How to Translate the Torah Word by Word | Genesis 1:2 | Torah Translation Workshop

Discover the hidden meaning behind “tohu va‑vohu” — the Torah’s mysterious description of the earth before creation. Welcome back to the Torah Translation Workshop, the series that teaches you to understand Biblical Hebrew directly from the Torah, one verse at a time. In this second lesson, we explore the profound imagery of Bereishit 1:2: וְהָאָרֶץ הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ וְחֹשֶךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם׃ Rather than simply translating, we analyze each word and phrase to uncover: ✅ The meaning of תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ — “formless and void” ✅ The nuance of רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים — “a wind from God” or “the spirit of God” ✅ The poetic structure and rhythm of the verse ✅ How Hebrew grammar conveys movement and mystery ✅ The imagery of darkness and deep waters ✅ Insights from Rashi and classical commentators that illuminate the text By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only understand the verse — you’ll gain tools to translate and interpret the Torah’s language of creation for yourself. Perfect for: • Students of Chumash and Biblical Hebrew • Teachers and Torah educators • Baalei Teshuvah and converts • Anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Has