Genesis 2:15
And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} took {H3947} the man {H120}, and put him {H3240} into the garden {H1588} of Eden {H5731} to dress {H5647} it and to keep {H8104} it.
Adonai, God, took the person and put him in the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate and care for it.
Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.
And Jehovah God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Cross-References
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Psalms 128:2 (24 votes)
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee. -
Genesis 2:8 (21 votes)
¶ And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. -
Ephesians 4:28 (15 votes)
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. -
Genesis 2:2 (10 votes)
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. -
Job 31:33 (-3 votes)
¶ If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
Commentary
Commentary on Genesis 2:15 (KJV)
Genesis 2:15 is a foundational verse that describes the initial divine assignment given to man in the Garden of Eden. It highlights God's purpose for humanity even before the Fall, emphasizing work as a blessing and a responsibility.
Context
This verse follows the creation account of man in Genesis 2:7 and the establishment of the Garden of Eden by the LORD God in Genesis 2:8. The Garden was a perfect, divinely prepared environment, filled with beauty and provision. However, it was not intended to be a place of idleness. God immediately places Adam, the first man, into an active role, indicating that purpose and labor were integral to human existence from the very beginning. This sets the stage for understanding humanity's relationship with creation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew words used for "dress" and "keep" carry significant meaning:
Together, these terms paint a picture of diligent, loving care and protective management rather than mere passive enjoyment.
Practical Application
Genesis 2:15 offers timeless principles for believers today:
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.