King James Version
What Does Genesis 2:12 Mean?
“And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.”
Context
10
And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11
The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
12
And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
13
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. Ethiopia: Heb. Cush
14
And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. toward: or, eastward to Assyria
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary7. Here the sacred writer supplies a few more particulars about the first pair.
**formed--**had FORMED MAN OUT OF THE DUST OF THE GROUND. Science has proved that the substance of his flesh, sinews, and bones, consists of the very same elements as the soil which forms the crust of the earth and the limestone that lies embedded in its bowels. But from that mean material what an admirable structure has been reared in the human body (Psa 139:14).
**the breath of life--**literally, of lives, not only animal but spiritual life. If the body is so admirable, how much more the soul with all its varied faculties.
**breathed into his nostrils the breath of life--**not that the Creator literally performed this act, but respiration being the medium and sign of life, this phrase is used to show that man's life originated in a different way from his body--being implanted directly by God (Ec 12:7), and hence in the new creation of the soul Christ breathed on His disciples (Joh 20:22).
Ge 8-17. The Garden of Eden.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
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.
Theological Significance
Genesis 2:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Genesis 2:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge