@chaney3
Trinitarian Christians maintain that Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7 are proof-texts of an alleged tri-unity god, but this claim is erroneous. The inference that "Let us make man in our image" ((Genesis 1:26)) refers to the plurality of God is refuted by the subsequent verse, which relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man in His image" ((Genesis 1:27)).
In this verse the Hebrew verb "created" appears in the singular form. If "let us make man" indicates a numerical plurality, it would be followed in the NEXT verse by, "And they created man in their image." Obviously, the plural form is used in the same way as in the divine appellation 'Elohim, to indicate the all-inclusiveness of God's attributes of authority and power, the plurality of majesty. It is customary for one in authority to speak of himself as if he were a plurality.
Hence, Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your counsel what we shall do" ((2 Samuel 16:20)). The context shows that he was seeking advice for himself' yet he refers to himself as "we" ((see also Ezra 4:16-19).
https://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-god-said-qlet-us-make-man-in-our-image/
@ghost-of-a-duke saidThis seems like a common trend with Bible verses and one's already firm, stubborn belief system.
@chaney3
Trinitarian Christians maintain that Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7 are proof-texts of an alleged tri-unity god, but this claim is erroneous. The inference that "Let us make man in our image" ((Genesis 1:26)) refers to the plurality of God is refuted by the subsequent verse, which relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man in His im ...[text shortened]... jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-god-said-qlet-us-make-man-in-our-image/
The verse clearly puts God as plural, which pleases the Trinitarian, yet scares the hell out of Jews, who would need to think twice about who Jesus might be. So what do the Jews do? Dismiss it, and explain it away with an explanation that's really pretty weak.
There are more verses in Genesis that God makes Himself plural. I only provided 2, and will need to research.
@chaney3 saidBut it 'is' the case that the subsequent verse relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man in His image."
This seems like a common trend with Bible verses and one's already firm, stubborn belief system.
The verse clearly puts God as plural, which pleases the Trinitarian, yet scares the hell out of Jews, who would need to think twice about who Jesus might be. So what do the Jews do? Dismiss it, and explain it away with an explanation that's really pretty weak.
There are more verses in Genesis that God makes Himself plural. I only provided 2, and will need to research.
The plurality argument only holds water if 'all' references portrayed God that way. Otherwise, it is merely a language mechanism. (A bit like the Queen saying 'we are not amused.' )
@ghost-of-a-duke saidGenesis 18 English Standard Version (ESV)
But it 'is' the case that the subsequent verse relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man in His image."
The plurality argument only holds water if 'all' references portrayed God that way. Otherwise, it is merely a language mechanism. (A bit like the Queen saying 'we are not amused.' )
18 And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him.
@kellyjay saidThis passage indicates that these men are God, in a temporary human form, as well as two angels (Genesis 18:1). This kind of physical appearance of God is referred to as a theophany. It's not clear whether Abraham immediately understood one of these men to be the Lord or simply saw them as strangers. He hurried toward them and bowed low, a sign of great respect, especially coming from a wealthy and important man. Whomever he thought these men to be, Abraham saw it as his responsibility to greet them warmly and offer them hospitality.
Genesis 18 English Standard Version (ESV)
18 And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him.
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/18/Genesis-18-2.html
@ghost-of-a-duke saidThe Lord appeared to Him, and we see three men. As I said there are hints of this throughout the OT, in the NT we see God in a much more personal manner.
This passage indicates that these men are God, in a temporary human form, as well as two angels (Genesis 18:1). This kind of physical appearance of God is referred to as a theophany. It's not clear whether Abraham immediately understood one of these men to be the Lord or simply saw them as strangers. He hurried toward them and bowed low, a sign of great respect, espec ...[text shortened]... eet them warmly and offer them hospitality.
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/18/Genesis-18-2.html
Trinitarian Christians maintain that Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7 are proof-texts of an alleged tri-unity god, but this claim is erroneous. The inference that "Let us make man in our image" ((Genesis 1:26)) refers to the plurality of God is refuted by the subsequent verse, which relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man in His image" ((Genesis 1:27)).
No, verse 27 does not refute three-oneness. It CONFIRMS it.
"Let Us ... Our Image ... His own image."
@kellyjay saidI think you are just seeing things that aren't there. To see reference of the 3 men as a nod towards the trinity is wrong on so many levels. (And even a profound misunderstanding of the trinity itself).
The Lord appeared to Him, and we see three men. As I said there are hints of this throughout the OT, in the NT we see God in a much more personal manner.
@sonship saidWhy is it not 'our' own image?' Why the switch to the singular?!
@Ghost-of-a-Duke
[quote] Trinitarian Christians maintain that Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7 are proof-texts of an alleged tri-unity god, but this claim is erroneous. The inference that "Let us make man in our image" ((Genesis 1:26)) refers to the plurality of God is refuted by the subsequent verse, which relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man i ...[text shortened]... refute three-oneness. It CONFIRMS it.
"Let Us ... Our Image ... His own image."
@ghost-of-a-duke saidI am simply quoting a scripture to you, if want to suggest angels or someone else is there you are saying things not in the text. For one who thinks the OT and NT are different gods, your opinion on God is not one I can take as a reliable source on that particular topic.
I think you are just seeing things that aren't there. To see reference of the 3 men as a nod towards the trinity is wrong on so many levels. (And even a profound misunderstanding of the trinity itself).