Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Genesis 1:2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 1:2 The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. |
Subject: Time lapse between Gen 1:1 and Gen 1:3. |
Bible Note: Makarios, I know this is an old post, so I apologize. But there is some Scripture that supports the Gap theory. The first important point is the difference between the words 'created' and 'made' in the creation account, I'm sure you know the difference between these two. The Gap theory proposes that Gen 1.1 is the creation of the universe and earth, whereas everything after that, up to the creation of man, is a refashioning of sorts. The purpose of the refashioning is that the original creation was judged for something, the usual suggestion is the fall of satan. What is the support? First, look to Isaiah 45:18, "For thus saith Jehovah that created the heavens, the God that formed the earth and made it, that established it and created it not a waste, that formed it to be inhabited: I am Jehovah; and there is none else." (ASV) Notice that both 'created' and 'made' are used in this verse, so there is a recognition of the difference. It says that GOD didn't create the earth 'void' translated here waste, but it is the same hebrew word used in Gen 1:2, 'and the earth was formless and void' (from memory). Now, you may say, as many have, 'but that is not what Isaiah is suggesting.' Well, that's a matter of opinion, but it is most certainly what Isaiah said! So, this is the reason why this theory should be looked into, not to counter act evolutionists and/or geologist. OK, so there might be a reason to question the exact meaning of Gen 1.1-2, but why the suggestion of judgement? I'm glad you asked! :-) The only other times that 'without form and void' are used as conjuctions speak of terrible judgement via the wrath of GOD! Isa. 34:11, "But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out on it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness." (AKJV; confusion, without form, emptiness, void) Jer. 4.23, "I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light." (ASV; waste, formless) So, we have reason to believe that the earth was not originially created without form and void, and we have reason to believe that the earth was without form and void due to Divine Judgment, which is a wonderful segway to mention that, as you know, 'was' in Gen 1.2 can be rendered 'became'. In addition to this we have the curious use of the word 'made' throughout the Creation account rather than 'create'. And that brings us to your text; Ex. 20:11, "for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Notice that this verse uses the word 'made' not 'created', hence GOD refashioned the heavens and the earth in 6 days, the verse says nothing of when He created it. I see no reason to be dogmatic about something as ambiguous as the Creation account, but others do and it is very important to remember that Scripture should never be presented to unfairly favor one side or another. There are parts and interpretations of the Bible that suggest a young earth, but there are parts and interpretations that suggest an old earth too! So, let GOD inform us completely when He deems appropriate. GOD bless!! chris |