### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pîyshôwn**, represented by `{{H6376}}`, is the proper name for **Pishon, a river of Eden**. Derived from a root meaning "dispersive," the word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its sole mention places it as a significant landmark within the geography of the Garden of Eden.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H6376}}` is in the creation account, where it is identified as the **first** `{{H259}}` of the four rivers flowing out of Eden. The verse describes its path, stating that this is the river "which **compasseth** `{{H5437}}` the whole **land** `{{H776}}` of **Havilah** `{{H2341}}`" [[Genesis 2:11]]. The passage further notes that the land of Havilah is a place where there is **gold** `{{H2091}}`, directly associating the river Pishon with a land of precious resources.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context in [[Genesis 2:11]] provide a richer understanding of its setting:
* `{{H5437}}` **çâbab** (to revolve, surround, or border): This verb describes the action of the Pishon river, indicating it flows around or encircles the land of Havilah. It is used elsewhere to describe God leading His people [[Deuteronomy 32:10]] and mercy surrounding the faithful [[Psalms 32:10]].
* `{{H2341}}` **Chăvîylâh** (circular; Chavilah): This is the name of the land bordered by the Pishon. It is identified as a land rich with **gold** `{{H2091}}` and is also mentioned in genealogies as a descendant of Cush and Joktan ([[Genesis 10:7]], 10:29).
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): This precious metal is the defining feature of the land associated with Pishon. Gold is often a symbol of wealth [[Genesis 24:35]] but is also used metaphorically for a person tried and purified by God ([[Job 23:10]], [[Zechariah 13:9]]).
* `{{H776}}` **ʼerets** (the earth... a land): This word specifies Havilah as a distinct region or country. It is the same word used to describe the entire **earth** in the creation account [[Genesis 1:1]] and specific lands that God promises to heal or gather His people from ([[2 Chronicles 7:14]], [[Ezekiel 34:13]]).
### Theological Significance
While mentioned only once, the context of `{{H6376}}` carries significant weight in the Edenic narrative.
* **Divine Provision:** The Pishon's connection to the land of Havilah, a place defined by the presence of **gold** `{{H2091}}`, highlights the richness and abundance of God's original creation. The river serves as a channel or boundary for this God-given wealth.
* **Order in Creation:** The description of the river as one that **compasseth** `{{H5437}}` a specific land illustrates the order and defined boundaries established by God from the beginning. Pishon is not a random body of water but a river with a specific, named purpose and course.
* **A Foundational Landmark:** As the **first** `{{H259}}` of the four rivers named, Pishon is a key geographical marker in the Bible's foundational account of the world's pristine state, representing a source from which life and value flowed.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6376}}` **Pîyshôwn** is more than just an obscure name. Though it has only a single occurrence, its context in [[Genesis 2:11]] establishes it as a vital feature of God's perfect creation in Eden. It functions as a geographical boundary for a land of immense value, symbolizing the order, richness, and divine provision inherent in the world as it was originally made.
TRV