The Berisheet Passover prophecy refers to an interpretation of the Hebrew word “berisheet” in Genesis 1:1. In Hebrew, berisheet means “in the beginning” and is the first word of the Bible. Some believe this word contains a prophecy related to the Passover and the Messiah.
The theory goes like this: The Hebrew word berisheet is made up of six letters – bet, resh, aleph, shin, yod, tav. These letters can have numerical values in Hebrew, with bet being 2, resh being 200, and so on. When calculated, the total numerical value of berisheet is 913.
In the Jewish calendar, Passover occurs on the 14th day of the first month called Nisan. In most years, Nisan 14 lands somewhere between the Gregorian calendar dates of March 15 to April 27. Now, if you take 913 and add the numbers of the Hebrew letters/numbers together (9+1+3=13), you get 13. Then add 1 to equal 14, the date of Passover.
For some, this suggests that encoded in the very first word of the Bible is a prophecy about the date of Passover. And since Passover has connections to the redemption from Egypt tying into the Messiah, some draw a link between the berisheet code and the Messiah.
Here are several key points about this theory:
- It sees meaning in the numerical values of Hebrew letters, an approach called gematria.
- It draws a connection between the word berisheet and the Gregorian calendar date of Passover.
- It links the Messiah with Passover through their common theme of redemption.
- It sees the first word of the Bible as containing an encoded message or prophecy.
However, there are also critiques of this interpretation:
- Gematria is a disputed practice and any meaning from numerology requires caution.
- The first audience of Genesis would not have used the modern Gregorian calendar, so linking it to those dates is conjecture.
- Any linkage between berisheet and Passover seems like reading meaning into the text that’s not readily apparent.
- Searching for hidden codes and prophecies in Scripture is controversial.
So in summary, the berisheet Passover prophecy is an attempt to connect the Hebrew letters of the first word in Genesis with the date of Passover, suggesting foreknowledge of or prophesy related to the Messiah. There are interesting mathematical observations made by its proponents, but also hesitation from some interpreters who see it as making unwarranted connections in the text. As with any complex theory, discernment and grace are needed in analyzing its possible veracity and meaning.
Origins of the Berisheet Passover Prophecy Theory
Where did this idea of a hidden prophecy in the word berisheet come from? Let’s trace some of the history.
Gematria, or finding meaning in the numerical values of Hebrew letters, has been around since at least the time of the Mishnah in the 2nd century CE. Medieval Jewish Kabbalists practiced it as well. So the concept itself has ancient roots.
In the 16th century, Rabbi Michael Adam taught gematria and referenced the connection between berisheet and Passover. But he did not develop the concept into a full theory.
The first full exposition came from Rabbi Tzion Aberdeen in 18th century Europe. He outlined the mathematics behind berisheet equaling 913 and linked this to Passover and the future redemption by the Messiah. His teaching spread through parts of the Jewish community.
In the 19th century, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, who led the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, promoted the berisheet-Passover connection. Followers applied the theory to Schneerson as the long-awaited Messiah. This added to its fame in some circles.
Today, the berisheet prophecy is most closely associated with Messianic Judaism and Hebrew Roots groups – those who follow Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah while retaining elements of Hebrew practice. It is seen primarily as a way to validate Jesus’ messianic role through deeper study of the Old Testament text.
However, it remains a niche theory without widespread acceptance. It illustrates the continuing quest to plumb the depths of Scripture for glimpses of God’s truth across history, whether or not one agrees with the conclusions drawn.
The Meanings and Implications of “Berisheet”
To better understand this theory, let’s look more closely at the word berisheet itself:
- It is a noun construct form, so “In the beginning of.” Beginning of what?
- The rest of Genesis 1:1 clarifies: the beginning of God creating the heavens and earth.
- The focus is less on chronology than setting the context – God began creating everything.
- “Beginning” here is not necessarily an absolute beginning, but the start of a defined action or season.
So at face value, berisheet simply communicates “In the beginning of God’s creating…” This launch point is reinforced throughout Scripture:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:2)
If berisheet contains a hidden prophecy rather than simply meaning “beginning,” some implications include:
- God orchestrated meaning across centuries, intricately weaving messages throughout Scripture.
- Prophecies can have multiple layers, not all obvious at first.
- Great wisdom and planning was required from before time itself.
- Both the Hebrew text and epochs of history were foreknown.
However, we must take care not to invent fanciful theories without tethering to context. Speculation must be avoided. As with any interpretation, wisdom and discernment are key.
Potential Support for the Berisheet Passover Prophecy
Are there solid reasons to accept the proposed berisheet prophecy? Or does proper exegesis reveal otherwise? Here are some potential supports followed by critiques.
Mathematical Foundation
Gematria is well-established in Hebrew interpretive traditions. If the letters can represent certain numbers, then innate meanings tied to those values may be implied. The math behind berisheet equaling 913 seems objectively valid.
However, applying significance to the 913 figure remains subjective. And just because we discovered an interesting mathematical fact doesn’t demand that the original author intended it as prophecy.
Scriptural Hints
A few OT verses may reflect knowledge of the berisheet code long before Christ, implying an intended message. For example:
“He established it and set it in motion. He gave the command and a fixed number of days came into being.” (Sirach 16:26)
This shows awareness of set time periods. However, it is vague and may refer to God’s general work of creation. Other Scriptural “support” requires similar interpretive stretches. The hints are not explicit.
Hebrew scholar commentary
We saw that some Hebrew scholars like Rabbi Schneerson endorsed the prophecy and built elaborate meaning upon it. Should their expertise compel agreement?
While these scholars deserve respect, their theories still require independent analysis. Even among Hebrew and Biblical experts there is extensive disagreement on secondary interpretations removed from core doctrine.
Confirmation bias
If one already believes the detailed prophecy, it’s easy to see multiple validations for it across Scripture and history. But these suffer from confirmation bias, finding proofs that fit one’s presupposition.
Independent, objective examination is required to avoid circular reasoning and selectively validating foregone conclusions. The initial premise must be continually scrutinized without assuming its truth.
Criticisms and Weaknesses of the Berisheet Prophecy
Several critiques raise doubt about the coded prophecy claim in berisheet:
Imposing external meaning
Gematria and numerology were not unknown in Biblical times. If Moses or later writers intended the 913 connection, why didn’t they make this plain? The esoteric meaning seems imposed from outside rather than inherent to the text.
The Passover link also relies on modern calendar dating. The ancient Hebrew year would not correspond directly or viewed 14 Nisan in those terms. The berisheet theory tries to merge disparate systems in ways the original context likely did not.
Scope overemphasis
Even if Passover holds typological connections to Messiah’s redemption, are these central enough doctrines that God would warrant hiding them in the Bible’s very first word? Does this fit the context?
The Scriptural importance of Passover/Messiah is clear enough without encoding it mystically. And the berisheet prophecy seems to stretch the term’s scope beyond its textual focus (beginning creation).
Prophetic pattern
When God implanted prophecies for future events in the OT, He made them fairly explicit through visions, divine encounters, direct promises etc. Prophets directly confronted religious and civil leaders about coming judgement.
In contrast, the berisheet prophecy expects discernment of something that was not overtly revealed. This makes its claims of prophetic messaging unconventional at best from a Biblical precedent perspective.
Scripture suffficiency
The Bible urges against adding or inferring meaning that is not plainly present in God’s Word:
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)
If Moses wanted to tie berisheet to Passover, he could have done so without cryptic numerology. That he did not gives us pause. Imposing hidden symbolism risks speaking beyond Scripture’s intent in a way that veers from its sufficiency and clarity.
Attempts to Refute the Berisheet Passover Prophecy
Some interpreters directly attempt to debunk the proposed coded prophecy in Genesis 1:1. These include:
Moses lacked awareness
Since Moses wrote Genesis before the Tabernacle/Temple system, it’s argued he knew nothing of annual Passover dates hundreds of years in the future. This unawareness makes intentionally encoding that day inconceivable.
However, God could have simply revealed the future dates to Moses through visions or inspiration. Foreknowledge of future events was part of many canonical prophecies. So this particular objection may be weak.
Textual consistency
Genesis already establishes the creation account as an orderly, literal history. Embellishing with mystical symbolism seems inconsistent with the genre. The Messianic/Passover imagery feels alien to the straightforward historical description in the text.
Scripture quoting
The New Testament quotes Genesis 1:1 several times without even hinting at hidden prophecy (Mark 13:19, 2 Peter 3:4, Revelation 3:14). Wouldn’t some apostolic writer acknowledge a coded message about the Messiah rather than just mentioning “the beginning”? Their silence casts doubt.
Overall, the attempt to undermine the berisheet prophecy has flaws. But it highlights reasonable critiques about consistency and lack of clarity in Scripture itself regarding any purported deeper meaning.
Alternative Interpretations of Berisheet
If berisheet simply means “In the beginning” without an embedded prophecy, how else can we understand it? Here are some options:
Literal beginning
As a literal start to the historical record of creation, berisheet grounds the origins account in a sequential unfolding. Rather than symbolic meaning, the text communicates “first this happened, then this…” – a logical starting point.
Christological focus
John 1 shows Christ as creator embodied in the Word present “in the beginning.” Berisheet is less about chronology and more about His eternal nature. Passover symbolism gives way to overtly identifying Jesus as prime mover of creation.
New creation parallel
“Beginning” also links back to berisheet in Isaiah 46:10 – “I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth.” God declaring the end from the beginning points to new creation and restoration.
Grammatical function
As mentioned before, berisheet starts Genesis 1:1 in a construct chain. The grammatical function is setting the scene for the following creative events. The vocabulary choice is less theologically significant than moving the narrative forward.
In the end, the enriched meaning of berisheet beyond “beginning” is uncertain. The strongest views emphasize the straightforward exegetical context rather than exotic theories.
The Significance of Passover in Biblical Theology
Whether or not berisheet encodes Passover typology, the holiday’s prominence in Scripture is undeniable. Why is it so central?
Remembering redemption
Passover commemorates God defeating the final plague on Egypt and delivering His people from slavery. This act of mighty redemption is worth celebrating forever (Exodus 12:14).
Prophetic fulfillment
The Exodus redemption points forward to ultimate salvation from sin in Christ. He is the sacrificial Lamb whose blood allows God’s judgment to “pass over” sinners.
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
Unity with Messiah
Partaking of Passover involves sharing in the symbolic body and blood of the Lamb just as Christians commune with Christ in the bread and wine. We affirm our union with Him.
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)
Covenant remembrance
God instructed Israel to observe Passover as a lasting ordinance (Exodus 12:14). The annual feast reinforces awareness of their covenant as God’s treasured possession.
Passover’s richness shows why it could capture theorists’ imaginations as a subject of coded prophecy. But the holiday’s beauty shines clearest through overt study of Scripture rather than speculative esotericism.
Recommendations for Further Study
For readers desiring more depth on this topic, here are some recommendations:
- Read studies on the Hebrew language and its nuances to better grasp berisheet in context.
- Explore commentaries on Genesis 1:1 from multiple perspectives.
- Learn about the history of gematria and its interpretive role.
- Compare Scripture’s examples of prophecies versus the berisheet theory claims.
- Research Passover in both Old and New Testaments to gain context.
- Look at both Jewish and Christian takes on potential hidden messages.
- Review criticisms of numerology and allegorizing Scripture.
- Stay grounded in teaching on the perspicuity of God’s Word.
This balanced approach can enlighten without venturing beyond the text’s reasonable meaning. Scripture itself, not speculative theories, should form the foundation for biblical understanding.
As always, let the Holy Spirit guide your quest for truth. His wisdom exceed