The Bible provides two possible answers to this question. These two accounts of human creation present contrasting views on the purpose of humankind in the world. In the first version, God creates man in His image (Tzelem), while in the second version, God fears the resemblance between Himself and His creation. What can we learn from each version?

There are numerous interpretations of these two different creation stories and the beginning of humanity according to the Bible. Why was man created, and what is his status before God? Why did God choose Israel, and what is Israel’s status before God? The macro (all of humanity) and the micro (Israel in particular) serve God in distinct ways.

For those interested in biblical thought, questions often arise spontaneously, leading to new reflections for those seeking the ideas and worldviews that the Bible teaches us. From the two versions, it becomes evident that these stories do not present a single theological approach but rather offer two perspectives on the nature of humanity and its purpose before God.

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