Genesis 2:15

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

• Humanity's Vocation and Purpose: Before the introduction of sin, God gave humanity a clear purpose: to work and care for creation. This demonstrates that work is not a result of the Fall but was part of God's original, good design for human flourishing.
• Stewardship and Responsibility: The command to "dress it and to keep it" establishes humanity as God's designated stewards over the earth. Man was given authority not to exploit, but to manage and preserve God's creation. This echoes the broader dominion mandate given in Genesis 1:28.
• Work as a Blessing: In its original state, work in the Garden was a joyful and fulfilling activity, a cooperative effort with God in maintaining His perfect creation. It was a source of dignity and meaning, distinct from the toil and struggle that would come after the Fall, as described in Genesis 3:17-19.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used for "dress" and "keep" carry significant meaning:

• "Dress it" comes from the Hebrew verb 'abad (עָבַד), which means "to work," "to serve," "to till," or "to cultivate." It implies active labor, cultivation, and service to the Garden.
• "Keep it" comes from the Hebrew verb shamar (שָׁמַר), meaning "to watch," "to guard," "to preserve," or "to protect." This suggests a responsibility to maintain the Garden's order and integrity, possibly even to guard it against potential harm (though the threat of the serpent had not yet appeared).

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:

• Dignity of Work: All legitimate work, whether manual, intellectual, or creative, can be seen as an extension of God's original command to cultivate and care for His creation. It reminds us that our daily labor, when done with purpose and integrity, can be a form of worship and contribution to God's world.
• Environmental Stewardship: This verse is a foundational text for understanding humanity's responsibility towards the environment. We are called to be good stewards of the earth's resources, not exploiters, preserving its beauty and health for future generations.
• Caring for What God Entrusts: The principle of stewardship extends beyond the physical environment to all areas of life. We are called to "dress" and "keep" our talents, relationships, communities, and resources that God has given us, managing them responsibly and for His glory.