Genesis 2:11
Genesis 2:11 in Multiple Translations
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 Pison: that is it which compasseth 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;
The name of the first is Pishon, which goes round about all the land of Havilah where there is gold.
The first branch was called the Pishon and it flowed through the whole land of Havilah, where gold is found.
The name of one is Pishon: the same compasseth the whole land of Hauilah, where is golde.
the name of the one [is] Pison, it [is] that which is surrounding the whole land of the Havilah where the gold [is],
The name of the first is Pishon: it flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
The name of the first is Pison, which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
The name of the one is Phison: that is it which compasseth all the land of Hevilath, where gold groweth.
The name of the first river is Pishon. That river flows through all the land of Havilah, where there is gold.
The 1st river was called Pishon. It flowed around the land called Havilah. In that country there was lots of gold.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 2:11
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֵׁ֥ם
הָֽ/אֶחָ֖ד
פִּישׁ֑וֹן
ה֣וּא
הַ/סֹּבֵ֗ב
אֵ֚ת
כָּל
אֶ֣רֶץ
הַֽ/חֲוִילָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
שָׁ֖ם
הַ/זָּהָֽב
שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
הָֽ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
פִּישׁ֑וֹן
Pîyshôwn
H6376
Pishon
N-proper
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/סֹּבֵ֗ב
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Art | V-Qal
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
הַֽ/חֲוִילָ֔ה
Chăvîylâh
H2341
Havilah
Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
הַ/זָּהָֽב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 2:11
שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הָֽ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
פִּישׁ֑וֹן
Pîyshôwn
H6376
"Pishon"
N-proper
Pishon is one of the four rivers in the garden of Eden, described in Genesis 2:11 as a place of gold and precious stones.
Definition: § Pison = "increase" one of the four rivers used to describe the location of the garden of Eden
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Pison. See also: Genesis 2:11.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/סֹּבֵ֗ב
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Art | V-Qal
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַֽ/חֲוִילָ֔ה
Chăvîylâh
H2341
"Havilah"
Art | N-proper
Havilah refers to a region in Arabia, possibly named after the son of Cush, and means 'circle'. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place inhabited by the Ishmaelites. The area is likely located in northwestern Yemen.
Definition: § Havilah = "circle" a district in Arabia of the Ishmaelites named from the 2nd son of Cush; probably the district of Kualan, in the northwestern part of Yemen
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Havilah. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 25:18; 1 Chronicles 1:23.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הַ/זָּהָֽב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Art | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 2:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 2:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 2:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 2:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 2:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
Context — Man and Woman in the Garden
9Out of the ground the LORD God gave growth to every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food. And in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
10Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it branched into four headwaters:
11The name of the first river is the Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
12And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there. 13The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the whole land of Cush.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 25:18 | Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers. |
| 2 | Genesis 10:29 | Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 15:7 | Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. |
| 4 | Genesis 10:7 | The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. |
Genesis 2:11 Summary
The verse Genesis 2:11 tells us about a river called Pishon that flows through a land called Havilah, where there is gold. This river is one of the four headwaters that come from the river that flows out of the Garden of Eden, as mentioned in Genesis 2:10. The presence of gold in this land shows us that God created a world that is full of beauty and abundance, as described in Genesis 1:31, where God saw that everything He had made was very good. This reminds us of God's goodness and provision, as seen in other Bible verses, such as Psalm 23:1, where God is our shepherd and provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the river Pishon in Genesis 2:11?
The river Pishon is one of the four headwaters that branched out of the river that flowed out of Eden, and it is notable for flowing through the land of Havilah, where there is gold, as mentioned in Genesis 2:11, and also in Genesis 2:12, where it is stated that the gold of that land is pure.
Where is the land of Havilah located?
The exact location of the land of Havilah is not certain, but based on Genesis 2:11, it is known to be a region where the river Pishon flows and where gold, bdellium, and onyx are found, which may be related to the wealth and riches described in other Bible verses, such as Psalm 45:9.
What is the spiritual significance of gold in the Bible?
Gold is often used in the Bible as a symbol of value, purity, and royalty, as seen in Revelation 21:21, where the streets of the New Jerusalem are made of gold, and in 1 Peter 1:7, where faith is compared to gold that is refined by fire.
How does the description of the river Pishon relate to the rest of the creation story?
The description of the river Pishon in Genesis 2:11 is part of the larger narrative of God's creation of the world, as described in Genesis 1:1-31, and serves to highlight the beauty and abundance of the Garden of Eden, as mentioned in Genesis 2:9, where the trees are pleasing to the eye and good for food.
Reflection Questions
- What does the presence of gold in the land of Havilah reveal about God's character and provision?
- How does the description of the river Pishon and the land of Havilah relate to your own experiences of God's abundance and provision in your life?
- What are some ways that you can reflect on the beauty and wonder of God's creation, as described in Genesis 2:11, in your own daily life?
- How can you apply the spiritual significance of gold, as a symbol of value and purity, to your own walk with God, as described in 1 Peter 1:7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 2:11
The name of the first is Pison,.... Not the river Nile in Egypt, as Jarchi, who thinks it is derived from "Pashah", which signifies to increase, expand, and diffuse, as that does at certain times,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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 Pison (overflowing). The name seems to denote a large, mighty river.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
Pison, an eminent branch of the river Tigris, probably that called by others Pasi-tigris, or Piso-tigris. That is it which compasseth, i.e. with many windings and turnings passed through; as this word is used, . This whole land of Havilah; either that which is in those parts of Arabia which is towards Mesopotamia, so called from Havilah the issue of Cham, ; or that which is nigh Persia, and in the borders of India, so called from another Havilah of the posterity of Shem, . To either of these following the description agrees well.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
Genesis 2:11 The name of the first [is] Pison: that [is] it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where [there is] gold;Ver. 11. Where there is gold.] Which, though never so much admired and studiously acquired, is but the guts and garbage of the earth. Gold is that which the basest element yields, the most savage Indians get, servile apprentices work, Midianitish camels carry, miserable muckworms adore, unthrifty ruffians spend. It is to be wondered that, treading upon these minerals, we cannot contemn them. They lie farthest from heaven, and the best of them in Havilah, farthest of all from the Church. Adam had them in the first paradise. In the second we shall not need them. Money is the monarch of this world, and answers all things; but in the matters of God, money bears no mastery, will fetch in no commodity Wise men esteemed it as the stones of the street. Children of wisdom might not possess it in their girdles. Medes cared not for it; and devils were sent to keep rich and pleasant palaces.
So subject these metals are to ensnare and defile us, that God made a law to have them purified, ere he would have them used, and appointed the snuffers and snuff-dishes of the sanctuary to be made of pure gold, to teach us to make no account of what he put to so base offices, and is frequently given to so bad men. The Spaniard found in the mines of America more gold than earth. Hasten we to that country where "God shall be our gold, and we shall have plenty of silver" Heyl. Geog., p. 714.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
(11, 12) The name of the first is Pison.—“The full-flowing” (Gesenius), or “free-streaming” (Fürst). Neither derivation has much authority for it in the Hebrew language, and we must wait for the true explanation till the cuneiform inscriptions have been more thoroughly examined. As two of the four rivers of Paradise rise in Armenia, so we must probably seek the other two there; but the conjectures of commentators have thus far suggested no probable identification of this stream. Compasseth.—This word, without strictly meaning to go round, gives the idea of a devious course (comp. 1 Samuel 7:16; Son 3:3), as if the river had now reached a level plain. Havilah may mean sandy land (Deutsch), or circuit region. There seems to have been more than one country of this name; but the most probable is that in South-Western Arabia, afterwards colonised by the Joktanites (Genesis 10:29), which this river skirted rather than traversed. But we know of no such river, rising in Armenia or elsewhere, which answers to this description now. Besides gold of great purity, pronounced emphatically “good,” this land produced” bdellium,” a scented gum, to which manna is compared (Numbers 11:7), though the meaning even there is uncertain. Instead of bedolach, bdellium, the Syriac reads berulchê, that is, the same word in the plural, but with d instead of r. These two letters being very similar, not merely in the square Hebrew alphabet now in use, but in the original Samaritan characters, are constantly interchanged in manuscripts; and as berulchê means pearls, the sense agrees better with the other productions of Havilah, gold and onyx stones.
As bedolach is a quadriliteral, while Hebrew words have only three root letters, we must look to the Accadi an language for its true signification, if this be really the right reading. The onyx stone.—Though there is considerable authority for this translation, yet probably the LXX., supported by most ancient authorities, are right in regarding this gem as the beryl of a light green colour (leek-stone, LXX.). The root signifies something pale, while the onyx has its name from its markings resembling those of the human nail.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 2:11
10–14. A Geographical Description of the Garden This is very probably a later insertion. It interrupts the sequence of thought.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 2:11
11. Pison… Havilah — After the views above given as to the site of paradise and the land of Eden, it would be idle to enumerate the diverse speculations and conjectures touching the rivers and lands