Bara בָּרָא - The Hebrew Word for Create

Genesis 1:1 - The Hebrew word bara in creation

Bara means “to create,” but with a sacred difference - it refers to divine creation, something only God performs. It’s not just forming or shaping; it’s bringing into existence something entirely new, from nothing.

We read in Genesis 1:1 — “In the beginning, God created (bara) the heavens and the earth.” This sets the tone: bara is used exclusively with God as the subject. God created from nothing. This is a creation in the natural world.

In Psalm 51:10  we read, “Create (bara) in me a clean heart, O God…” Here, bara expresses spiritual transformation - a new heart, not a reformed one.

Bara is never used of something created by humans. It’s reserved for God’s sovereign acts: cosmic, spiritual, and miraculous. It implies power, intentionality, and holiness. God doesn’t just make; He initiates existence.

In prophetic texts (e.g., Isaiah 65:17), bara is used for the “new heavens and new earth,” pointing to eschatological renewal. Here he creates it all brand new again for His children to live eternally.

Haven’t we just come full circle from Genesis 1:1 to the new heavens and earth of Revelation 22?

I am longing with all my heart for that time to finally arrive, in the mean time I must “occupy” until He comes or I go by way of the grave.

Blessings,

Leisa