The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
What does Genesis 2:11 mean?
The place fixed upon for Adam to dwell in, was not a palace, but a garden. The better we take up with plain things, and the less we seek things to gratify pride and luxury, the nearer we approach to innocency.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Genesis 2:11-15 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 2:11
This country is noted for the best gold, and for two other products, concerning which interpreters differ. Bedolach is, according to the Septuagint, the carbuncle or crystal; according to others, the pearl, or a particular kind of gum. The last is the more probable, if we regard the various Greek and Latin forms of the word: Βδελλα bdella, Βδελλιον bdellion, Josephus Ant. iii. 1, 6; οι δε μαδελκον hoi de madelkon, οι δε Βολχον καλουσι hoi de bolchon kalousi, Dioscor. i. 71; alii brochon appellant, alii malacham, alii maldacon, Pliny H. N. 12, 9.
Context in Genesis 2
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Genesis 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as primeval history from creation to Babel. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.