Genesis 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

שֵׁ֥ם

H8034

The name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָֽאֶחָ֖ד

H259

of the first

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

פִּישׁ֑וֹן

H6376

is Pison

pishon, a river of eden

ה֣וּא

H1931

that

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַסֹּבֵ֗ב

H5437

is it which compasseth

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

the whole land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַֽחֲוִילָ֔ה

H2341

of Havilah

chavilah, the name of two or three eastern regions; also perhaps of two men

#10

אֲשֶׁר

H834

where

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#12

הַזָּהָֽב׃

H2091

there is gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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