Genesis 2:6

KJV

But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

But there went up {H5927} a mist {H108} from {H4480} the earth {H776}, and watered {H8248} the whole face {H6440} of the ground {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, a mist went up from the earth which watered the entire surface of the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

But springs welled up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground.

American Standard Version

but there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:6 describes God's unique method of watering the earth before the advent of rain, detailing a divinely orchestrated hydrological system. This verse reveals God's meticulous care and sovereign provision in preparing the ground for the flourishing of life, demonstrating His direct involvement in sustaining His nascent creation through means beyond conventional natural processes.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Read Genesis 2:5 about the absence of rain and man"), which establishes a scene of initial dryness: no rain had fallen, no cultivated plants had yet sprung forth, and no human was present to till the soil. This sets the stage for God's direct intervention to sustain His nascent creation. [Genesis 2](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/2 "Explore the detailed creation account in Genesis Chapter 2") provides a more focused, anthropocentric account of creation, complementing the broader, chronological overview found in [Genesis 1](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/1 "Review the overarching creation narrative in Genesis Chapter 1"). Verse 6 then introduces the divine solution to the dry earth, a crucial prelude to the flourishing of life and the creation of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
* **But there went up**: This phrase signifies a divine initiative, marking a transition from the barrenness described in [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 describes the earth's initial dryness") to a state of fertility. It underscores that the earth's hydration was not a natural occurrence in the way we understand it today, but a specific, divinely ordained process, showcasing God's immediate and purposeful action.
* **a mist**: The Hebrew word here is *'ed* (אֵד). While often translated as "mist" or "vapor," scholarly interpretation and ancient versions (like the Septuagint) suggest a more substantial emanation, possibly a subterranean spring, a welling-up of water, or even an overflowing stream. This implies a powerful, abundant source of moisture rising from beneath the surface, rather than a mere atmospheric fog, highlighting God's creative power to sustain life through unique means.
* **from the earth**: This clarifies the source of the water – it originates from within the ground itself, not from the heavens as rain would later. This detail reinforces the distinct nature of this pre-rainfall era, emphasizing God's direct and immanent provision, making the very ground productive through its own internal resources. It speaks to God's ability to draw forth sustenance from unexpected places.
* **and watered**: The verb signifies a thorough and complete irrigation. It's not a superficial dampening but a deep saturation, essential for sustaining the nascent plant life that God was about to bring forth. This speaks to the efficacy and completeness of God's creative acts; His provision is always sufficient and perfectly tailored to His purposes, leaving no need unmet.
* **the whole face of the ground**: This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the watering. No part of the earth was left dry; God's provision was universal and all-encompassing, preparing the entire surface for the flourishing of vegetation and, ultimately, for the habitation of life. It speaks to the breadth of God's care and His meticulous attention to every detail of His creation, ensuring its readiness for His grand design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Sovereign Provision:** The verse highlights God's meticulous and sovereign provision for His creation, demonstrating His active involvement in sustaining life even before the full establishment of the natural order we know.
* **Divine Ingenuity and Omnipotence:** It reveals the distinct and miraculous nature of the early creation period, where God employed unique means to achieve His purposes, transcending conventional natural processes and showcasing His boundless power.
* **Preparatory Design:** The watering system exemplifies God's purposeful design and forethought in establishing the necessary conditions for the flourishing of life, culminating in the creation of humanity and the Garden of Eden.
* **Immanence of God's Care:** The water springing *from* the earth signifies God's presence and power working directly within His creation to bring about His perfect will and sustain what He has made.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient account invites us to marvel at God’s boundless creativity and His perfect foresight in sustaining His creation. It encourages us to trust that just as He meticulously prepared the early earth with a unique and sufficient watering system, He likewise orchestrates and provides for every aspect of our lives, often in ways that transcend our understanding, always demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and profound care. We can rest in the knowledge that His provision is always sufficient for His purposes, even when we cannot fully discern His methods.

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "mist" in Genesis 2:6?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *'ed* (אֵד), translated as "mist," suggests a more substantial emanation than mere atmospheric fog. Scholars propose it could refer to subterranean springs, a welling-up of water, or even an overflowing stream. Its significance lies in highlighting God's unique and direct method of hydrating the earth before rain, demonstrating His immediate and sovereign provision for His nascent creation.

**Why was there no rain yet according to Genesis 2:5-6?**

Answer: Genesis 2:5 explicitly states that "the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth." This sets the stage for the unique watering system described in verse 6, where a mist or subterranean water source irrigated the ground. This detail emphasizes God's direct and distinct method of sustaining early creation, differentiating it from later hydrological patterns and underscoring His active involvement in preparing the earth for life and humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:6 speaks of God's unique and direct provision of water to sustain life, preparing the earth for humanity. This physical provision foreshadows the ultimate spiritual provision found in Jesus Christ. He is the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus offers living water") and [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "Rivers of living water will flow from believers")), the one who fully satisfies spiritual thirst and sustains eternal life. Just as the mist prepared the physical ground, Christ prepares the spiritual ground of human hearts, making them fruitful for God's purposes. His ministry, like the mist, originates from God's direct and immanent presence, bringing forth life and flourishing where there was spiritual barrenness. He is the divine provision, perfectly tailored to meet humanity's deepest needs, bringing ultimate fulfillment to God's creative and redemptive plan.

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.