Genesis 2:5

KJV

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every plant {H7880} of the field {H7704} before {H2962} it was in the earth {H776}, and every herb {H6212} of the field {H7704} before {H2962} it grew {H6779}: for {H3588} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} had not {H3808} caused it to rain {H4305} upon the earth {H776}, and there was not {H369} a man {H120} to till {H5647} the ground {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

there was as yet no wild bush on the earth, and no wild plant had as yet sprung up; for Adonai, God, had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no one to cultivate the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

Now no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth, nor had any plant of the field sprouted; for the LORD God had not yet sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground.

American Standard Version

And no plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprung up; for Jehovah God had not caused it to rain upon the earth: and there was not a man to till the ground;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:5 serves as a pivotal transitional statement, meticulously detailing the earth's pristine yet uncultivated state immediately prior to the direct creation of humanity and the establishment of the Garden of Eden. It highlights two crucial absences—the lack of rainfall and, more significantly, the absence of a human steward—thereby underscoring God's deliberate and sequential design, preparing the world for divine provision and humanity's essential partnership in its flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 2:5 functions as a crucial bridge between the grand, cosmic creation account of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation of the World") and the more focused, anthropocentric narrative that begins in [Genesis 2:4](/genesis/2-4 "Genesis 2:4 - The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth"). While [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "The Cosmic Creation in Genesis 1") provides a sweeping chronological overview of God's creative acts, culminating in humanity's creation on the sixth day, [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and the Garden") offers a thematic "zoom-in" on the creation of man and the specific environment prepared for him. Verse 2:5, following the "these are the generations" (Hebrew: *toledoth*) formula, sets the stage by describing the specific conditions of the earth *before* the formation of Adam, explaining why certain types of vegetation had not yet fully developed. It clarifies that the earth was ready, but awaiting two key elements for its full potential: water and human cultivation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, agriculture was the bedrock of civilization, and the fertility of the land was paramount. Societies were deeply dependent on natural water sources, primarily rainfall and rivers, for sustenance. The description of an earth without rain and without a cultivator in [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Earth's State Before Man") would have resonated powerfully with an agrarian audience, emphasizing a state of unfulfilled potential. Unlike other creation myths that often depict chaotic beginnings or a world spontaneously bursting with life, the Genesis account presents a divinely ordered and purposefully prepared world. The absence of rain and a human tiller points to God's deliberate control over the environment and the unique, indispensable role humanity is about to play, distinguishing this narrative from pagan cosmogonies where humans might be accidental byproducts or slaves to the gods.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intentionality**, demonstrating that God's creation is not haphazard but meticulously planned, with each element introduced at its precise, divinely appointed time. The earth's conditions are not accidental but purposeful, awaiting God's specific provisions and the advent of humanity. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Human Stewardship and Purpose**, immediately foreshadowing humanity's divinely ordained role as active participants in creation. The earth, though perfect, is presented as awaiting human partnership for its full flourishing, elevating human labor from mere toil to a sacred calling, a concept further developed in the [cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate") and the command to "till and keep" the Garden in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man's Role in the Garden"). Lastly, it highlights the **Interdependence of Creation**, showing that even in its pristine state, the earth's potential was contingent upon both divine provision (water) and human cooperation (tilling), emphasizing a harmonious ecosystem designed by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **before (Hebrew, _ṭerem'_):** From H2962, this adverb signifies "not yet" or "before." Its repetition ("before it was in the earth," "before it grew") emphasizes the temporal priority and the pre-existing conditions. It highlights that the specific types of plants mentioned had not yet appeared or flourished in their natural state, setting up the subsequent explanation for their absence. This word is crucial for understanding the chronological relationship between the general creation of vegetation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and the specific conditions described here in [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and the Garden").
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, this term refers to a human being, an individual, or the species, mankind. Its presence here is profoundly significant, as the narrative is about to detail the creation of *the* man. The absence of `ʼâdâm` is presented as a key reason for the earth's uncultivated state, directly linking humanity's existence to the earth's development and purpose. This term also carries an inherent connection to the "ground" (`ʼădâmâh`), from which man will soon be formed, highlighting a deep, intrinsic relationship between humanity and the earth.
* **to till (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** From H5647, this primitive root means "to work," "to serve," or "to labor." When applied to the ground, it denotes cultivation or dressing the land. The declaration that there was "not a man to till the ground" immediately establishes humanity's primary vocational calling: to actively engage with and steward creation. This word encapsulates the essence of human responsibility and partnership with God in bringing order and productivity to the world, transforming raw potential into flourishing reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew:":** This clause specifies the type of vegetation in question. "Plant of the field" (Hebrew: *sîyach hassâdeh*) and "herb of the field" (Hebrew: *ʻeseb hassâdeh*) refer to wild, uncultivated flora, distinct from the fruit-bearing trees and general vegetation created on day three in [Genesis 1:11-12](/genesis/1-11-12 "Genesis 1:11-12 - Creation of Vegetation"). The repetition of "before" (`ṭerem`) underscores that these specific types of plants, which typically require particular environmental conditions and human intervention to thrive, had not yet emerged or fully developed in the earth. This sets the stage for the explanation of *why* they had not yet grown.
* **"for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth,":** This phrase provides the first reason for the earth's uncultivated state, highlighting God's absolute control over natural phenomena. The deliberate withholding of rain (`mâṭar`) signifies that the earth's conditions were precisely as God intended, preparing for a unique mode of watering—the mist or spring mentioned in [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - The Mist Watering the Ground")—before the full establishment of the hydrological cycle. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and purposeful sequencing in creation, demonstrating that the earth's development was entirely dependent on God's provision. The use of the composite divine title "LORD God" (`Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym`) here emphasizes both God's personal, covenantal relationship with creation (YHWH) and His transcendent, sovereign power as Creator (Elohim).
* **"and [there was] not a man to till the ground.":** This is the second and profoundly significant reason, revealing humanity's intrinsic purpose from the very outset. The absence of `ʼâdâm` (man) meant that the earth's potential for cultivation and orderly development could not yet be realized. The verb "to till" (`ʻâbad`) carries the dual meaning of "to serve" and "to work," establishing humanity's divinely appointed role as active stewards rather than passive inhabitants. This declaration immediately sets up the next verse, where God forms man from the very ground (`ʼădâmâh`), creating the one who will fulfill this essential partnership with God in the ongoing care and development of creation.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 2:5 employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, presenting two key absences—rain and man—as the reasons for the earth's uncultivated state. This highlights the crucial role each plays in the flourishing of creation. The verse also uses **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the detailed account of man's creation in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - Creation of Man") and his subsequent mandate to "till and keep" the Garden in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man's Mandate in the Garden"). The specific mention of "plant of the field" and "herb of the field" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, representing the full scope of uncultivated vegetation that awaited specific conditions. Finally, the use of the divine title "LORD God" (`YHWH Elohim`) throughout [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and the Garden") serves as a **Theological Marker**, emphasizing both God's personal, relational nature (YHWH) and His universal, powerful sovereignty (Elohim) in the intimate details of creation, particularly concerning humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:5 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's relationship with His creation and humanity's place within it. It asserts God's meticulous **sovereignty and intentionality**, revealing a Creator who orchestrates every detail with purpose and precision. The earth's initial state, awaiting both divine provision (rain) and human partnership (tilling), underscores that creation's full potential is realized through a dynamic interplay between God's design, His sustaining power, and humanity's obedient stewardship. This verse also lays the groundwork for the **dignity of human labor**, elevating work from a mere necessity to a sacred calling, intrinsically linked to God's ongoing creative activity. Humanity is not merely a beneficiary of creation but an active participant, called to cultivate, develop, and care for the world, reflecting God's own creative order.

* [Psalm 104:14](/psalm/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God Causes Grass to Grow")
* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate")
* [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man's Role in the Garden")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:5 invites us to ponder the profound intentionality behind God's creation and our integral role within it. It reveals a God who prepares the ground, not for passive inhabitants, but for active stewards. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our work, whatever its form—whether tending a garden, designing software, teaching children, or serving in our communities—is not merely a means to an end, but a continuation of God's original mandate for humanity to cultivate and care for His world. It challenges us to approach our tasks with diligence, creativity, and a sense of divine purpose, recognizing that we are co-laborers with God in bringing order, beauty, and flourishing to creation. Furthermore, the verse humbles us by highlighting our dependence on God for all provision; just as the earth awaited His rain, we too are utterly reliant on His grace and sustenance for life and purpose. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to see our daily tasks as opportunities to participate in God's ongoing creative and sustaining work, bringing His kingdom values to bear on the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Genesis 2:5 challenge our modern understanding of human labor and its purpose?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, actively participate in God's ongoing work of cultivating and caring for creation today?**
* **How does the concept of God withholding rain and man's absence before creation inform our understanding of God's deliberate timing and sovereignty in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Does Genesis 2:5 contradict Genesis 1 regarding the creation of vegetation?**

Answer: No, [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Earth's State Before Man") does not contradict [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation of the World"). [Genesis 1:11-12](/genesis/1-11-12 "Genesis 1:11-12 - Creation of Vegetation") describes the general creation of all plant life, including seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, on the third day. [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Earth's State Before Man"), however, focuses specifically on "plants of the field" (*sîyach hassâdeh*) and "herbs of the field" (*ʻeseb hassâdeh*), which typically refer to wild, uncultivated vegetation that requires specific conditions (rain and human cultivation) to thrive. Genesis 2 is a more detailed, topical account of humanity's creation and the Garden of Eden, not a chronological re-telling of the entire creation. It specifies the conditions *before* man was created and placed in the Garden, indicating that these particular types of field plants had not yet fully flourished because the specific conditions for their growth (rain and a cultivator) were not yet present. The two chapters offer complementary perspectives on creation, with [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Cosmic Creation") providing the macro-level overview and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and the Garden") offering a micro-level focus on humanity's origins and environment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:5, with its depiction of an earth waiting for a perfect steward and divine provision, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The first Adam was created to "till the ground" and exercise dominion, but he ultimately failed in his stewardship through sin, bringing a curse upon the ground itself ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")). Christ, as the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam")), perfectly embodies and fulfills the mandate to steward creation and bring forth true, spiritual fruit. He is the one who sends the "rain" of the Holy Spirit, the "living water" that flows from within believers ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")), watering the barren ground of human hearts and cultivating them for God's glory. Through His redemptive work on the cross, Christ not only restores humanity's broken relationship with God but also initiates the cosmic renewal, where creation itself, groaning under the weight of sin, eagerly awaits its liberation from bondage and decay ([Romans 8:21-22](/romans/8-21-22 "Romans 8:21-22 - Creation Groans for Liberation")). Ultimately, the vision of a perfectly cultivated and flourishing earth, hinted at in Genesis 2:5, will be realized under Christ's perfect, eternal reign in the new heavens and new earth, where He will be the ultimate Gardener and King ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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 3:23

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

Job 5:10

Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:

Hebrews 6:7

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

Genesis 1:11

And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, [and] the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed [is] in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

Genesis 1:12

And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed [was] in itself, after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.

Job 38:26

To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is; on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man;

Job 38:28

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