Genesis 2:12 kjv

And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.

Genesis 2:12 nkjv

And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there.

Genesis 2:12 niv

(The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.)

Genesis 2:12 esv

And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there.

Genesis 2:12 nlt

The gold of that land is exceptionally pure; aromatic resin and onyx stone are also found there.

Genesis 2 verses

Genesis 2 12 Meaning

Genesis 2:12 describes the exceptional natural resources found in the land of Havilah, a region geographically linked to the Pishon River flowing from Eden. This verse highlights the presence of "good" gold, bdellium, and the onyx stone, presenting these materials as integral parts of God's initially perfect and abundant creation. It signifies not just the material value but the inherent quality and richness divinely endowed within the early earth.

Genesis 2 12 Context

Genesis chapter 2 focuses on a more detailed account of God's creation, particularly the formation of humanity, the planting of the Garden of Eden, and the early divine provisions. Verses 10-14 specifically describe the four rivers that flowed from Eden (Pishon, Gihon, Hiddekel/Tigris, Euphrates), outlining a geographical layout that includes significant regions like Havilah. This verse, Gen 2:12, provides specific details about the wealth of natural resources within Havilah, portraying it as a land rich in highly valued substances from God's hand. It contributes to the picture of creation as a place of immense beauty, perfection, and abundance, crafted by God for humanity before the fall. It's part of presenting Eden and its surroundings as a divine paradise, where even materials typically associated with human commerce are inherently "good."

Genesis 2 12 Word analysis

• And (וְ, wᵉ): A simple conjunction connecting this description to the preceding verse which introduces the land of Havilah and the Pishon river.
• the gold (הַזָּהָב, ha-zzāhāḇ): Refers to a highly valued precious metal. The article "the" points to a specific and recognized material. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, gold was esteemed for its beauty, malleability, and rarity, often used for ornamentation, wealth, and cultic objects.
• of that land (הָאָרֶץ הַהִוא, hā-’āreṣ ha-hiw’): "That land" refers back to Havilah, mentioned in Genesis 2:11, specifying the origin of the gold. ’Eretz can mean land, earth, or ground.
• is good (טוֹב, ṭōḇ): This word carries profound theological weight in Genesis. It signifies inherent quality, suitability, beauty, perfection, and moral soundness, as seen in the repeated declaration "God saw that it was good" (Gen 1). Here, it implies the gold found in this land was of superior purity or excellent quality, aligning with the pristine nature of God's creation before sin entered the world. It wasn't just valuable to humans but "good" from a divine perspective.
• there (שָׁם, šām): A simple adverb of place, indicating existence or presence in that specified location.
• is bdellium (בְּדֹלַח, bəḏōlaḥ): This term's exact identity has been debated. It is most often understood as a fragrant gum-resin, possibly from a tree similar to a balsam or myrrh tree, characterized by its translucent, waxy appearance. The only other biblical mention is Num 11:7, where manna is described as having "the appearance of bdellium," suggesting a yellowish or whitish color and perhaps a granular or pearly quality. Some interpretations also propose it could refer to a pearl or a precious stone. Its inclusion highlights another rare and valuable substance from God's good creation.
• and the onyx stone (וְאֶבֶן הַשֹּׁהַם, wᵉ-’eḇen ha-ššōham): ’Eben means "stone," and šōham is specifically the onyx stone, a type of chalcedony with parallel bands of colors. Onyx was highly valued and specifically used in the ephod of the high priest's garments, where the names of the tribes of Israel were engraved upon it (Exod 28:9-12; 39:6), signifying divine appointment and representation. Its presence in Eden underscores the purity and beauty of God's original creation, foreshadowing its later use in sacred contexts for the purpose of glorifying God.

Words-Group analysis:

• "And the gold of that land is good": This phrase emphasizes the superior quality of the natural resources from Havilah, linking them to God's standard of "good" established in Genesis 1. It signifies the purity and divine excellence of the early created world, contrasting with later corruption or devaluation of material wealth.
• "there is bdellium and the onyx stone": The listing of specific rare and valuable materials underscores the extraordinary richness and bounty of the region. These aren't merely common elements but exceptional treasures, pointing to the opulence and perfection inherent in God's original design for the earth, particularly the regions near Eden. The precise details paint a picture of deliberate and lavish provision.

Genesis 2 12 Bonus section

• The meticulous geographic and material descriptions in Genesis 2 (rivers, lands, precious stones) provide a grounded, yet divinely inspired, account of early creation, possibly countering pagan myths that often depicted chaotic origins or less structured cosmic landscapes. The specific names and details lend credibility and substance to the biblical account for the original audience.
• The fact that these precious materials exist outside Eden (in Havilah, near the Pishon River) indicates that God's goodness and the bounty of creation were not confined only to the Garden itself but extended to the surrounding lands, emphasizing the universal goodness of God's initial creation.
• The concept of "goodness" for these materials contrasts sharply with later biblical themes where gold and precious stones become symbols of human idolatry, corrupting wealth, or fleeting earthly treasure (e.g., the golden calf, Babylon's riches). Here, they are good in their created state, highlighting that the materials themselves are not evil, but their misuse by humanity can lead to sin.
• The presence of onyx in Eden and then later on the High Priest's ephod can be seen as a subtle connection between the purity and perfection of Eden and the sacred role of worship and atonement required after the fall, where such precious stones were used to bring humanity closer to God in the Tabernacle. It’s a divine re-purposing of elements from the original "very good" creation for a fallen world's need for holiness and mediation.

Genesis 2 12 Commentary

Genesis 2:12 provides a vivid snapshot of the abundant beauty and rich resources present in the world as God created it, particularly near the Garden of Eden. The description of "good" gold goes beyond its mere material value for human commerce; it conveys a theological statement about the inherent perfection and purity of God's original creation. Like everything God made, this gold, along with the rare bdellium and the esteemed onyx stone, was not just functionally useful but intrinsically good and beautiful in the eyes of the Creator.

The inclusion of specific precious materials like bdellium and onyx stone foreshadows their later significance in the biblical narrative. Onyx, for instance, finds its purpose in the high priestly garments, becoming a sacred component in worship. This suggests that even the raw materials of creation possess an inherent quality suitable for sacred use and reflection of God's glory.

The detailed mention of these resources implies a divinely appointed order and provision in the primeval world, challenging any notion that creation was meager or random. Instead, it portrays a paradise brimming with wealth and wonder, not as a temptation to avarice, but as a testimony to God's generosity and the splendor of His handiwork. It sets a baseline of what creation was like before the fall—pure, good, and overflowing with blessings—where even earthly treasures reflected divine goodness.