The phrase Tohu wa-Bohu (תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ) appears in Genesis 1:2 to describe the state of the world before God’s creative act:
“The earth was formless and void (Tohu wa-Bohu), and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)
This phrase is often translated as “formless and void” or “wild and waste,” but its deeper meaning carries profound philosophical and theological implications. Far from signifying mere nothingness, Tohu wa-Bohu reflects a state of chaotic disorder, an unformed reality awaiting divine order. By exploring the Hebrew meaning of these words and connecting them to biblical themes, philosophy, and even chaos theory, we uncover a profound message: God’s sovereignty is not only about His ability to create order out of chaos but also about reigning over chaos itself!
The Hebrew Meaning of Tohu wa-Bohu
1. Tohu (תֹהוּ) – Formless Chaos
In Hebrew, Tohu conveys a sense of confusion, disorder, or emptiness. It appears in other biblical passages where it refers to desolation and futility:
- Isaiah 45:18 – “God did not create the world to be a wasteland (Tohu), but to be inhabited.”
- Deuteronomy 32:10 – “He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling waste (Tohu).”
- Job 12:24 – “He makes them wander in a trackless waste (Tohu).”
2. Bohu (בֹהוּ) – Empty Desolation
Unlike Tohu, the word Bohu appears only three times in the Bible and is always paired with Tohu (Genesis 1:2, Isaiah 34:11, Jeremiah 4:23). It refers to a chaotic state of emptiness, ruin, or devastation.
Thus, Tohu wa-Bohu describes a disordered, unformed, and barren reality—not a total void, but something awaiting divine structure and meaning.
Chaos Theory and the Limits of Human Control
1. The Unpredictability of Chaos
Modern chaos theory suggests that complex systems—like weather, economies, or human history—are highly sensitive to small changes, making them unpredictable. This is known as the butterfly effect: slight variations in initial conditions can lead to dramatically different outcomes. Despite our technological advancements, human beings can never fully control or predict chaos.
2. The Failure of Human Order
Since ancient times, humans have attempted to impose order on chaos:
- The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) – Humanity sought to control their destiny and defy God’s order, resulting in confusion and dispersion.
- Every empire and civilization in history has tried to establish permanent order, yet all have crumbled into ruin.
- Even modern advancements in AI, genetic engineering, and economic models reveal that human attempts at control eventually fail under the weight of unpredictable variables.
Thus, Genesis 1:2 is not just about primeval creation; it is a timeless reality—human efforts to control chaos will always fall short.
The Necessity of a Sovereign Order
If chaos is inevitable in human systems, we are left with two possible conclusions:
(A) The world is ultimately meaningless and, when considering the second law of thermodynamics, is destined for destruction (nihilism).
(B) There exists a higher Order that governs chaos and sustains meaning.
1. Biblical Proof of God’s Order Over Chaos
The Bible does not depict chaos as an equal force to God—it is something He reigns over and subdues:
- Genesis 1:3 – God speaks, and light breaks through the chaos, establishing order.
- Job 38-41 – God challenges Job: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” He reminds Job that chaos (represented by Leviathan and Behemoth) is under divine control.
- Mark 4:39 – Jesus calms the storm with a command: “Peace, be still!” demonstrating mastery over chaos.
- Romans 8:28 – “God works all things together for good”—even chaotic events are part of His plan.
“Order Over Chaos“ vs. “Order Out of Chaos“
Many mystical and esoteric traditions teach “order out of chaos” (Ordo Ab Chao), which implies that chaos is a necessary tool for transformation. This is a fundamental concept in alchemy, Freemasonry, and certain occult teachings.
However, the biblical worldview is different:
- God does not merely create order from chaos; He reigns over chaos because He is Order itself.
- Tohu wa-Bohu is not a force to be harnessed but a disorder that God subdues according to His will.
- The occult view sees chaos as a creative necessity (like the phoenix rising from the ashes), while the biblical view sees chaos as a potentially destructive force to be tamed, a raw, unshaped reality, a challenge to divine order, and even a rebellion that God brings into submission.
How to Live in ‘Order Over Chaos’
Sometimes, we can bring order to chaos—like tidying up a messy teenager’s bedroom. But more often, chaos finds us in ways beyond our control—an unexpected illness, a sudden accident, financial ruin, political upheaval, or the betrayal of someone we trust.
When chaos disrupts our lives, we have a choice: we can panic and let fear take over, or we can lean on the One who reigns over all things—even chaos itself.
Recognizing Chaos as a Temporary Disruption
Chaos exists in everyone’s lives but is not the final reality—it is something that God’s order will ultimately overcome (Revelation 21:1, 1 Corinthians 14:33). Just because life feels out of control doesn’t mean God is not in control (Isaiah 41:10).
Anchoring in a Higher Reality
Faith in God’s sovereignty keeps us from reacting to chaos emotionally (Proverbs 3:5-6). Truth does not shift with circumstances—God’s Word remains firm (Matthew 24:35)
Practicing Internal Order
Spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, study, Sabbath) help us stay grounded (Philippians 4:6-7). Developing mental clarity helps resist anxiety, confusion, and despair (2 Timothy 1:7).
Letting Go of Control
Surrendering to God’s plan rather than fighting against chaos allows peace (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 46:10).
Waiting Out the Storm
Life’s chaos is temporary. God’s order outlasts the storm (Romans 8:28). Instead of fearing instability, we can trust that God’s hand guides everything (Isaiah 26:3)
Conclusion
Chaos Theory serves as a powerful apologetic for God, revealing that human attempts to control chaos inevitably fail, while the emergence of order in the universe—through fine-tuned physics and biological systems—suggests an underlying intelligence. The Bible affirms that chaos is not eternal; rather, God’s order prevails. The most effective response to chaos is not to grasp for control but to trust in God’s sovereignty. Thus, Tohu wa-Bohu is more than just an ancient depiction of a pre-creation state—it is a reminder that Divine Order reigns over life’s uncertainty. Chaos is a reality, but it is not ultimate—Order Above Chaos is.
Written by Anastasia and Eitan Bar
