Genesis is
free on his website and that's where I quoted the MT from (I don't own it myself). his lexicon is
free too and I think there used to be a PDF for free but it looks only for purchase now (but I think you can still google it and find some sources out there).
he unpacks his justification for bara
here. I can't find any accreditation for him and for all I know he has a PhD in Ancient Hebrew or nothing at all, but he speaks with a confidence and explains things in way that you tend to want to agree with him except the hesitation is that no one else is saying it.
While the video makes some good points, (I just watched all of it), it also reveals somewhat of an error in thinking that we should try to render as many words as possible with a single English word in translation, (at least in my opinion). Some of the associated words he mentions for bara can also be understood in the manner of cutting, or cutting down, as mentioned in my previous statements. Covenant is one of those words, just to name one, (berith or briyt). It is one thing to study words and roots: but any conclusions must ultimately be based on scripture context and usage, which I am sure you probably already know and understand.
For another example, if we take his meaning of the word bara as meaning
to fill up, what does that do to Isaiah 45:7? (if we are going to try to stick with that one primary meaning)?
Isaiah 45:7-8 KJV
7 I form the light, and
create darkness: I make peace, and
create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have
created it.
Notice what the Prophet says at the start of verse eight? Why does he say, "Drop down, ye heavens, from above"?
Could Yeshayah be speaking of Genesis 1:1?
Yeshayah 45:7-8
7 I form the light, and
cut down darkness: I make peace, and
cut down evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8 Drop down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together: I the LORD have
cut it down [created it].
This way of understanding may even be seen in the Greek word used for the
foundation of the world. I thought the actual meaning of this word a strange thing until I came to understand the things above. The Greek word is katabole and its root literally means to cast down or throw down. Why would the authors of the scripture choose this word when speaking of the foundation of the world?
Revelation 13:8 KJV
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world.
Simple and brief (Mickelson's) lexicon entries:
G2602 καταβολή katabole (ka-ta-ɓo-lee') n.
1. a deposition, i.e. founding.
2. (figuratively) conception.
[from G2598]
KJV: conceive, foundation
And what is the root, G2598?
G2598 καταβάλλω kataballo (ka-ta-ɓal'-lō) v.
to throw down.
[from G2596 and G906]
KJV: cast down, lay
Elohim cuts down the heavens and the earth: and the earth becomes wasted and empty...