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Genesis 1:2 - Chaos before Divine order

Genesis 1:2 - בראשית 1:2

Hebrew Text

וְהָאָרֶץ הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ וְחֹשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם׃

English Translation

And the earth was without form and void

Transliteration

Veha'aretz hayta tohu vavohu vechoshech al-pnei tehom veruach Elohim merachefet al-pnei hamayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָאָ֗רֶץ הָיְתָ֥ה תֹ֙הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י תְה֑וֹם וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם׃
וְהָאָ֗רֶץ הָיְתָ֥ה תֹ֙הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י תְה֑וֹם וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding "Tohu vaVohu" (תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ)

Rashi explains that תֹהוּ (tohu) refers to astonishment and desolation, while בֹהוּ (vohu) refers to emptiness. The earth was in a state of chaos before Hashem brought order to creation. This aligns with the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 2:2), which describes "tohu" as a green line surrounding the world and "vohu" as the slimy stones submerged in water—symbolizing primordial disorder before divine intervention.

The Darkness Over the Deep (וְחֹשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם)

The Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that the darkness mentioned here was not merely the absence of light but a tangible, substantive darkness that covered the primordial waters (תְהוֹם, tehom). The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) elaborates that this darkness was one of the seven things created before the world itself, emphasizing its fundamental role in the order of creation.

The Divine Spirit Hovering (וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת)

Rashi interprets רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים (ruach Elokim) as the "spirit of Hashem," akin to a bird hovering over its nest, ready to bring forth creation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 2:4) compares this to a dove hovering over its young, symbolizing divine mercy and the preparatory stage before the act of creation. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:2) suggests this "hovering" represents the divine will in motion, setting the stage for the formation of the universe.

Key Themes in Orthodox Interpretation

  • Primordial Chaos: The initial state of the world was one of disorder (tohu va'vohu), requiring Hashem's intervention to impose structure.
  • Divine Preparation: The "hovering" spirit signifies the transition from potential to actual creation, guided by divine wisdom.
  • Pre-Creation Elements: Darkness and the deep (tehom) were foundational elements, as discussed in Kabbalistic and Talmudic sources.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 12a
The verse is discussed in the context of the creation narrative, particularly focusing on the state of the earth before the creation of light and the role of the 'spirit of God' hovering over the waters.
📖 Genesis Rabbah 2:4
The Midrash explores the meaning of 'tohu va'vohu' (without form and void) and the nature of the darkness over the deep, connecting it to the primordial elements of creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'tohu va'vohu' (without form and void) mean in Genesis 1:2?
A: Rashi explains that 'tohu va'vohu' describes the earth in a state of emptiness and desolation before Hashem brought order to creation. 'Tohu' means complete emptiness, while 'vohu' suggests a state of desolation or chaos. This teaches that Hashem created the world from absolute nothingness (yesh me'ayin) and then shaped it into order.
Q: What is the meaning of 'ruach Elokim' (the spirit of G-d) hovering over the waters?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 2:4) explains that 'ruach Elokim' refers to the Divine Presence (Shechinah) preparing to bring structure to creation. Ramban adds that this 'spirit' was like a master craftsman ready to shape the world, symbolizing Hashem's active involvement in forming the universe.
Q: Why does the Torah mention darkness before light in creation?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) teaches that darkness was created first to show that everything—even what appears chaotic—comes from Hashem. This also teaches that light emerges from darkness, just as redemption follows hardship. The order emphasizes Hashem's power to bring clarity from obscurity.
Q: How does Genesis 1:2 relate to our lives today?
A: Just as Hashem brought order from chaos in creation, we learn that our mission is to bring holiness and structure (tikkun olam) to the world. The Sefat Emet teaches that every person has moments of 'tohu va'vohu,' but through Torah and mitzvot, we invite the 'ruach Elokim' to bring purpose to our lives.
Q: What is the significance of water being mentioned before light in creation?
A: Rashi notes that water already existed in some form before the rest of creation (based on Psalms 104:3). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 1:2) compares this to a king building a palace on foundations of water—showing that Hashem's creation defies human logic. Water represents potential, as it can take any shape, just as the world was ready to receive Hashem's design.