Creation of man Quote by Celso Cukierkorn
““In describing the creation of man, the Torah says, “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the earth and blew into him the breath of life.” It’s interesting to note that the Hebrew word for formed, which is vayiezer, was misspelled in the Bible, having used the Hebrew letter iud twice. The word vayiezer can also mean inclinations, and from what we understand, when man was formed, he had inside of him two completely different inclinations.””
About This Quote
The passage notes a textual variant in Genesis where the Hebrew word for “formed” (vayiezer) is misspelled, and its alternate meaning “inclinations” suggests humanity possesses dual drives from creation.
In simple terms: A misspelling reveals a deeper meaning about human nature’s two inclinations.
Key Takeaway
Consider the dual inclinations within yourself.
Themes
theology
philosophy
psychology
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal introspection
- ethical decision making
- spiritual study
Key Concepts
Duality of human nature
scriptural interpretation
Hebrew linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see evidence of dual inclinations in your life?
- How does language shape theological concepts?
A Different Perspective
The claim about the misspelling is disputed among scholars.
