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
Intricately describes God's unique and direct method of hydrating the earth before the advent of rain, illustrating a divinely orchestrated hydrological system. This verse reveals the Creator's meticulous care and sovereign provision, preparing the ground for the flourishing of life and demonstrating His immediate, personal involvement in sustaining His nascent creation through means distinct from conventional natural processes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the narrative established in [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Absence of Rain and Man"), which paints a picture of initial dryness and uncultivated land, noting that "the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth." This preceding verse sets the stage for the divine intervention described in [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - The Mist that Watered the Earth"), presenting God's solution to the arid conditions. [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and the Garden of Eden") itself offers a more focused, anthropocentric account of creation, complementing the broader, chronological overview found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Week"). The specific detail of the "mist" or "spring" in verse 6 is crucial, as it provides the necessary moisture for the subsequent growth of vegetation and the establishment of the Garden of Eden, which will become the dwelling place for humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, water was synonymous with life and fertility, often attributed to the unpredictable forces of nature or the whims of various deities. The account in [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - God's Unique Provision of Water") stands in stark contrast to these pagan cosmologies by presenting a single, sovereign God who meticulously controls and provides water, not through chaotic forces, but through an orderly and purposeful system. The absence of rain and the presence of a "mist" or "subterranean spring" would have been understood as a distinct, divinely initiated process, highlighting God's direct and immanent involvement in the early earth's ecosystem, rather than relying on the familiar seasonal rains that later sustained agricultural societies. This unique provision underscores the special nature of the pre-fall creation.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - Divine Provision") contributes significantly to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereign Provision**, showcasing His active and direct involvement in sustaining His creation even before the full establishment of natural laws as we know them. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Design**, demonstrating that God's creation is not chaotic but meticulously prepared, with every necessary condition in place for life to flourish. The watering system is a testament to His purposeful design, leading up to the creation of humanity and the Garden of Eden as described in [Genesis 2:7-8](/genesis/2-7-8 "Genesis 2:7-8 - The Creation of Man and the Garden"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Life and Fertility**, as the provision of water is foundational to the earth's ability to support vegetation and, subsequently, all living creatures, including humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From H5927, a primitive root meaning "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount)." This word signifies a rising or ascending movement. In the context of [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - The Ascent of the Mist"), it emphasizes that the mist or vapor did not descend as rain, but rather originated from below, rising from the earth itself, indicating a unique hydrological process distinct from atmospheric precipitation.
* **mist (Hebrew, _ʼêd'_):** From H108, related to a root meaning "enveloping"; a fog, mist, or vapor. While often translated as "mist," scholarly interpretations suggest a more substantial emanation than mere atmospheric fog. It likely refers to a welling-up of subterranean water, a spring, or an overflowing stream, providing a significant and abundant source of moisture to thoroughly irrigate the ground.
* **watered (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** From H8248, a primitive root meaning "to quaff, i.e. (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to." This verb denotes a thorough and complete saturation, implying that the "mist" provided sufficient moisture to deeply penetrate and irrigate the entire surface of the ground, making it fertile and ready for vegetation. It speaks to the efficacy and completeness of God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there went up a mist from the earth":** This initial clause serves as a direct contrast to the dryness described in [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Earth's Dryness"). The phrase "went up" (from the Hebrew `ʻâlâh`) indicates an upward movement, signifying that the moisture originated from within the earth itself rather than descending from the sky as rain. The "mist" (`ʼêd`) is not merely a light fog but a substantial emanation of water, possibly from subterranean sources or springs, highlighting a unique, divinely appointed method of irrigation for the nascent earth. This emphasizes God's immediate and purposeful action in providing sustenance.
* **"and watered the whole face of the ground":** This second clause describes the comprehensive effect of the rising water. The verb "watered" (`shâqâh`) implies a thorough and complete irrigation, not just a superficial dampening. The phrase "the whole face of the ground" (`pânîym` H6440, `ʼădâmâh` H127) emphasizes the universal and all-encompassing nature of this divine provision. No part of the earth was left dry; God's provision was sufficient and meticulously applied to prepare the entire surface for the flourishing of vegetation and, ultimately, for the habitation of life, demonstrating His boundless care and attention to detail.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - Literary Devices") employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Personification** is subtly present in the phrase "the whole face of the ground," attributing a human-like feature ("face") to the inanimate earth, suggesting a complete and visible covering of moisture. This also hints at the earth's readiness to "look up" and receive God's life-giving provision. **Contrast** is a dominant device, as this verse directly contrasts the barrenness and lack of rain described in [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Contrast with Dryness") with the subsequent divine provision of water. This highlights God's immediate and effective solution to the earth's initial state. Furthermore, the "mist" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's unique and immanent method of sustaining His creation. It symbolizes divine provision that operates beyond conventional natural processes, emphasizing God's omnipotence and His direct involvement in preparing the world for life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:6 profoundly underscores God's active and meticulous involvement in His creation, demonstrating that His provision is not merely a passive allowance but a direct, purposeful act. This verse reveals a God who is intimately engaged with His world, ensuring that every necessary condition for life is met, even before the full establishment of the natural order as we understand it. The unique watering system highlights divine ingenuity and omnipotence, showcasing God's ability to sustain life through means that transcend conventional natural processes, perfectly tailoring His provision to the specific needs of His nascent creation. This divine forethought and comprehensive care establish a foundational truth: God is the ultimate provider, always sufficient and perfectly attuned to His purposes.

* [Psalm 104:10-13](/psalm/104-10-13 "Psalm 104:10-13 - God's Provision of Water")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - God's Care for His Creation")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient account of [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - Reflection on Divine Provision") invites us to pause and marvel at the boundless creativity and perfect foresight of God in sustaining His creation. Just as He meticulously prepared the early earth with a unique and sufficient watering system, even before rain, He likewise orchestrates and provides for every aspect of our lives. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unwavering faithfulness and profound care, recognizing that His provision often transcends our human understanding and conventional expectations. We can find profound peace in the knowledge that His resources are limitless, and His methods are perfectly tailored to His purposes, ensuring that no need goes unmet. This truth calls us to live with gratitude and confidence, knowing that the same God who watered the dry ground of creation continues to nourish and sustain us, even in our own seasons of spiritual or physical barrenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unique watering system in Genesis 2:6 deepen your understanding of God's creativity and ingenuity?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "dry ground" moment, and how can the truth of God's unique provision encourage you?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's active involvement in the natural world and in your personal circumstances?**

### 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. This distinct form of irrigation underscores the special, pre-fall conditions of the earth, where God's care was immanent and direct.

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

Answer: [Genesis 2:5](/genesis/2-5 "Genesis 2:5 - Absence of Rain") explicitly states that "the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth," and there was no man to till the ground. This sets the stage for the unique watering system described in [Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - The Mist as Water Source"), 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. It highlights that God's provision is not bound by conventional means but can manifest in diverse and miraculous ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 2:6](/genesis/2-6 "Genesis 2:6 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") describes God's unique and direct provision of water to sustain life, preparing the earth for the flourishing of vegetation and the habitation of humanity. This physical provision profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as the mist rose from the earth to bring life to barren ground, so too does Christ, the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water"); [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")), satisfy the deepest spiritual thirst and sustain eternal life for those who believe in Him. His ministry, like the mist, originates from God's direct and immanent presence, bringing forth spiritual life and fruitfulness where there was spiritual barrenness due to sin. He is the divine provision, perfectly tailored to meet humanity's most profound needs, cleansing, nourishing, and enabling growth. Through Christ, the dry ground of the human heart is watered, making it fertile for God's purposes and bringing ultimate fulfillment to God's creative and redemptive plan, culminating in the promise of a new heaven and new earth where the "river of the water of life" flows ([Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of the Water of Life")).

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.