User:Stephen/GapTheoryNotes

This article examines the biblical basis of the Gap Theory of the biblical account of creation, including verses that may argue against the Gap theory. This article may contain novel research.

Foundation of the Gap theory: Waste and Ruin
The Gap theory is based on a translation of the Hebrew words tôhûw and bôhûw in Genesis 1:2 as "waste and ruin". Most modern english translations translate these words as formless and empty. However, some biblical scholars suggest that a more accurate translation is "waste and ruin." This alternative translation, together with supporting bible verses, lead some to the conclusion that the Earth had a previous age, which was made waste and ruin, before the creation in GE 1:3.

tôhûw ve- bôhûw
The Hebrew phrase tôhûw ve- bôhûw (to'·hü ve- bo'·hü ) appears in GE 1:2 and JER 4:23, and is rendered "formless and empty" in the NIV. The phrase tôhûw ve- 'eben bôhûw appears in ISA 34:11. Tôhûw also appears in other bible verses, and we shall examine those as well, but first, lets look closer at the phrase tôhûw ve- bôhûw.

Other uses: Let the bible translate the bible
The following shows how the word tôhûw was translated by two popular English language bibles. Tôhûw occurs twenty times in nineteen verses, while bôhûw occurs three times in three verses, and always in a verse with tôhûw. In the table below, the English words for tôhûw and bôhûw are highlighted as indicated.

Gap Theory accepted by...
This section pending research. If you know the answer to this, please fill in the table (or add denominations). Also, please add references.

Resources

 * Strong's Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon