Genesis 2:14

And the name of the third river [is] Hiddekel: that [is] it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river [is] Euphrates.

And the name {H8034} of the third {H7992} river {H5104} is Hiddekel {H2313}: that is it which goeth toward {H1980} the east {H6926} of Assyria {H804}. And the fourth {H7243} river {H5104} is Euphrates {H6578}.

The name of the third river is Tigris; it is the one that flows toward the east of Ashur. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it runs along the east side of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

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

Commentary

Genesis 2:14 continues the detailed description of the Garden of Eden, specifically focusing on two of the four rivers that flowed from the single river originating in Eden. This verse names the Hiddekel and Euphrates, providing crucial geographical markers for the biblical account of creation.

Context

This verse is part of the broader narrative in Genesis 2, which elaborates on the creation of man and the establishment of the Garden of Eden as a perfect dwelling place for humanity. Following the description of the initial river that watered the garden and then divided into four "heads" or main streams in Genesis 2:10, verses 11-13 name the Pishon and Gihon. Verse 14 completes this geographical outline by identifying the third and fourth rivers.

Key Rivers and Geography

  • Hiddekel: This name is widely identified with the modern-day Tigris River, one of the two great rivers that define Mesopotamia (the land "between the rivers"). The phrase "which goeth toward the east of Assyria" further solidifies this identification, as ancient Assyria was a major empire centered in northern Mesopotamia, east of the Tigris. The Tigris is known for its swift flow and historical significance in the region.
  • Euphrates: The fourth river mentioned is the Euphrates, a river well-known and consistently referenced throughout biblical history. It forms the western boundary of Mesopotamia and played a vital role in the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. Its inclusion here, alongside the Tigris, places the Garden of Eden within the general vicinity of what is now modern-day Iraq, though its precise location remains a subject of theological and archaeological discussion.

Theological and Historical Significance

The detailed naming of these recognizable rivers, particularly the Tigris (Hiddekel) and Euphrates, underscores the biblical account's grounding in real geography. It suggests that the Garden of Eden was not merely a mythical construct but a tangible place within God's created order. This precision lends weight to the historical reality of the early chapters of Genesis, affirming the meticulous nature of God's creation and His provision for humanity in a bountiful and life-sustaining environment. The presence of these life-giving waters emphasizes God's abundant provision for His creation, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 1:3, which speaks of a righteous person being like a tree planted by rivers of water.

Practical Application

While Genesis 2:14 is primarily descriptive, it offers insights into God's character. The detailed description of a vibrant, well-watered paradise highlights God's design for abundance and flourishing. It reminds us that God is a God of order and provision, meticulously crafting the environment for His creation to thrive. This can encourage us to appreciate the natural world and recognize God's ongoing sustaining power, even as we live in a fallen world that longs for the restoration promised in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 10:4

    And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel;

  • Genesis 15:18

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Genesis 10:11

    Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

  • Genesis 25:18

    And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.

  • Genesis 10:22

    The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

  • Deuteronomy 1:7

    Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all [the places] nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.

  • Revelation 9:14

    Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
← Back