What does the Bible mean, "The earth was void"?
Genesis 1:1 - 2
ESV - 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked May 07 2014
•
kenny davis
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Shelton Seward
Supporter
Genesis 1:2
the earth existed waste ("tohu") and void ("bohu")...
Hebrew: tohu-- lie waste, a DESOLATION OF SURFACE, desert, a worthless thing, in vain, CONFUSION, EMPTY PLACE, without form, NOTHING, vanity, wilderness.
Hebrew: bohu-- to be empty, a vacuity, an UNDISTINGUISHABLE RUIN, emptiness, VOID.
The earth was simply inhabitable for man or any matter. Focus on those words - and realize they're used TOGETHER. "Tohu and Bohu". One connection is to science. When scientist go back millions of years ago - the earth was simply inhabitable, chaos, meteorites everywhere, a mass of chaotic energy -- sort of like, the Big Bang theory, which is not far from the truth. Why not call it an God Awesome Blast?..... Regardless, God created the heavens and the earth IN THE BEGINNING. From that, God began to make the heavens and the earth for six days [Hebrew is "yom" - which can be day, but generally a PERIOD OF TIME]. These 6 "yoms" were for the ordering and making of all. "Evening and Morning" signifying the conditions of that particular "Yom".
Mind boggling how the universe was in the beginning. Moses really attempted to express the conditions of the universe and did well. "Tohu" and "Bohu" together were a great fit.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible