Genesis 2:4

¶ These [are] the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

These {H428} are the generations {H8435} of the heavens {H8064} and of the earth {H776} when they were created {H1254}, in the day {H3117} that the LORD {H3068} God {H430} made {H6213} the earth {H776} and the heavens {H8064},

Here is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created. On the day when Adonai, God, made earth and heaven,

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made them.

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 2:4 serves as a crucial transitional verse in the biblical account of creation. It acts as a bridge, concluding the broad, cosmic overview of creation presented in Genesis chapter 1, and introducing the more detailed, anthropocentric narrative that follows in Genesis 2 and 3. This verse is the first instance of the Hebrew word toledot (תּוֹלְדֹת), often translated as "generations," "accounts," or "history," which marks distinct sections throughout the book of Genesis, signaling a shift in focus or a summary of what has occurred.

Key Themes

  • Continuity and Transition: The verse connects the previous chapter's account of God's universal creative acts with the subsequent focus on humanity's creation and early life in the Garden of Eden. It reiterates the divine origin of "the heavens and of the earth."
  • Divine Names: This is the first time the compound divine name "the LORD God" (Hebrew: YHWH Elohim) appears.
    • LORD (YHWH): This is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His relational and immanent nature, particularly His unique relationship with His people and His creation. It speaks to His intimate involvement.
    • God (Elohim): This is the general name for God, highlighting His power, majesty, and role as the transcendent Creator of the universe, as seen predominantly in Genesis 1. The combination signifies both God's supreme power and His personal, relational presence.
  • Summary Statement: The phrase "in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens" should be understood not as a literal 24-hour period but as a summary statement encompassing the entire creation process described in Genesis 1. The Hebrew phrase b'yom (בְּיוֹם) often refers to a period of time, an era, or "when" something occurred, rather than a single calendar day.

Linguistic Insights

The term toledot (תּוֹלְדֹת), translated here as "generations," is a literary device used throughout Genesis (e.g., Genesis 5:1, Genesis 6:9) to structure the narrative. It marks the "history" or "descendants" of something or someone, indicating a new section that elaborates on what has come from a particular origin. Here, it introduces the account of the creation of the heavens and earth, specifically as it pertains to humanity.

The appearance of YHWH Elohim (the LORD God) is significant. While Elohim (God) emphasizes power and transcendence, YHWH (LORD) highlights God's personal, covenantal relationship. The combination indicates that the powerful Creator of the cosmos is also the personal God who intimately relates to His creation, particularly as the narrative shifts focus to the creation and early history of humanity.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:4 reminds us that God is both the majestic, all-powerful Creator and the personal, relational LORD. He is not a distant deity but one intimately involved in His creation, particularly with humanity. This verse underscores the orderly and intentional nature of God's work, providing a foundation for understanding His ongoing relationship with the world and His people. It invites us to consider God's comprehensive nature—His power, faithfulness, and desire for relationship—in all aspects of life.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 5:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

  • Revelation 1:8 (4 votes)

    I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

  • Genesis 36:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now these [are] the generations of Esau, who [is] Edom.

  • Job 38:28 (3 votes)

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

  • Genesis 1:4 (3 votes)

    And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

  • 1 Kings 18:39 (3 votes)

    And when all the people saw [it], they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he [is] the God; the LORD, he [is] the God.

  • Genesis 1:31 (3 votes)

    ¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.