Attention is drawn to two recently published and widely acclaimed modern translations of the first book of the Bible. After mention of two reasons for the traditional translations of Genesis 1:1-3, two reasons (cultural and grammatical) are given for sweeping alterations in the traditional expressions. Careful examination of each clause found in the verses under discussion is presented with clear references made to rules normally followed in Hebrew syntax. The author meets objections of gap theorists which he anticipates as consequential to discourse on the meaning of verse one and verse two and the relationship of each to verse three. He concludes in the affirmative that these opening verses of Genesis do teach a creation out of nothing.