Genesis 2:11
What does Genesis 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 2:11 means
The first river, Pishon, is described as encompassing the land of Havilah, a region noted for its valuable resources: gold, bdellium, and onyx stone. This detail not only provides specific geographical markers but also points to the inherent goodness and richness of God's uncursed creation. The mention of "good" gold emphasizes that even the material wealth of the earth, as originally designed, reflects God's ordered perfection. It implies a world where valuable resources were readily accessible and uncorrupted.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The name of the first is Pishon: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
KJV
King James Version · 1611The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The name of the first is Pishon: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The name of the first is Pishon, which goes round about all the land of Havilah where there is gold.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the name of the one <FI>is<Fi> Pison, it <FI>is<Fi> that which is surrounding the whole land of the Havilah where the gold <FI>is<Fi> ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The name of the one is Phison: that is it which compasseth all the land of Hevilath, where gold groweth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The name of the one is Pison: that is it which surrounds the whole land of Havilah, where the gold is.
Context
Building on the four-headed river system introduced in verse 10, this verse begins to identify each river and the lands it touches. It grounds the narrative of Eden in specific geographical details, portraying a concrete rather than mythical location. This naming of the Pishon and Havilah provides context for the subsequent verses that identify the other rivers, establishing the extent of Eden's influence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 25:18
And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: he abode over against all his brethren.
- 1 Samuel 15:7
And Saul smote the Amalekites, from Havilah as thou goest to Shur, that is before Egypt.
- Genesis 10:29
and Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
- Genesis 10:7
And the sons of Cush: Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabteca; and the sons of Raamah: Sheba, and Dedan.
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