ra.chaph describes remaining in motion above something, as over waters or young in a nest.

The attested use describes hovering above: the feminine singular active participle is used over the waters in Genesis 1:2, and the masculine singular imperfect is used of an eagle over its young in Deuteronomy 32:11.

1. Hovering above a surface or young · dominant

   In Genesis 1:2, the feminine singular active participle occurs in the clause concerning the spirit of God over the face of the waters; the APB renders the clause as “the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” In Deuteronomy 32:11, the masculine singular imperfect occurs in the eagle comparison over its young; the APB renders it “hovers over its young.”

   Genesis 1:2Deuteronomy 32:11

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “hovering over” in Genesis 1:2 and “hovers over” in Deuteronomy 32:11. These renderings fit the surrounding clauses.