Genesis 1:1

One of the things that I found a bit strange is how many groups, particularly Messianic groups, get confused by the first verse of the Bible. Genesis 1:1 says "In the beginning, G-d created the heavens and the earth." For some reason, Messianic groups get caught on the Hebrew words "Elohim" (G-d) and "barah" (created) and come to the false conclusion that this is proof of the Trinity, a triune god. This false conclusion shows a lack of understanding of Biblical Hebrew.

One of my favorite explanations on this is by Rabbi Dr. J.H. Hertz. Rabbi Hertz was the Chief Rabbi of England who wrote one of the most widely used (if not the most widely used) English translation and commentary of the Torah in the Jewish world. The translation and commentary is often referred to as "the Soncino" since it was published by a company called Soncino.

Here is Rabbi Hertz' commentary on this verse, which elucidates how it cannot possibly be referring to the Trinity:

"God. Heb. Elohim. The existence of the Deity is throughout Scripture assumed: it is not a matter for argument or doubt. Elohim is the general designation for the Divine Being in the Bible, as the fountain and source for all things. Elohim is a plural form, which is often used in Hebrew to denote plentitude of might. Here it indicates that God comprehends and unifies all the forces of eternity and and infinity.

created. The Heb. word is in the singular, thus precluding any idea that its subject, Elohim, is to be understood in a plural sense..."

As Rabbi Hertz explained, it is not possible to read the Trinity into Genesis 1:1 based on the actual Hebrew meaning of the words.