Preposition, be with common (abstract) noun, feminine, singular, absolute, re’shit, lit., 'in beginning.' Though the word is not pointed as definite (i.e., "in the beginning"), it is to be understood as such (for more on this see Relationship between V1 & V2).
The normal pattern of sentence formation in Hebrew is to open with a verb, followed by the subject. This departure from the norm serves to call attention to what is said, that is further heightened by the rhythm of repeating sounds of the first syllable of each word as we move through the sentence: 'b'-'b' (first two words) followed by a series of gutturals afterwards: 'e'-'e'-'e' (third, fouth and sixth), and 'ha'-'ha' (fifth and seventh).
Bereshit, being the first word in the book, naturally lends itself to becoming the title of the book in Hebrew.
Open BDB on be; re’shit
TWOT on be, re’shit
♥ Exercise for Beginning Hebrew Students.
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