Is there any difference between "from the beginning" and "in the beginning"?

Question

I am not sure if this is correct.

I feel that from the beginning implies something that lasts until now, while in the beginning implies something that only existed at the beginning. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you!

Answer 1

OP is correct.

Except that "from the beginning" is not necessarily "until now." It could just mean from the beginning until a stated end, like:

"from the beginning of the Roman empire until the end of the Roman empire..."

But yes, "in the beginning" is a point in time, (a.k.a. the beginning).

"From the beginning" is a period of time (though not necessarily until now), determined by the use of until (stated end).

Answer 2

Yes, OP is correct. "From the beginning" implies something which lasts until now, while "in the beginning" implies something which existed in the beginning only.

Let me supplement this with an example:

1. From the beginning, we have a three-tier political system.
2. In the beginning, we had a two-tier political system.

Hope the issue is clear now.

Answer 3

To me, "In the beginning" indicates a single point in time, whereas "From the beginning" inticates something on-going. God's creation, therefore, may be viewed either way - a one-time event or an un-ending event. Do the words in Latin, Greek. Hebrew, (or an earlier language), indicate which phrase is the more intended?