Genesis 1:2

Authorized King James Version

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָאָ֗רֶץ

H776

And the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָיְתָ֥ה

H1961

was

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תֹ֙הוּ֙

H8414

without form

a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

וָבֹ֔הוּ

H922

and void

a vacuity, i.e., (superficially) an undistinguishable ruin

וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְ

H2822

and darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

עַל

H5921

upon

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תְה֑וֹם

H8415

of the deep

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

וְר֣וּחַ

H7307

And the Spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#10

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

מְרַחֶ֖פֶת

H7363

moved

to brood

#12

עַל

H5921

upon

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#14

הַמָּֽיִם׃

H4325

of the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Genesis's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline