The term "formless" is often associated with the initial state of creation as described in the Bible. It is a concept that appears prominently in the opening verses of the Book of Genesis, where the earth is described as being without form before God began His creative work.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 1:2 : "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." This verse sets the stage for the creation narrative, indicating that the earth initially lacked structure and order. The Hebrew words used here are "tohu" (formless) and "bohu" (void), suggesting a state of chaos or emptiness that God would soon transform.

2. Jeremiah 4:23 : "I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light." In this prophetic context, Jeremiah uses the imagery of a formless and void earth to describe the desolation that would come upon Judah due to God's judgment. The use of "formless and void" echoes the Genesis creation account, emphasizing a return to chaos as a result of sin and disobedience.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "formless" in the biblical narrative underscores the power and sovereignty of God in bringing order out of chaos. It highlights the divine ability to create and shape the universe according to His will. The transformation from formlessness to a structured and ordered creation reflects God's intentional design and purpose.

In the broader theological context, the idea of formlessness can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual state of humanity without God's intervention. Just as the physical world was formless before God's creative act, so too is the human soul without form or purpose until it is shaped by God's grace and truth.

Creation and Order:

The transition from formlessness to form is a central theme in the creation account. God's creative acts in Genesis 1 are marked by a progression from chaos to order, culminating in the creation of humanity in His image. Each day of creation brings further structure and complexity, demonstrating God's meticulous and purposeful design.

Symbolism and Imagery:

The imagery of formlessness is often used in Scripture to convey a sense of desolation or judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's order and design. Conversely, the movement from formlessness to form is a symbol of hope and redemption, illustrating God's ability to restore and renew.

Application in Christian Life:

For believers, the concept of formlessness can serve as a reminder of the need for God's presence and guidance in their lives. Just as God brought order to the formless earth, He can bring purpose and direction to the lives of those who seek Him. The transformation from chaos to order is a testament to the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit.

In summary, the biblical concept of "formless" is rich with meaning, illustrating both the initial state of creation and the ongoing need for God's creative and redemptive work in the world and in individual lives.(a.) Shapeless; without a determinate form; wanting regularity of shape.8414. tohu -- formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness
... formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness NASB Word Usage chaos (1), confusion
(1), desolation (1), emptiness (1), empty space (1), formless (2), futile (2 ...
/hebrew/8414.htm - 6k

Whether Time was Created Simultaneously with Formless Matter?
... ON THE ORDER OF CREATION TOWARDS DISTINCTION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether time
was created simultaneously with formless matter? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether time was created simultaneously.htm

Of the Intellectual Heaven and Formless Earth, Out of Which, on ...
... Book XII. Chapter XIII."Of the Intellectual Heaven and Formless Earth, Out
of Which, on Another Day, the Firmament Was Formed. 16. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xiii of the intellectual heaven.htm

Whether the Formless Matter of all Corporeal Things is the Same?
... ON THE ORDER OF CREATION TOWARDS DISTINCTION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the formless
matter of all corporeal things is the same? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the formless matter of.htm

From the Formless Earth God Created Another Heaven and a visible ...
... Book XII. Chapter XII."From the Formless Earth God Created Another Heaven
and a Visible and Formed Earth. 15. Which things considered ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xii from the formless earth.htm

Whether the Empyrean Heaven was Created at the Same Time as ...
... ON THE ORDER OF CREATION TOWARDS DISTINCTION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the empyrean
heaven was created at the same time as formless matter? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the empyrean heaven was.htm

Of the Darkness Upon the Deep, and of the Invisible and Formless ...
... Book XII. Chapter III."Of the Darkness Upon the Deep, and of the Invisible
and Formless Earth. 3. And truly this earth was invisible ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter iii of the darkness upon.htm

Hyle, which was Called by the Ancients the Formless Material of ...
... Concerning the Nature of Good, Against the Manich??ans. Chapter 18. "Hyle, Which
Was Called by the Ancients the Formless Material of Things, is Not an Evil. ...
/.../chapter 18 hyle which was.htm

That the Heaven of Heavens was an Intellectual Creature, but that ...
... Chapter IX."That the Heaven of Heavens Was an Intellectual Creature, But that the
Earth Was Invisible and Formless Before the Days that It Was Made. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ix that the heaven of.htm

All Creatures Subsist from the Plenitude of Divine Goodness.
... and corporeal natures, which Thou in Thy wisdom madest, declare what they deserve
of Thee to depend thereon,"even the inchoate and formless, each in its own ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii all creatures subsist from.htm

He Discusses Whether Matter was from Eternity, or was Made by God.
... or of earth only, when it is said, In the beginning God created heaven and earth,'
as that which follows, but the earth was invisible and formless, although it ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxii he discusses whether matter.htm

Formless (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Formless (2 Occurrences). Genesis 1:2 Now the earth
was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. ...
/f/formless.htm - 7k

Forms (24 Occurrences)

/f/forms.htm - 13k

Forming (27 Occurrences)

/f/forming.htm - 14k

Surface (71 Occurrences)
... Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of
the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. ...
/s/surface.htm - 29k

Empty (84 Occurrences)
... Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of
the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. ...
/e/empty.htm - 35k

Waters (386 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was
formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. ...
/w/waters.htm - 42k

Deep (237 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface
of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. ...
/d/deep.htm - 41k

Darkness (177 Occurrences)
... Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of
the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. ...
/d/darkness.htm - 41k

Hovering (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Hover. Multi-Version Concordance Hovering (2 Occurrences). Genesis 1:2 Now
the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. ...
/h/hovering.htm - 7k

Form (153 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface
of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. ...
/f/form.htm - 45k

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