There was neither nonexistence nor existence then; there was neither the realm of space beyond nor the waters deep. What covered what? Who protected? Whence came this creation's darkness?

The non-existent was not, the existent was not; then the world was not, not the firmament, nor thatwhich is above (the firmament). How could there by any investing envelope, and where? Of what (could there be)felicity? How (could there be) the deep unfathomable water?

THEN was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it. What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water?