Genesis 1:2
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
King James Version
The Spirit of God hovering over creation, prefiguring the Spirit's role in the new creation at Pentecost.
Fulfillment References
John 3:5 Acts 2:1-4 Psalm 104:30
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.' The Spirit at creation is God Himself in creative action — not another divine Person but the very breath and power of the one God, by which the world was made and by which souls are born again of water and Spirit (John 3:5; cf. Acts 2). The creating Spirit and the saving Spirit are the one God.
JewishThe ruach Elohim ('Spirit/wind of God') hovering over the primeval waters at creation; read as God's wind or creative power bringing order from chaos.
CatholicThe Spirit of God brooding over creation, the same Spirit of new creation and baptism; read in Trinitarian terms of the Holy Spirit's role.
ProtestantThe Spirit's agency in creation, anticipating His work in the new creation and the new birth (John 3:5).
AcademicRuach Elohim is debated — 'mighty wind,' 'breath of God,' or 'Spirit of God' — hovering (merachefet) over the deep in the Priestly creation account.
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Cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.