Biblical Portrait of the Creator: How the Biblical Authors Utilized the Creation Narratives of Genesis 1–2 to Reveal the Creator Throughout the Canon of Scripture

Date

5-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)

Chair

Ashley E. Davis

Keywords

Creator, Creation, Genesis, Genesis 1–2, Intertextuality, creation narratives

Disciplines

Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This dissertation argues that the creation narratives of Genesis 1–2 are utilized by subsequent authors of Scripture to articulate a unified portrait of the Creator throughout the biblical canon. Rather than attempting to resolve modern debates concerning the nature, chronology, or scientific implications of creation, this study adopts a canonical and intertextual approach, examining how language and concepts introduced in Genesis 1–2 are echoed and directly cited across the Old and New Testaments.

Drawing on over six hundred identified intertextual citations, the research categorizes the use of creation references into five primary functions: doxological (worship of the Creator), theological (articulation of God's character and authority), polemical (distinction from idolatry and competing cosmologies), cosmological (description of the ordered and "good" creation), and judgment/restoration (depictions of de-creation and new creation). By tracing patterns of usage across the Torah, Prophets, Writings, and New Testament literature, this study demonstrates that Genesis 1–2 serves as a persistent and unifying motif throughout the entire biblical narrative for understanding the Creator.

Methodologically, the dissertation prioritizes the final canonical form of Scripture, engages key Hebrew and Greek terminology, situates the biblical texts within their broader ancient Near Eastern context, and maintains a high view of scriptural inspiration and authority. The findings reveal that biblical authors consistently employ creation theology and language to affirm God as the sovereign Creator, to call for worship and covenant faithfulness, and to frame both judgment and hope within the larger narrative of creation and redemption.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS