In 1:1–2:3, creation happens by God's command ("Let there be ... And it was so"). This story describes a more personal process of creation (see also 2:8–9, 21–22).
from the dust of the ground: In Hebrew, 'adamah means "ground." This forms a wordplay on 'adam, which means "man." The earth is a key reference point for humans, who become dust again at death (3:17–19; 4:11; Job 4:19; 10:8–9; Isaiah 29:16).
breathed the breath of life into his nostrils: God gives his breath only to humans, not to other animals. God made humans in his image (Genesis 1:27) and only they can communicate with their Creator (2:16–17; 3:8–13). They are the only ones with spiritual awareness and a moral conscience (see Job 32:8).