Unveiling the Meaning Behind the Creation Story: A conversation with Jared Lambert

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Jan 6, 2026

Jared Lambert, a historical linguist of the ancient Near East and Hebrew Bible, and former lead linguist over sacred materials, explores Genesis through etymology and temple theology. He reexamines words like bereshit and bara. He reframes Adam and Eve, discusses Elohim as a divine council, and connects Genesis to temple drama, ritual roles, and how translation shaped biblical tradition.

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ADVICE

Use Original-Language Resources

Use Hebrew and accessible resources (e.g., Bible Hub) to explore original word meanings rather than relying solely on translations.
Expect proto-Hebrew to be polysemic and concept-driven, so read scripture with conceptual flexibility.

INSIGHT

Genesis As Reframed Cultural Narrative

Ancient Near Eastern creation stories were reused and reshaped to teach unique theological lessons.
Jared Lambert shows Genesis borrows familiar motifs but reframes them into a loving, covenantal temple message.

INSIGHT

Words Shift Theology And Cosmology

Key Hebrew words change common assumptions: bara means to form, not create from nothing, and bereshit frames a story's opening.
Elohim is etymologically plural, pointing to a council-like, relational divine concept rather than strict Trinitarian monotheism.

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Jared Lambert is a historical linguist specializing in the ancient Near East and the Hebrew Bible. He is a former military linguist in the United States Army and previously served as the lead linguist over sacred materials for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, working directly with temple-related content. Jared holds multiple degrees across linguistics, history, and religious studies and is currently completing his PhD in historical linguistics. His work focuses on diachronic language development, temple theology, and the ways translation, symbolism, and later theological frameworks reshaped earlier biblical traditions, particularly surrounding covenant, priesthood, and the Divine Feminine. He teaches courses on biblical language and symbolism and creates public-facing content aimed at helping modern readers approach scripture with greater historical and linguistic clarity.

I was excited to sit down with Jared and hear his presentation on the creation story—especially as we’re just beginning the Old Testament in Come Follow Me, which opens with this account. Through a linguistic lens, Jared explores the ancient text’s etymological roots, revealing deeper meanings that resonate with both scientific and spiritual perspectives.

He shares powerful insights into Adam and Eve, the nature of God as understood by ancient Israelites, and a portrayal of God that closely resembles the one worshipped by Latter-day Saints today. Most impactful to me was his reinterpretation of Eve and the essential role she played in humanity’s story.

This conversation was fascinating and left me eager to learn more. We only scratched the surface of Jared’s work, and those interested can explore his classes, where he guides students on a linguistic journey through the scriptures. You can find a sign-up link in the show notes.

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