The words of the Garden of Eden: Original meaning, ancient translations, Jewish and Christian traditions (ONLINE)

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Syllabus

1. The Cosmos and the Initial Creation (Gen. 1)

• The Origins:
  • Gen. 1:1: The creative act. Analysis of re’šit (Heb.), archê (Gr.), and principium (Lat.).
  • Gen. 1:2: The primordial state: Tohu vabohu (formless and void).
• Elements of Life:
  • Gen. 1:2: The Divine Breath over the waters: Ruaḥ and pneuma.
  • Gen. 1:3: The power of the Word. The ten words of Creation: wayommer Elohim.
• Humanity in God’s Design:
  • Gen. 1:22, 26, 28: The three words addressed by God to the first couple.
  • Gen. 1:26-28: Imago Dei: Three different ways the human being is created in the image of God.
• Rhythms and Numbers:
  • The six days of Creation: Symbolism of the numbers 6, 7, and 8.
  • Gen. 2:2-3: The Seventh Day. The finishing of the heavens and the earth (zeva’, kosmos, ornatus) and God’s rest.

2. Man and the Awakening to Life (Gen. 2:4-7)

• Gen. 2:4: The transition: The generations of the heavens and the earth (Toldot, biblos geneseôs).
• Gen. 2:5-7: Biblical Anthropology:
  • Matter: Man formed from the dust of the ground (Hebrew ’adamah, ’adam, and ‘aphar).
  • Water: The mist rising from the earth (Heb. ’ed, Gr. pêgê, Lat. fons).
  • The Breath: The breath of life (nišmat ḥayyim).
• Interiority: Distinguishing the soul, the inner being, and the spirit (nešamah, nepheš, and ruaḥ).

3. The Garden of Delights: Mystical Geography (Gen. 2:8-15)

• The Location:
  • The Garden (Heb. gan and Gr. paradeisos) in Eden.
  • Orientation: Miqedem (In the beginning or in the East?).
• The Trees (Gen. 2:9):
  • Tree and wood: Heb. ‘ez, Gr. xulon, Lat. lignum.
  • The Tree of Life vs. the Tree of Knowledge (knowledge as experience).
  • The first mention of the tree "in the midst of the garden"
• The River (Gen. 2:10-14):
  • The river flowing out of Eden (symbol of the Spirit) and its division into four branches.
  • The land of Havilah and the symbolism of gold.
• The Mission (Gen. 2:15): Placing man in the garden to till it and keep it.

4. Relationship, Language, and Freedom (Gen. 2:16-25)

• Freedom: The first commandment and the exercise of free will.
• Otherness:
  • ‘ezer kenegdo: A helper "in front of" or "corresponding to" him.
  • The deep sleep of Adam and the creation from the rib.
  • Marriage: Leaving father and mother to become one flesh.
• The Language of Innocence:
  • Naming the animals: onoma and logos (naming vs. expressing a thought).
  • The translation of personal and place names in the Bible.
  • Gen. 2:25: Original nakedness without shame.

5. Temptation and the Fall (Gen. 3:1-13)

• The Antagonist: The most subtle of creatures, the "serpent of the beginning."
• The Mechanics of Sin:
  • Gen. 3:1-5: The seven lies of the serpent.
  • Gen. 3:6: The awakening of concupiscence and the three temptations.
  • The Tree: The second mention of the tree "in the midst of the garden."
• Immediate Consequences:
  • Eyes opened to an unveiled nudity.
  • The fig leaves.
• The Divine Inquiry:
  • The voice and the "walk" of God in the garden.
  • The third mention of the trees "in the midst of the garden."
  • The Question: "Where are you?" and Adam’s fear.
  • The Cycle of Blame: Adam and Eve’s excuses.

6. Judgment and the Promise of Hope (Gen. 3:14-24)

• The Sentences:
  • The curse of the serpent and the enmity with the woman.
  • The "Protoevangelium": "He shall bruise your head."
  • Childbearing pain and the mystery of tešuqah (desire).
  • Toil and the return to dust.
• Signs of Mercy:
  • The Ark, the Woman, and the Tree of Life as interconnected signs.
  • Naming Eve: "Mother of all living."
  • The "Garments of skin" provided by God.
• The Exile:
  • Becoming "like one of us" through the knowledge of good and evil.
  • Man barred from the Tree of Life and expelled from Eden.
  • The Guardians: The Cherubim and the flaming sword.