Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:7

What does Genesis 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:7 means

This pivotal verse details the unique creation of man. God did not merely speak man into existence, but intimately "formed" him from the "dust of the ground," connecting humanity directly to the earth. Furthermore, God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life," imparting a spiritual dimension that distinguishes man from all other creatures. This divine breath made man a "living soul," a unified being of material and immaterial, capable of relationship with God. This dual origin highlights both our humility and our exalted position.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jehovah God formeth the man--dust from the ground, and breatheth into his nostrils breath of life, and the man becometh a living creature.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord God formed man of the slime of the earth: and breathed into his face the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah Elohim formed Man, dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and Man became a living soul.

Context

Following the descriptions of the earth's initial state and watering in verses 5-6, this verse presents the climactic act of the sixth day: the creation of man. It directly fulfills the statement in Genesis 1:26 about making man in God's image, providing the specific method. This act sets the stage for all subsequent interactions between God and humanity, particularly man's placement in the garden and his responsibilities there.

v.6but there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

v.7This passage

v.8And Jehovah God planted a garden eastward, in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Cross references

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

  • Job 27:3

    (For my life is yet whole in me, And the spirit of God is in my nostrils);

  • Proverbs 20:27

    The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts.

  • Numbers 27:16

    Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,

  • Job 33:6

    Behold, I am toward God even as thou art: I also am formed out of the clay.

  • Hebrews 12:9

    Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7

    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 2:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary