Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:4

What does Genesis 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:4 means

This verse serves as a heading, introducing a detailed account of the creation of the heavens and the earth, yet with a particular focus on the specific events surrounding humanity's origin. The phrase "generations of the heavens and of the earth" functions as a literary device, signaling a new section that will elaborate on what was previously summarized. It also introduces the name "Jehovah God" (LORD God), emphasizing God's personal and covenantal relationship with His creation, particularly with humanity, as the narrative shifts to a more intimate perspective.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

These are the generations of the heaven and the earth when they were made.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

These <FI>are<Fi> births of the heavens and of the earth in their being prepared, in the day of Jehovah God's making earth and heavens;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

These are the generations of the heaven and the earth, when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the heaven and the earth:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

These are the histories of the heavens and the earth, when they were created, in the day that Jehovah Elohim made earth and heavens,

Context

This verse acts as a bridge, concluding the broad creation narrative of chapter 1 and introducing the more focused account of the creation of humanity and the Garden of Eden in chapter 2. It signals a shift in perspective, moving from a cosmic, general overview to a specific, intimate focus on mankind. This transition helps the reader understand that chapter 2 is not a contradictory account, but an amplified expansion of details from the sixth day of creation.

v.3And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made.

v.4This passage

v.5And no plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprung up; for Jehovah God had not caused it to rain upon the earth: and there was not a man to till the ground;

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 18:31

    For who is God, save Jehovah? And who is a rock, besides our God,

  • Genesis 11:10

    These are the generations of Shem. Shem was a hundred years old, and begat Arpachshad two years after the flood:

  • Genesis 10:1

    Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, namely, of Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood.

  • Genesis 1:31

    And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

  • Genesis 5:1

    This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

  • Exodus 15:3

    Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name.

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