What makes a Man?

"Let us make man into our Image"
Almost in the very beginning of the Torah we read:
"Then God (אֱלֹהִ֔ים) said, “Let Us make man (נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה אָדָ֛ם) in Our image (בְּצַלְמֵ֖נוּ), according to Our likeness (כִּדְמוּתֵ֑נוּ); and let them have dominion over (וְיִרְדּוּ֩)… all the earth”. God created man in His own image (אֶת־הָֽאָדָם֙ בְּצַלְמֹ֔ו), in the image of God (בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים) he created him (בָּרָ֣א אֹתוֹ֑); male and female He created them (זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם)". (Gen.1:26-27)

Three ways to define a "Man"

First, note that in vs. 26 the word for “man” is literally adam (אָדָ֛ם) – pronounced adam. However, later in the same verse God speaks of letting “them” (not only him) to have dominion over the creatures of the earth. Therefore, “man” (adam) here is mankind (and not Adam). In the very end of vs. 27 this idea is reinforced – “male and female He created them”. Second, the word “image” (צֶ֥לֶם) – pronounced tselem, has the same root like a shadow (צֵל) – pronounced tsel. Just as a shadow looks similar to a subject from which it is cast, human beings resemble God. This idea is repeated by use of the phrase “into his likeness” (כִּדְמוּתֵ֑נוּ) – pronounced kidmutenu. Third, the word “man” (אָדָ֛ם) is connected with the word ground (אֲדָמָה ) – pronounced adamah, which in turn is connected with the word (אָדוֹם) – pronounced adom, which means “red.”

Don't get "Lost in translation"

This example shows you how reading the Biblical texts can give you a new perspective on things we thought we knew! Talk to us and let us guide your first steps in this fascinating and mind opening journey.

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