Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:13

What does Genesis 2:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:13 means

The second river named is Gihon, which is described as flowing around the entire land of Cush. This geographical marker provides another tangible detail, indicating the extensive reach of Eden's water source and further rooting the narrative in a real-world context. While the precise modern location of "Cush" is debated by commentators, its inclusion underscores the fact that the Genesis account refers to specific, identifiable regions on the earth, emphasizing the historicity of the early chapters.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Cush.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Cush.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the name of the second river is Gihon: this river goes round all the land of Cush.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the name of the second river <FI>is<Fi> Gibon, it <FI>is<Fi> that which is surrounding the whole land of Cush;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the name of the second river is Gehon: the same is it that compasseth all the land of Ethiopia.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the name of the second river is Gihon: that is it which surrounds the whole land of Cush.

Context

Continuing the enumeration of the four rivers originating from Eden, this verse identifies the Gihon. It follows the description of the Pishon and Havilah in verses 11-12, maintaining a consistent pattern of geographical identification. This aids the reader in visualizing the expanse influenced by Eden and reinforces the historical particularity of the ancient world as understood by the author.

v.12and the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.

v.13This passage

v.14And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth in front of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 11:11

    And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, that shall remain, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

  • Genesis 10:6

    And the sons of Ham: Cush, and Mizraim, and Put, and Canaan.

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