Genesis 2:5

Authorized King James Version

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֹ֣ל׀

H3605

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

שִׂ֣יחַ

H7880

And every plant

a shoot (as if uttered or put forth), i.e., (generally) shrubbery

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

טֶ֣רֶם

H2962

before

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

it was in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְכָל

H3605

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

עֵ֥שֶׂב

H6212

and every herb

grass (or any tender shoot)

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#10

טֶ֣רֶם

H2962

before

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

#11

יִצְמָ֑ח

H6779

it grew

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

#12

כִּי֩

H3588

for

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

לֹ֨א

H3808

had not

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

הִמְטִ֜יר

H4305

caused it to rain

to rain

#15

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

it was in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

וְאָדָ֣ם

H120

a man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#20

אַ֔יִן

H369

and there was not

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#21

לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

to till

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#22

אֶת

H853

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

#23

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃

H127

the ground

soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 sovereignty. 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

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