King James Version
Genesis 2:11 in the King James Version says “The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;”
Genesis 2:11 · KJV
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. Ethiopia: Heb. Cush
KJV Study — Public Domain
“The name”
H8034an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
“that”
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“is it which compasseth”
H5437to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“of Havilah”
H2341chavilah, the name of two or three eastern regions; also perhaps of two men
“where”
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“there is gold”
H2091gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Genesis 2:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge