Genesis 2:4

KJV

¶ These [are] the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

KJV (with Strong's)

These {H428} are the generations {H8435} of the heavens {H8064} and of the earth {H776} when they were created {H1254}, in the day {H3117} that the LORD {H3068} God {H430} made {H6213} the earth {H776} and the heavens {H8064},

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created. On the day when Adonai, God, made earth and heaven,

Berean Standard Bible

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made them.

American Standard Version

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:4 serves as a pivotal transition within the biblical narrative, functioning as both a divine colophon to the cosmic creation account of Genesis 1 and a profound overture to the more intimate story of humanity's origins. This verse introduces the significant *toledot* formula, signifying the "generations" or "account" of the heavens and the earth, and uniquely presents the compound divine name "the LORD God" (*YHWH Elohim*), signaling a crucial shift from a universal overview of God's transcendent creative power to a focused exploration of His personal, immanent involvement with humanity and the terrestrial realm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 2:4 acts as a crucial bridge, connecting the sweeping, chronological seven-day creation account of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Universal Creation Account") with the more focused, anthropocentric narrative that commences in [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - The Creation of Man and Eden"). While [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth") provides a broad, universal overview of God's majestic power in bringing the cosmos into existence, Genesis 2:4 signals a shift to a thematic and detailed exploration of the creation of humanity, their initial environment (the Garden of Eden), and the subsequent unfolding of their relationship with God. It is the first instance of the *toledot* formula, a key literary device that structures the entire book of Genesis by marking the "generations" or "accounts" of various individuals and epochs, thereby providing a narrative framework for the book's theological progression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near Eastern world, from which Genesis emerges, was replete with creation myths that often depicted chaotic, polytheistic origins, frequently involving divine conflict or impersonal forces. In stark contrast, Genesis 2:4, echoing [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Divine Order of Creation"), presents a singular, sovereign God who creates with intentionality and order. The concept of "generations" (*toledot*) was a common way to structure genealogies and historical records in the ancient world, but here it is uniquely applied to the cosmos itself, emphasizing that the universe has a divine origin and a history that unfolds according to God's purpose. The introduction of the compound divine name "the LORD God" (YHWH Elohim) is particularly significant in this context, as it combines the generic, powerful deity (Elohim) with the personal, covenant-making God (YHWH) known to Israel, setting the stage for a narrative that is both universal in scope and intimately concerned with God's relationship with His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 2:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over all creation, affirming that everything originates from His purposeful design. The introduction of "the LORD God" highlights the **Dual Nature of God** as both transcendent Creator and immanent Relational Being, a theme that will be expounded throughout the subsequent narratives of covenant and redemption. The *toledot* formula itself emphasizes **Divine Order and Unfolding History**, demonstrating that God's plan is not fragmented but a continuous, purposeful narrative that moves from cosmic creation to human history and beyond. This verse also subtly reinforces the theme of **Humanity's Centrality** within God's created order, as the narrative shifts focus from the grand cosmic scale to the detailed account of human origins and their unique relationship with the Creator, foreshadowing the special covenant God will establish with His people, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Generations (Hebrew, _tôwlᵉdâh'_):** From H8435, this plural noun signifies "descent, i.e., family" or "history." In Genesis 2:4, it functions as a literary heading, introducing the subsequent narrative as the "account" or "history" of the heavens and the earth. It implies not merely their progeny but the unfolding of what came forth from their creation, particularly with respect to humanity's place within that created order. Its repeated use throughout Genesis structures the book, marking new phases in God's redemptive history.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as YHWH. It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature ("I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God Reveals His Name YHWH")) and, crucially, His relational, immanent presence, especially in covenant with His people. Its appearance here, combined with "God," marks a shift to a more intimate narrative.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this is the generic plural noun for God, emphasizing His transcendent power, majesty, and role as the sovereign Creator of the universe, as predominantly seen in [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God as the Supreme Creator"). When combined with YHWH, it unites the transcendent, all-powerful Creator with the immanent, personal God who enters into relationship with His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the generations of the heavens and of the earth":** This phrase, employing the *toledot* formula, serves as a colophon to the preceding creation account and an introduction to the subsequent narrative. It marks a thematic shift from the cosmic, universal creation to a more focused account of the earth and humanity. It signifies the "account" or "history" of how the heavens and earth came into being and what unfolded from their creation.
* **"when they were created":** This clause refers back to the entirety of the creative acts detailed in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Narrative"). The passive voice emphasizes God's sole agency in creation, highlighting that the heavens and earth did not come into being by themselves but were brought forth by divine power. It confirms the completed nature of the initial creative work.
* **"in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens":** The phrase "in the day that" (Hebrew: *b'yom*) is an idiomatic expression that often means "when" or "at the time that," not necessarily a literal 24-hour period. Here, it functions as a comprehensive summary, encompassing the entire creative process described in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Seven Days of Creation"). The introduction of the compound divine name "the LORD God" (*YHWH Elohim*) is profoundly significant, uniting God's personal, covenantal name (YHWH) with His generic, powerful name (Elohim). This combination signals the narrative's shift from God as the transcendent, universal Creator to God as the immanent, relational Being who will engage intimately with His creation, particularly humanity. The reversal of "earth and heavens" from the earlier "heavens and earth" subtly emphasizes the upcoming narrative's focus on the terrestrial realm and humanity's place within it.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 2:4 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Colophon/Superscription**, where the verse acts as both a concluding summary of the preceding creation account and an introductory heading for the subsequent narrative. This dual function is characteristic of the *toledot* formula, which serves as a **Structural Device** throughout Genesis, organizing the book into distinct yet interconnected sections tracing the "generations" or "accounts" of various entities and individuals. The phrase "in the day that" is an **Idiom**, demonstrating the flexibility of Hebrew temporal expressions and indicating a period of time rather than a strict 24-hour day, thereby harmonizing the summary statement with the detailed multi-day account of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Week"). Finally, the introduction of the compound divine name "the LORD God" is a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, signaling a shift in narrative focus from the universal to the particular, from God's cosmic power to His personal, covenantal relationship with humanity, setting the stage for the intimate drama of Eden and beyond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:4 profoundly enriches our understanding of God's nature and His relationship with creation. It moves beyond the majestic, transcendent Creator of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - God as Creator") to introduce the personal, immanent God who desires relationship. The *toledot* formula underscores the continuity and purposeful unfolding of God's plan, from the creation of the cosmos to the detailed history of humanity. This verse establishes that the God who spoke the universe into existence is the same God who walks with Adam in the garden, highlighting His dual nature as both infinitely powerful and intimately relational. It lays the groundwork for the entire biblical narrative, which is the story of this "LORD God" interacting with His creation, particularly through covenant.

* [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "God's Revelation of His Name")
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "The Everlasting God, the Creator")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ as Creator and Sustainer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:4 invites us into a deeper apprehension of the God we worship, revealing Him as both the incomprehensibly vast architect of the cosmos and the intimately personal God who desires to walk with us. To recognize Him as "the LORD God" is to acknowledge that the same divine power that spoke galaxies into being is also the faithful, covenant-keeping presence in our daily lives. This understanding should cultivate profound humility, awe, and trust. Our lives are not random occurrences but are intricately woven into His grand, purposeful design, which began with creation and continues through history. This verse encourages us to view our existence within the context of His unfolding story, finding our meaning and purpose in relationship with the One who is both transcendent and immanent. It calls us to trust His sovereign hand in the big picture of the universe and His loving care in the details of our personal journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the introduction of "the LORD God" in this verse deepen your understanding of God's character compared to the portrayal in Genesis 1?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God as both the transcendent Creator and the immanent Relational Being impact your daily walk with Him?**
* **How does the *toledot* formula, signifying an "account" or "history," encourage you to see your own life as part of God's larger, unfolding narrative?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Hebrew word *toledot* in Genesis 2:4?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *toledot* (H8435, תּוֹלְדֹת), translated as "generations" or "accounts," is a key literary device in Genesis. In [Genesis 2:4](/genesis/2-4 "Understanding Toledot in Genesis 2:4"), it functions as a heading, introducing the subsequent narrative as the "account of the heavens and the earth." It signifies not just progeny, but the history and unfolding of what originated from creation, particularly focusing on the human story that follows. It signals a shift from the *how* of creation to its *unfolding* and serves as a structural marker throughout the book of Genesis.

**Does "in the day that" in Genesis 2:4 refer to a literal 24-hour period?**

Answer: No, the phrase "in the day that" (H3117, בְּיוֹם, *b'yom*) is a flexible Hebrew idiom that often means "when" or "at the time that," rather than strictly a 24-hour period. In [Genesis 2:4](/genesis/2-4 "The Meaning of 'In the Day' in Genesis 2:4"), it functions as a comprehensive summary of the entire creation week described in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), encompassing all the stages of God's making. This idiomatic usage allows for a harmonious understanding of the creation accounts as both summary and detailed narratives of God's work.

**Why is "the LORD God" used for the first time in Genesis 2:4?**

Answer: The introduction of the compound divine name "the LORD God" (*YHWH Elohim*) in [Genesis 2:4](/genesis/2-4 "Significance of 'The LORD God' in Genesis 2:4") is highly significant. *Elohim* (H430, God) emphasizes God's transcendent power as the universal Creator, as seen predominantly in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - God as the Supreme Creator"). *YHWH* (H3068, LORD) is God's personal, covenantal name, highlighting His immanent, relational nature, revealed more fully in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Personal Name"). The combination signifies a narrative shift from universal creation to God's intimate involvement with humanity, emphasizing that the all-powerful Creator is also the personal God who enters into relationship and covenant with His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:4, with its introduction of the "generations" (*toledot*) of the heavens and the earth and the compound name "the LORD God," profoundly points forward to Christ. As the eternal Son, Jesus is the ultimate expression of the "LORD God's" creative power and personal involvement. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ") declares that "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," affirming Christ's pre-existent role as the agent of creation. He is the pre-existent *YHWH* who became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), embodying the perfect union of divine transcendence and immanent relationship that the name *YHWH Elohim* foreshadows. Furthermore, the *toledot* formula, which traces the unfolding history of God's creation and covenant, ultimately culminates in the "generations" of Christ (as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). He is not only the agent of the first creation but also the inaugurator of the new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), bringing forth a new spiritual lineage and fulfilling God's ultimate purpose for humanity and the cosmos through His redemptive work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 5:1

¶ This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Genesis 36:1

¶ Now these [are] the generations of Esau, who [is] Edom.

Job 38:28

Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?

Genesis 1:4

And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

1 Kings 18:39

And when all the people saw [it], they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he [is] the God; the LORD, he [is] the God.

Genesis 1:31

¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.