Every discussion about whether or not the first word in Genesis should be
understood as definite or indefinite is unfortunately shackled to the
traditional English rendering. The Hebrew makes perfect sense in and of
itself as adverbial. There is no need for any discussion of definiteness. The
definiteness dilemma is purely the figment of English translations.
I suggest a better English rendering, which reflects the Hebrew more closely,
is "At first".
Regards,
GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au