Linguistics, Genesis, and Evolution—Part 3

The Language of "Waters"

In the book of Genesis, specifically Genesis 1:9, we encounter the phrase "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place...and God called them seas." Interestingly, in Hebrew, the word used for "waters" is always in plural form. This type of word usage is referred to as a "plural of mass" by linguists. This means that certain languages have a special class of words for liquids, such as "water," "oil," or "milk," which tend to be in plural form.

For example, in English, we have the word "molasses," which is an old plural word referring to a kind of treacle. We never use the singular form "molasse." Similarly, in Hebrew, the word for water is always plural. The Hebrew word for water is "mayim," and it does not occur in the singular form.

When translating Genesis 1:9-10, translators face a challenge because the word "mayim" can be understood as both singular ("water") and plural ("waters"). However, another term used in connection with the "waters" in Genesis 1 helps clarify the picture. The term is "yam," which means sea. Unlike "mayim," "yam" does have a plural form, "yamin." Therefore, we can translate the singular form as sea or ocean and the plural form as seas or oceans.

Interestingly, Genesis 1:10 uses the plural form "yamin" (seas) when referring to the gathering of waters, while other examples typically translated as "waters" are from the mass plural (from 1:6 to 1:10). Armed with this knowledge, we can explore whether there are any significant scientific implications in the use of "mayim" and "yam/yamin" in Genesis.

The Pre-Flood Seas

To gain a clearer understanding of the early earth's seas, we can ask whether the planet had one continuous, vast ocean system or multiple separate seas. Another language clue about the pre-flood world can be found in the expression "the waters were gathered together," which is used to describe the waters God made into seas.

This expression suggests that all the water was in one area. Genesis 1:9 mentions gathering the waters "under the sky" into one place so that dry land can emerge. The Hebrew word used for "collect together" is "gavah," and the phrase "one place" is translated as "magom echad." These words imply that there wouldn't be more water than land, and it's possible that the water would be confined to one side of the earth's sphere.

We could envision opposite sides of the earth looking like a logical way of fulfilling the description of water collected together in one area. However, it is important to note that these diagrams are reasoned guesswork. They represent a compromise between the interconnected ocean coverage we see today and a single sea area into which all the rivers of the pre-flood world flowed (Genesis 2:10-14).

Adam's Different World

As we read Genesis 1 and 2 in Hebrew, we gain the impression that Adam lived in a world where continents and seas were different from what we see today. This world could not have transformed gradually through slow and steady evolutionary development into our current state without divine intervention—the catastrophic flood.

Today, in English, we typically use the term "water" without specifying whether it is fresh, salt, or mineral water. However, in examining the Hebrew language used in Genesis, we find a unique perspective on how water was understood. The plural form of "mayim" suggests that it was customary for ancient Hebrew speakers to think of water as a mass rather than a singular entity.

Why This Matters:

Understanding the language used in biblical texts can shed light on the intended meaning behind certain passages. In the case of Genesis 1:9-10, the use of plural words for water ("mayim") and sea ("yam") provides insights into the pre-flood world. This perspective challenges the idea of a gradual transformation of the earth's seas and continents, suggesting instead a different configuration that required divine intervention to bring about the world we know today.

Think About It:

Consider how language shapes our understanding of the world. The Hebrew language's use of plural forms for water and other liquids reflects a different perspective on these elements compared to modern English. How might this linguistic distinction impact our interpretation of biblical passages and our understanding of the early earth? Does it challenge or align with your current beliefs about creation and evolution?