QUESTION 48:
I have a question, in Genesis 1:26, who does the "us" and "our" referred to in this verse?

ANSWER:
In Genesis 1:1, the title "God" is in the Hebrew language "Elohiym" and it is a uni-plural (Hebrew grammar). That is, it is one, yet it is in a plural form. The words "us and our" are plural; they refer to the triune Person of the Godhead. God is One Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4). There is not three Gods, but ONE God expressing Himself in three distinct personalities.

These pronouns most certainly tell us that God is a tripartite Being. Some try to tell us that it refers to angelic beings. These are created beings themselves, and are never said to be in the "image of God," nor are they involved in creation. This same idea is expressed in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall.......and they shall be one flesh." One flesh, yet two people. This same "Elohiym" is translated "gods" many times in the Old Testament (Read Genesis 3:5).

This "us and our" reads throughout the Old Testament. "Go to, let US go down, and there confound there language, that they may not understand one another's speech." Genesis 11:7. "...Whom shall I send, and who will go for US?..." Isaiah 6:8. The doctrine of the triune nature of God is taught throughout the entire Bible. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:13. This is Jesus speaking to John. If He were not God, the phrase "the first and the last" would be blasphemous. This is only used of God. He uses it four times in this book. Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:8 and Revelation 22:13. It is only used otherwise of God Himself. In Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6, and Isaiah 48:12, it is used of God. Jesus is God incarnate. "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh..." 1 Timothy 3:16.

Do you know Him?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen