Keraia
Genesis 2

Genesis 2:4

Man and Woman in the Garden · Genesis 2:4–25
Read Genesis 2

Translations

Modern
This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made them.
Traditional
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,
Literal
These are the generations of the heavens and the earth in their being created, in the day when YHWH God made the earth and the heavens.
Latin
Istæ sunt generationes cæli et terræ, quando creata sunt, in die quo fecit Dominus Deus cælum et terram,

Original

Hebrew
English
This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made them.

Notes

Genesis 2:4

  • This is the account (literally These are the generations; Hebrew toledoth): This phrase appears often in Genesis. It helps outline the book. It usually introduces the family line or story of an important person (5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27; 25:12, 19; 36:1; 37:2).

    Some people think the first part of 2:4 belongs with 1:1–2:3, but it probably introduces the next story.

  • LORD God (Hebrew Yahweh Elohim): This is the second name for God in Genesis. Elohim (1:1–2:3) refers to the all-powerful creator God. Yahweh Elohim refers to the eternal God who made a lasting covenant with Israel (Exodus 3:6, 13–15). So, Genesis 2:4–25 focuses on God as a provider more than as a creator.

    The three themes of sexuality, dominion, and food in chapter 1 are now in reverse order (food, 2:8–17; dominion, 2:18–20; sexuality, 2:21–25).

Genesis 2:4–25

This story (see study note on 2:4) of the heavens and the earth is not a second creation story. Instead, it expands on 1:1–2:3 with more theological and historical details. The focus shifts to what the universe (kosmos) produced rather than on its creation.

Special attention is given to the first man and woman. As the story continues, it is shaped by contrasts such as good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, life and death, and harmony and conflict.

Events

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Book of Revelation Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Creation Myths Fall of Man Genesis, Book of God, Being and Attributes of God, Names of Hebrew Language Land Man Mesopotamia Monotheism New Creation, New Creature Paradise Patriarchs, Period of the Sex, Sexuality Woman

Topics

Creation: Effected by God God: Creator