Genesis and "Us"

In Genesis 1:26 and 3:22, God is quoted saying "us" (let us) when referring to the creation of man.

This appears to be OT proof to some that the Trinity is truth.

@chaney3 said
In Genesis 1:26 and 3:22, God is quoted saying "us" (let us) when referring to the creation of man.

This appears to be OT proof to some that the Trinity is truth.

How so?

@divegeester said
How so?

"Let us make man in our image".

Who is us?
Who is our?

It certainly raises questions to the singular God.

@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 said
@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/

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.

@chaney3 said
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.

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.' )

@ghost-of-a-duke said
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.' )

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.

@kellyjay said
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.

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, 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.

https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/18/Genesis-18-2.html

@ghost-of-a-duke said
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

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.

@Ghost-of-a-Duke

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 said
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.

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).

@sonship said
@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."

Why is it not 'our' own image?' Why the switch to the singular?!

@ghost-of-a-duke said
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).

I 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.

GoaD has a theology degree and absolutely no axe to grind.

Ghost I respect your knowledge in most matters, thank you for contributing to this topic, albeit from an academic atheist, but still legitimate, perspective.

@chaney3 said
"Let us make man in our image".

Who is us?
Who is our?

It certainly raises questions to the singular God.

No it doesn’t, God could be taking to members of the “heavenly host”. Who knows.

In the bible dozens of times it states absolutely unequivocally: “Hear oh Israel the Lord your God is ONE”

It never says “three” “trinity” “triune” “multiple” or whatever, it says “one” over and over and over again.

Now Christians can either work from that fundamental truth or they can accept a lie.