Enuma elish and genesis
There are at least five overlapping concepts between the two creation accounts, which show the similarities as well as distinct differences. Both narratives, in some sense, describe: (1) a chaotic primeval state, (2) primordial waters separated into two spheres, (3) the creation of mankind, (4) the concept of “image,” and (5) God/gods enter divine rest in a temple (see table 1.1. below). Both the similarities and dissimilarities shall be briefly expounded.
First, both narratives are similar by describing a chaotic primeval state. In Genesis 1:2a, the author states, “the earth was formless and empty” (w§haœ}aœresΩ haœy§t◊a® t◊oœhu® waœb≈oœhu®).[2] The earth is described as “an empty place, i.e., ‘an unproductive and uninhabited place,’” implying that the earth lacked cosmic-order and created content (cf. Jer 4:23-27).[3] In a similar sense, Enuma Elish portrays a chaotic condition. This state of chaos was because “none of the gods had been brought into being, and none bore a name” (cf. EE I.7-8). Both accounts show a primeval state in chaos. However, there are significant differences that should be mentioned. In the biblical account the state of chaos is not owing to the lack of a god. To the contrary, the opening line in Genesis states, “In the beginning God…” The biblical author assumes the existence of God before any mention of a primeval state of chaos. On the other hand, Enuma Elish specifically shows that the chaotic state is due to the absence of the gods.
The second similarity is perhaps the most interesting correspondence between the two narratives; that is, both describe a division of primordial waters.[4] In the biblical account, it states, “…the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Gen 1:2b, HCSB; italics added). Furthermore, in Gen 1:6-7 the separation of the primordial waters is described: “Then God said, ‘Let there be an
First, both narratives are similar by describing a chaotic primeval state. In Genesis 1:2a, the author states, “the earth was formless and empty” (w§haœ}aœresΩ haœy§t◊a® t◊oœhu® waœb≈oœhu®).[2] The earth is described as “an empty place, i.e., ‘an unproductive and uninhabited place,’” implying that the earth lacked cosmic-order and created content (cf. Jer 4:23-27).[3] In a similar sense, Enuma Elish portrays a chaotic condition. This state of chaos was because “none of the gods had been brought into being, and none bore a name” (cf. EE I.7-8). Both accounts show a primeval state in chaos. However, there are significant differences that should be mentioned. In the biblical account the state of chaos is not owing to the lack of a god. To the contrary, the opening line in Genesis states, “In the beginning God…” The biblical author assumes the existence of God before any mention of a primeval state of chaos. On the other hand, Enuma Elish specifically shows that the chaotic state is due to the absence of the gods.
The second similarity is perhaps the most interesting correspondence between the two narratives; that is, both describe a division of primordial waters.[4] In the biblical account, it states, “…the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Gen 1:2b, HCSB; italics added). Furthermore, in Gen 1:6-7 the separation of the primordial waters is described: “Then God said, ‘Let there be an