Genesis 2:11

The name of the first [is] Pison: that [is] it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where [there is] gold;

The name {H8034} of the first {H259} is Pison {H6376}: that {H1931} is it which compasseth {H5437} the whole land {H776} of Havilah {H2341}, where {H834} there is gold {H2091};

The name of the first is Pishon; it winds throughout the land of Havilah, where there is gold.

The name of the first river is Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.

The name of the first is Pishon: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

Commentary

Genesis 2:11 introduces the first of the four rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden, named Pison. This verse describes Pison as encompassing "the whole land of Havilah," noting a significant detail: "where there is gold." This geographical and material detail offers a glimpse into the pristine abundance of God's original creation.

Context

This verse is part of a more detailed account of creation in Genesis chapter 2, specifically focusing on the Garden of Eden. After describing how a river flowed out of Eden and then divided into four heads (Genesis 2:10), the text proceeds to name and briefly describe each of these four rivers. Pison is the first mentioned, with Havilah being its associated land, known for its valuable resources like gold.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Abundance: The mention of gold in Havilah highlights the richness and valuable resources present in God's initial creation. It underscores the Lord's generous provision for humanity, establishing a world not only beautiful but also materially abundant.
  • Geographical Detail in the Ancient World: While the exact locations of Pison and Havilah are debated by scholars today (often associated with regions in Arabia or Mesopotamia), their inclusion demonstrates the biblical author's intent to ground the narrative in specific, tangible geography relevant to the ancient audience. This gives the creation account a sense of reality and historical foundation.
  • The Perfection of Original Creation: The presence of precious metals like gold, often symbolic of purity and value, reinforces the idea that God's world was created in a state of perfection and inherent goodness, a theme echoed in Genesis 1:31 where God declares His creation "very good".

Linguistic Insights

The name Pison (Hebrew: ืคึดึผื™ืฉืื•ึนืŸ, Pishon) is thought by some to relate to a root meaning "to gush" or "to overflow," suggesting a mighty river. Havilah (Hebrew: ื—ึฒื•ึดื™ืœึธื”, แธคawรฎlฤh) is a region mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament, often associated with areas rich in precious stones and metals. The word for "gold" (Hebrew: ื–ึธื”ึธื‘, zahav) is standard for this precious metal.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:11, though descriptive of an ancient landscape, reminds us of God's meticulous design and the inherent goodness of His creation. It encourages us to appreciate the natural resources and beauty of the world around us, recognizing them as gifts from a benevolent Creator. It also subtly points to a time of unspoiled abundance, inviting reflection on humanity's role in stewarding the earth's resources after the Fall.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:18 (5 votes)

    And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.

  • 1 Samuel 15:7 (4 votes)

    And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah [until] thou comest to Shur, that [is] over against Egypt.

  • Genesis 10:29 (4 votes)

    And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these [were] the sons of Joktan.

  • Genesis 10:7 (3 votes)

    And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.