Structure of Creation Narrative in Genesis Chapter 1

The article provides a historical and philological commentary and analysis of the story describing God's creation of the world (Genesis 1:1–2:3). The story of Creation, or hexaemeron, sets the perspective for the entire narrative of the Genesis, from the prehistory of mankind to the cycle of the patriarchs. This story is distinguished by its precise composition and elevated style. The text, which is usually associated with the so-called priestly source, serves to express the most important theological ideas and can be called a liturgical hymn to the one God, His creative design and care for the world and man. The article, in particular, includes arguments in favor of understanding the first verse as a temporary subordinate clause. This interpretation conforms with the most ancient understanding of the first lines of Genesis and is well-aligned with other parallel texts not only in the book of Genesis, but also in the Mesopotamian cosmogony Enuma Elish. In studying the history of creation, the article examines ancient textual evidence, primarily the Greek translation of the Bible – the Septuagint, which reflects the reception of biblical history in the Hellenistic era.