The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

GENESIS 2:11KJV
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Genesis 2:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 2:11 mean?

Genesis 2:11 describes the first of four rivers flowing out of Eden, named Pison, which circles around the land of Havilah, a place noted for its gold. The verse highlights both the river’s path and the notable resources of the region it surrounds.

This verse is part of a larger section where the author of Genesis is explaining the geography of Eden to the reader. The focus is on giving a sense of the real, physical setting of the garden by naming rivers and lands, and by mentioning the valuable gold in Havilah, the text draws attention to the richness and desirability of the area.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 2:11

  • פִּישׁוֹן (Pishon / Pison): This is the name of the first river. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but its mention as the first river suggests importance in the geography of Eden.
  • סָבַב (savav / compasseth): This word means "to go around" or "surround." The verse is saying that the river Pison encircles the entire land of Havilah, emphasizing the completeness of its course.
  • חֲוִילָה (Chavilah / Havilah): This is the name of the land the river circles. The text singles out Havilah for its gold, suggesting it was known for its natural wealth.
  • זָהָב (zahav / gold): The mention of gold (zahav) underlines the value and richness of Havilah, making the area stand out among the lands described.

Why Genesis 2:11 matters

  • Genesis 2:11 helps ground the story of Eden in a real-world setting by mentioning specific rivers and lands, which gives the narrative a sense of place and history.
  • The detail about gold in Havilah shows that the Bible is attentive to the resources and qualities of different regions, not just their names.
  • By describing the river as encircling Havilah, the verse hints at the abundance and completeness of the original creation, connecting the geography to the theme of blessing and provision in Eden.

Where else these words appear

“Havilah” Hebrew H2341 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 10:7 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
  • Genesis 25:18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:9 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.

“that” Hebrew H1931 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 2:12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
  • Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
  • 1 Samuel 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

“where” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

“compasseth” Hebrew H5437 · used in 147 verses

  • Genesis 2:13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
  • 2 Samuel 20:12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.