The phrase ἐν ἀρχῇ begins the Septuagint with a striking grammatical choice — a preposition ἐν followed by a dative singular feminine noun ἀρχῇ, meaning “beginning.” Notably, it lacks a definite article, unlike its classical counterpart ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ which would be expected in Attic prose.
This anarthrous use opens interpretive and theological space. Grammatically, the omission likely reflects Semitic influence, mirroring the Hebrew בְּרֵאשִׁית (bəreshit), which is likewise without an article. Linguistically, it signals an absolute beginning — not just a specific, known beginning in time, but the very commencement of time itself.… Learn Koine Greek
