Biblical Hebrew Forum

[K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>]

Richard:

There was a discussion on this very topic a few years ago (I started it)
where I questioned the historic translation that תהו THW means “formless”.
At that time I pointed out that physical objects have form. To go a step
further, carefully fashioned idols have form (Isaiah 41:29, 44:9) while the
earth is not created lifeless, but to be settled (Isaiah 45:18). From
looking at all occurrences, I came to the conclusion that תהו THW means
“lifeless, as in uninhabited”.

Not everyone agreed with me.

As for your second question, the context of the Hebrew text indicates that
verse 2 describes the original condition of the earth that God had just
created, mentioned in verse 1.

As for your theological question, if you wish you can contact me off list,
as here I limit myself to the linguistic and literary structure of the
Hebrew language.

Karl W. Randolph.

On Mon, Jan 11, 2010 at 8:55 PM, Richard <aaa AT endlyss.com> wrote:

> Is it possible that the words Tohu and  Bohu in Genesis 1:2 *could* mean
> that the earth was "waste and desolate" meaning that the planet was already
> created but lay waste and desolate (probably covered with water and ice
> with
> even the sun extinguished) and that God basically remodeled it? ...That
> even
> the plants and animals already had been previously created and were
> reinstated (with appropriate omissions and changes as needed)?
>
> Actually this question could cover the translation of most of the first six
> days. But starting with tohu bohu.
>
> Maybe this question gets too far into theology but I'm wondering if it is
> possible (or impossible) or a legitimate way to potentially view the Hebrew
> this way. I don't have a hard opinion about it but I can't help but wonder.
> I know there may be very strong opinions against this potential view but I
> want to understand from as strictly a Hebrew point of view as possible.
>
> Thanks
>
> Richard Conaway
>
>