the waters and the breath breathed into human beings to impart life.

Covenant

A bilateral relationship between two parties (equals or unequals) where each side makes legally binding promises, often accompanied by a physical sign.

Torah

The section of the Hebrew Bible centered on divine law and covenants, derived from the Hebrew word for law or instruction.

Election

The theological concept wherein God intentionally chooses specific individuals or a group of people, such as Abraham's lineage or Moses, to protect them and carry out a divine purpose.

Decalogue

The formal title for the Ten Commandments, derived from Greek roots meaning ten statements or ten words.

Midrash

A tradition within Jewish biblical interpretation consisting of supplementary stories created to explore and answer unresolved questions within the scriptural text.