תֹּ֫הוּ (to.hu)
to.hu
formlessness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tohu describes a state of formlessness, emptiness, or confusion. It appears nineteen times in the Old Testament, most frequently in Isaiah and Job. The term captures the idea of something lacking shape, order, or substance. In Genesis 1:2, it characterizes the primeval earth before God’s creative acts brought structure to the void.
Beyond its physical sense of wasteland or wilderness, tohu carries a figurative weight regarding what is unreal or vain. Prophets use it to describe idols as empty things that possess no true reality. This usage highlights the contrast between the chaotic, unformed state and the purposeful order established by God. Translators often render it as "formlessness," "void," or "vanity" depending on the context.
The word’s theological significance lies in its pairing with tohu in Genesis 1:2, where it is joined with tehom (the deep). Together they depict a chaotic pre-creation state. Isaiah later uses the term to emphasize that God did not create the earth for chaos but for habitation. This distinction underscores the biblical theme of order emerging from disorder through divine intention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tohu describes a state of emptiness or lack of shape. It appears in Genesis 1:2 to show the earth before God brought order. This image reminds us that God is the source of all structure and meaning. When life feels chaotic or empty, this truth offers comfort. We can trust that He brings purpose where there seems to be none.
Prophets like Isaiah also use tohu to describe idols. They call these false gods vain because they have no real power or substance. This contrast helps us see the difference between temporary distractions and lasting hope. True stability comes from God alone, not from things that cannot deliver.
Understanding this word deepens our appreciation for creation. It highlights God’s intentional design in forming the world for habitation. We are invited to rest in His ordering hand. May you find peace knowing that He turns formlessness into a place of dwelling and light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- formlessness3×
- emptiness3×
- in/ a wasteland2×
- and/ emptiness2×
- with <the>/ emptiness1×
- to/ nothingness1×
- like <the>/ nothingness1×
- in the/ wasteland1×
- and/ in/ a wasteland of1×
- a wasteland1×
- [it was] formlessness1×
- [are] nothingness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹּ֑הוּ2×
- תֹ֥הוּ2×
- תֹ֖הוּ2×
- וָ/תֹ֖הוּ2×
- בְּ/תֹ֣הוּ2×
- תֹּ֣הוּ1×
- תֹּ֙הוּ֙1×
- תֹּ֔הוּ1×
- תֹ֙הוּ֙1×
- לְ/תֹ֥הוּ1×
- כַּ/תֹּ֥הוּ1×
- וּ/בְ/תֹ֖הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:2
The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.
This verse establishes the primeval state of the earth before God’s creative acts brought order and life.
-
Isaiah 45:18
For Yahweh who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn’t create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited says: “I am Yahweh. There is no other.
It emphasizes that God created the earth not for chaos but for habitation, highlighting His purposeful design.
-
Isaiah 41:29
Behold, all of their deeds are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.
The term describes idols as wind and confusion, showing their complete lack of reality compared to God.
-
Jeremiah 4:23
I saw the earth and, behold, it was waste and void, and the heavens, and they had no light.
This passage echoes Genesis by describing a restored state of waste and void, reflecting judgment and desolation.