Thank you for writing. It is very much appreciated. To understand where I am coming from is a pretty daunting task. All one has to have done is to read all of my books which deal with the Bible. Of course, I am kidding for becoming familiar with all of my writings is no easy task. I will gladly point you in the right direction. The book titled Foundations has a chapter called The Genesis Gap.

Foundations

It can be accessed from the table of contents. Once you have read it you will have a more comprehensive understanding of where I have come from. I will be glad to hear back from you again once you have had a chance to read it.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

You may be aware of the various verb forms in New Testament Greek, such that any treatment of Genesis 1:2 would be a more simple matter for translation if we were dealing with the verse in Greek.

Greek verb forms vary from Aorist, 2nd Aorist, Active, Imperfect, Pluperfect, etc. etc. For this reason, there would be a very clear and demonstrable set of guidelines to follow for the purposes of translation. Unfortunately, such convenient aides are not always at our disposal with the Ancient Hebrew, as in this case they are not.

In Greek, if we intended to parse the verb in the clause: And the earth (was) without form and void…

Was, in this case would be Present Active Indicative.

Again, if it were written: And the earth (had become) without form and void…

Had become, in this case would be 1st Aorist Active Indicative…

We wouldn’t have to wonder at the difference, but the difference is substantial.

Now I am, of course, familiar with ‘gap-theory’ and with all the theory entails. But gap-theory seems to me problematic, in the main, for two reasons: First, what of all who may have lived and perished during that time period or periods? Were they mortal or immortal? Had they a savior or even access to salvation? Were they among the imprisoned whom Messiah condescended to that He might preach the Word in the days when He descended into the heart of the earth? Second, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews states: “…it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…”

Is this a good fit for gap-theory?

And finally, on what, specifically, are you basing your understanding of the Hebrew verb היתה (hā-yə-ṯāh) such that you have chosen to render it ‘had become’?

Please note, I am not suggesting that your preferred understanding is incorrect; I am only interested in learning your specific reasons for having adopted an understanding which, as we will see later, plays no small role in our efforts to re-construct the Calendar of Yahweh – which isn’t at all what the rabbis would have us to believe it is.

Your brother in Christ.