Genesis 2:13
Genesis 2:13 in Multiple Translations
The name of the second river is Gihon; it winds through the whole land of Cush.
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Cush.
And the name of the second river is Gihon: this river goes round all the land of Cush.
The second branch was called the Gihon and it flowed through the whole land of Cush.
And the name of the seconde riuer is Gihon: the same compasseth the whole lande of Cush.
and the name of the second river [is] Gibon, it [is] that which is surrounding the whole land of Cush;
The name of the second river is Gihon. It is the same river that flows through the whole land of Cush.
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same that compasseth the whole land of Cush.
And the name of the second river is Gehon: the same is it that compasseth all the land of Ethiopia.
The name of the second river is Gihon. That river flows through all the land of Cain.
The 2nd river was called Gihon. It flowed all around the country called Cush.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 2:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שֵֽׁם
הַ/נָּהָ֥ר
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖י
גִּיח֑וֹן
ה֣וּא
הַ/סּוֹבֵ֔ב
אֵ֖ת
כָּל
אֶ֥רֶץ
כּֽוּשׁ
וְ/שֵֽׁם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
הַ/נָּהָ֥ר
nâhâr
H5104
river
Art | N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
גִּיח֑וֹן
Gîychôwn
H1521
Gihon
N-proper
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/סּוֹבֵ֔ב
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Art | V-Qal
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
כּֽוּשׁ
Kûwsh
H3568
Ethiopia
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 2:13
וְ/שֵֽׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הַ/נָּהָ֥ר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
גִּיח֑וֹן
Gîychôwn
H1521
"Gihon"
N-proper
Gihon is a river in the Garden of Eden, described in Genesis 2:13, and also the name of a valley or pool near Jerusalem, as seen in 1 Kings 1:33. The name means 'bursting forth', which likely refers to the river's source or the sound of its flowing water. It is one of the four rivers of Paradise.
Definition: § Gihon = "bursting forth" one of the four rivers of the Garden of Eden
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Gihon. See also: Genesis 2:13; 1 Kings 1:45; 2 Chronicles 33:14.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/סּוֹבֵ֔ב
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Art | V-Qal
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כּֽוּשׁ
Kûwsh
H3568
"Ethiopia"
N-proper
Cush refers to Ethiopia or a Benjamite in Psalm 7:1. It means black, referencing the dark skin of its people.
Definition: § Cush = "black" a Benjamite mentioned only in the title of Ps 7:1
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Chush, Cush, Ethiopia. See also: Genesis 2:13; Isaiah 18:1; Psalms 7:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 2:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 2:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 2:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 2:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 2:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
- Sermons on Genesis 2:13
Context — Man and Woman in the Garden
11The name of the first river is the Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
12And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there.
13The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the whole land of Cush.
14The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 10:6 | The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. |
| 2 | Isaiah 11:11 | On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. |
Genesis 2:13 Summary
Genesis 2:13 tells us about the river Gihon, which winds through the land of Cush. This river, along with the others mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14, was a part of the beautiful and abundant Garden of Eden that God created for humanity (as seen in Genesis 1:31). The fact that the river Gihon winds through the whole land of Cush shows us that God's creation is full of detail and wonder. As we read about the river Gihon, we can reflect on the beauty and provision of God's creation, and how it points to His love and care for us, as seen in Genesis 2:15, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the river Gihon in Genesis 2:13?
The river Gihon is one of the four rivers mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14, and it winds through the land of Cush, which is believed to be located in Africa, as mentioned in Genesis 2:13. This river, along with the others, was a part of the Garden of Eden's geography, and its mention helps to establish the historical context of the biblical account (Genesis 2:10-14).
Where is the land of Cush located?
The land of Cush is believed to be located in Africa, although its exact location is not certain. In Genesis 2:13, it is mentioned as the land through which the river Gihon winds, and it is also mentioned in other biblical passages, such as Genesis 10:6-8, which describes the descendants of Noah and their territories.
What can we learn from the description of the rivers in Genesis 2:10-14?
The description of the rivers in Genesis 2:10-14 provides insight into the Garden of Eden's geography and the abundance of natural resources that it possessed. As seen in Genesis 2:10-14 and supported by Genesis 1:31, which states that God saw all that He had made and it was very good, we can learn about God's creative power and His provision for humanity.
How does the description of the river Gihon relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
The description of the river Gihon in Genesis 2:13 serves as a part of the larger narrative of creation and the early history of humanity. As seen in Genesis 2:15, which describes God's placement of Adam in the Garden of Eden, it helps to establish the context for the events that unfold in the subsequent chapters of the book of Genesis, including the story of Adam and Eve and the early descendants of Adam (Genesis 3-5).
Reflection Questions
- What does the mention of the river Gihon and the land of Cush reveal about God's creative power and attention to detail?
- How does the description of the rivers in Genesis 2:10-14 contribute to our understanding of the Garden of Eden as a place of abundance and beauty?
- What can we learn from the fact that the river Gihon winds through the whole land of Cush, and how does this relate to our own lives and experiences?
- In what ways does the description of the river Gihon in Genesis 2:13 point to the larger themes of the biblical narrative, such as creation, provision, and the relationship between God and humanity?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 2:13
And the name of the second river [is] Gihon,.... There was one of this name in the land of Israel, which, or a branch of it, flowed near Jerusalem, 1 Kings 1:33 this Aben Ezra suggests is here meant,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 2:13
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. Gihon (bursting forth). The name denotes a rapid river issuing impetuously from its fountains.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
Gihon; not that river in the land of Israel, so called, ; but another of the same name, which in Hebrew signifies, the branch of a greater river: here it is a branch either of Euphrates, as most think, or of Tigris, as some late writers conceive. Ethiopia; not that country in Africa above Egypt, commonly so called; but either Arabia, which in Scripture is frequently called Cush or Ethiopia; of which, see Poole on "", see Poole on "", see Poole on "", see Poole on "", see Poole on "", see Poole on "". Or rather a country adjoining to India and Persia, with which Cush is joined, ; see also ; and about which place the Ethiopians are seated by Herod. 1. 7, Homer, Hesiod, and others. Of which see my Latin Synopsis.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
Genesis 2:13 And the name of the second river [is] Gihon: the same [is] it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.Ver. 13. The name of the second river is Gihon.] This is the same, say some, which the Egyptians call Nile. Others make it to be a channel of the river Euphrates, called by those that dwell near it Naharsares. The hill where Solomon was anointed king, was also called Gihon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
(13) Gihon, “the river that bursts forth,” has been supposed to be the Nile, because it is said to wind about Ethiopia (Cush). According to this view, there was originally no break between Asia and Africa, and the Nile, entering Abyssinia from Arabia, took thence a northerly course, and traversed Egypt. But Cush is now known to have signified at this period the southern half of Arabia, and it was not until later times that the name was carried by colonists to Abys. sinia. Moreover Gihon, in Arabic Jaihan, is a common name among the Arabs for a river, and perhaps the Oxus is here meant, which flowed northward from Armenia into the Caspian. Mr. Sayce, however, thinks it is the Araxes, “the river of Babylon,” which flowed westward into the desert of Cush, in Arabia (Chald, Gen., p. 84).
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 2:13
13. Gihon] This river is not mentioned again by the same name in the Bible, except in Sir 24:27. The student will be careful not to confound it with the Gihon of 1 Kings 1:33, a spring in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem. It is here described as encircling “the whole land of Cush.” “Cush” in the Bible generally denotes Ethiopia (but cf. Genesis 10:8 note); and by Ethiopia would be signified Nubia, the Soudan, and Upper Egypt, a great tract of country watered by the Nile, cf. Isaiah 18:1. Hence, though the description “that compasseth the whole land of Cush” is fanciful, it seems very probable that the Gihon here means the Nile. The Nile is generally called in the Bible ye’or (cf. Genesis 41:1), and sometimes Shihor (cf. Isaiah 23:3, Jeremiah 2:18).
See note Genesis 41:1. For Cushites in David’s time, cf. 2 Samuel 18:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 2:13
13. Gihon — This name occurs again only as denoting a fountain near Jerusalem. 1 Kings 1:33; 1 Kings 1:38; 1 Kings 1:45; 2 Chronicles 32:30.
Sermons on Genesis 2:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 10:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three-fold division of the human family as revealed in the sons of Noah: Ham, Shem, and Japheth. The speaker mentions a chart made by an e |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 10:8-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the story of the flood in the Bible. He suggests that this chapter provides a rich study of the human family and o |
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:11 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the current state of the world and the need for God's intervention. He expresses concern over the increasing wickedness and rebellion a |
|
|
The Deed to the Land by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the misconceptions and sensationalism surrounding the United States and Israel. He compares the portrayal of America in the media to the reali |
|
The Place of Israel in God's Purposes - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the restoration of the Jewish people according to biblical prophecy. It highlights the process of God giving the Jewish people a n |
|
The Hand Behind History by David Davis | This sermon delves into the story of Daniel in Babylon, where a wild party takes place with sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem being desecrated. The hand of God writes on |
|
The Conversion and Restoration of Israel by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the future restoration and conversion of Israel as prophesied in the Bible. The manifestation of Jehovah will bring judgment upon the nations |