Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:8

What does Genesis 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:8 means

After forming man, God specifically planted a "garden eastward, in Eden" and placed the man there. This was not a random location but a divinely prepared dwelling, signifying God's purposeful provision for humanity. The creation of this garden demonstrates God’s goodness and care, providing an ideal environment filled with beauty and sustenance. Placing man *in* the garden emphasizes his central role within this perfect setting, establishing his initial intended relationship with creation and with God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord God made a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had made.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jehovah God planteth a garden in Eden, at the east, and He setteth there the man whom He hath formed;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord God had planted a paradise of pleasure from the beginning: wherein he placed man whom he had formed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah Elohim planted a garden in Eden eastward, and there put Man whom he had formed.

Context

Once man is created in verse 7, this verse immediately describes God's provision of a dwelling place for him. It transitions from man's creation to his placement and purpose, establishing the setting for the unfolding narrative of humanity's early existence. The specific mention of "eastward, in Eden" adds geographical detail, grounding the account in a real, albeit now lost, location.

v.7And 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.

v.8This passage

v.9And out of the ground made Jehovah God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 3:24

    So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

  • Isaiah 51:3

    For Jehovah hath comforted Zion; he hath comforted all her waste places, and hath made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Jehovah; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

  • Genesis 4:16

    And Cain went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

  • Ezekiel 27:23

    Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were thy traffickers.

  • Ezekiel 28:13

    Thou wast in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was in thee; in the day that thou wast created they were prepared.

  • Genesis 13:10

    And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the Plain of the Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Jehovah, like the land of Egypt, as thou goest unto Zoar.

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