The Meaning of tohu: Emptiness in Scripture

The Meaning of tohu

The Hebrew term 'tohu' (תֹּהוּ) is central to understanding the biblical portrayal of primordial chaos.

Literally meaning 'emptiness' or 'formless waste,' 'tohu' is used in Genesis 1:2 to describe the earth as 'without form and void' (tohu va-vohu), emphasizing a state of unordered, uninhabitable desolation. This phrase highlights the pre-creative condition of the cosmos, where no structure or life existed. The pairing of 'tohu' with 'bohu' (without form) reinforces the idea of a chaotic void awaiting divine ordering.

By framing the earth’s initial state as 'tohu,' Genesis establishes a narrative contrast between formlessness and the subsequent creation of order. This foundational use of the term shapes its later symbolic resonance in biblical literature.

tohu in Genesis 1:2 and Creation

In Genesis 1:2, 'tohu wa-bohu' (תֹּהוּ וָבֹהוּ) frames the earth’s primordial state as formless and chaotic, setting the stage for divine creation.

The phrase 'the earth was without form and void' (Genesis 1:2) evokes a realm lacking structure, life, and divine purpose. This state contrasts sharply with the ordered cosmos God later brings into being, emphasizing creation’s dependence on His active intervention. Scholars debate whether 'tohu' implies a raw, neutral material awaiting shaping or a hostile, meaningless void, but both interpretations underscore the necessity of God’s ordering power.

God’s transformation of 'tohu' begins with the command, 'Let there be light' (Genesis 1:3), initiating a rhythmic, purposeful sequence that imposes order on chaos. The Spirit of God hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2) suggests a dynamic engagement with the formless state, while the repeated 'and it was so' (Genesis 1:7, 15, etc.) affirms His sovereign authority. By naming and separating elements - light from darkness, water from land - He imbues the cosmos with structure and meaning, turning 'tohu' into a habitable world. This transition highlights creation as an act of redemption, not ex nihilo, but ex tohu.

The contrast between 'tohu' and the completed creation underscores God’s role as the source of order and life. Theologically, this narrative establishes a framework for understanding divine sovereignty over chaos, a theme that resonates in later biblical texts addressing restoration and renewal.

Other Biblical Uses of tohu

Beyond Genesis, 'tohu' appears in Isaiah and Jeremiah, where it conveys themes of divine judgment and human failure.

In Isaiah 45:18-19, God declares, 'I did not create the heavens and the earth in tohu' (Isaiah 45:18), contrasting His purposeful creation with the formless void of Genesis to affirm His sovereignty over chaos. This passage underscores that divine acts are never in vain, rejecting the idea that creation or covenantal promises are meaningless.

Jeremiah 14:7-8 laments, "The land is a desolation. It is a great waste, a ruin of the city" (Jeremiah 14:7), linking 'tohu' to human sin and its consequences. Here, the people plead for restoration, recognizing that the land’s desolation stems from their covenant unfaithfulness. These verses expand 'tohu' from a primordial state to a symbol of brokenness requiring divine intervention, bridging Genesis’s creative order with the need for renewal in history.

Putting 'tohu' into Practice

Understanding 'tohu' offers modern readers a theological lens to interpret personal and societal chaos, anchoring them in the biblical narrative of divine order emerging from formlessness.

In Genesis 1:2, the earth’s 'tohu and bohu' (without form and void) mirrors human experiences of disorder - whether in broken relationships, systemic injustice, or existential uncertainty. Yet God’s creative action (Genesis 1:3) demonstrates His power to transform emptiness into purpose, inviting believers to trust in His redemptive work. This framework reassures that even in life’s 'formless' seasons, divine order is at work.

The contrast between Genesis 1:2’s chaos and God’s sovereign creation (Genesis 1:1) underscores His mastery over disorder. Modern readers can apply this by viewing struggles through the lens of God’s ultimate redemption, finding hope in His ability to bring meaning from 'tohu' and renewal from ruin (Isaiah 45:18-19).

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of 'tohu' in Genesis 1, consider exploring related terms that frame the creation narrative.

Study 'bohu' (Genesis 1:2), which pairs with 'tohu' to describe the earth's formless state. Examine 'bara' (Genesis 1:1), the divine act of creating order from chaos, and 'ruach' (Genesis 1:2), the Spirit of God hovering over the formless void, symbolizing divine presence and power.