You asked

how do new testament writers refer to this creation account when discussing human nature or the body?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Genesis 2:7

“Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

This verse is part of the second creation account in Genesis, focusing on the intimate formation of humanity. It describes how God uniquely crafted the first human from earth and animated them with divine breath, setting humanity apart from other created beings.

How does this ancient description of our origins inform your understanding of what it means to be human today?

Then — the setting

This account was likely composed during Israel's early history, perhaps during the monarchy (10th-6th centuries BCE) or after the return from Babylonian exile, and reflects an ancient Israelite understanding of human origins. It provides a foundational narrative for human dignity, purpose, and frailty within a monotheistic worldview. The description 'dust of the ground' grounds humanity in the created order, while the 'breath of life' points to a unique divine infusion that gives humans a living soul, distinct from other creatures.

Across the Testaments

This Old Testament passage provides the very foundation for New Testament writers discussing human nature and the body. Paul, in particular, directly references Genesis 2:7 in 1 Corinthians 15:45, stating, 'The first man, Adam, became a living soul.' He uses this to contrast the 'first Adam' (humanity's earthly, mortal nature) with the 'last Adam' (Christ, who is a life-giving Spirit). This comparison highlights humanity's original earthy origins and its potential for spiritual transformation, linking our physical composition to our spiritual capacity.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Genesis 1:26-27
This earlier creation account emphasizes humanity's creation in God's image and role of stewardship.
1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Paul explicitly references Genesis 2:7 when discussing the 'first Adam' and the 'spiritual body'.
Job 33:4
Elihu declares that the 'Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life', echoing the creation theme.

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