Proposition 4:
The Beginning State in Genesis 1 is Nonfunctional
Walton argues that Hebrew word translated formless is mistranslated. “we propose that tōhû and bōhû together convey the idea of nonexistence (in their functional ontology), that is, that the earth is described as not yet functioning in an ordered system. (Functional) creation has not yet taken place and therefore there is only (functional) nonexistence.”
The phrase used after every day of creation, “it is good”, really means “function properly” according to Walton.
There are parallels in other ANE literature for this idea.
Excerpt From: John H. Walton. “The Lost World of Genesis One.” Apple Books. https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-lost-world-of-genesis-one/id870735215?mt=11