Genesis 2:4 kjv

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

Genesis 2:4 nkjv

This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

Genesis 2:4 niv

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.

Genesis 2:4 esv

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.

Genesis 2:4 nlt

This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. The Man and Woman in Eden When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

Genesis 2 verses

Genesis 2 4 Meaning

Genesis 2:4 serves as a crucial transition and heading within the biblical narrative, introducing the second distinct account of creation and humanity's beginnings. It marks the completion of the broad, cosmic creation described in Genesis 1 and signals a shift to a more focused, anthropocentric account of the earth, the Garden of Eden, the formation of man and woman, and their early relationship with the Creator. The verse highlights that the cosmic order and all within it originated through the singular, sovereign, and personal activity of the LORD God.

Genesis 2 4 Context

Genesis 2:4 serves as the header for the second primary narrative unit in the book of Genesis. The preceding verses (Gen 1:1-2:3) detail a grand, systematic, and cosmological account of creation over six days, culminating in the Sabbath rest. This initial account emphasizes God's omnipotent word, order, and the separation of elements.

Beginning with Genesis 2:4, the narrative shifts its focus from the macrocosm to the micro-level, concentrating on the earth and humanity's place within it. The details of the formation of Adam, the Garden of Eden, the specific prohibition, the creation of Eve, and the first human relationships are elaborated upon. Historically, for the ancient Israelite audience, this structured and singular account of creation directly challenged polytheistic beliefs and chaotic origins common in surrounding Mesopotamian myths (e.g., the Enuma Elish), where creation might arise from divine conflict or dead deities. Genesis unequivocally presents a sole, benevolent, and purposeful Creator, distinct from creation, who is both majestic (Elohim) and personally involved with humanity (Yahweh).

Genesis 2 4 Word analysis

• These (אֵלֶּה - 'eleh): A demonstrative pronoun acting as a formal introductory marker. It points back to the cosmic creation just completed in chapter 1, while also pointing forward to the detailed unfolding of that creation and its interaction with humanity.
• are the generations (תּוֹלְדֹת - tôlĕdōt): A key Hebrew noun meaning "offspring," "descendants," "history," "account of generations," or "lineage." It functions as a structural device in Genesis, introducing new historical-theological sections that narrate what came forth from or followed the named subject. Here, it refers to the origin and subsequent development or account of the heavens and the earth as a foundational historical record.
• of the heavens (הַשָּׁמַיִם - haššāmayim): The plural noun for "sky" or "heavens." Used in conjunction with "earth," it forms a merism, signifying the totality of the cosmos.
• and the earth (וְהָאָרֶץ - wəhā’āreṣ): Refers to the physical ground, land, and the habitable world. Together with "heavens," it comprehensively represents all of creation.
• when they were created (בְּהִבָּרְאָם - bəhiḇbārə’ām): This Hebrew infinitive phrase implies "in their being created" or "at the time of their creation." The verbal root "bara" (בָּרָא) signifies divine creation, often from nothing (ex nihilo), as seen prominently in Genesis 1. It emphasizes that this account relates to God's completed work of bringing them into existence.
• in the day (בְּיוֹם - bəyōm): While "yom" (day) can denote a literal 24-hour period, in this context, it functions idiomatically as "when" or "at the time that," or "on the day when," referring to a more extensive, indefinite period encompassing God's total creative work for the heavens and the earth. It summarizes the entirety of the creative activity, not just a single solar day.
• that the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is the first appearance of God's special covenantal and personal name in the Bible, signifying His intimate, self-existent, faithful nature. It indicates a shift from God's role as transcendent Creator (Elohim in Gen 1) to His immanent, relational, and covenant-making involvement with humanity.
• God (אֱלֹהִים - ’ĕlōhîm): The generic, plural noun for God, emphasizing His power, majesty, and sovereignty. Its pairing with YHWH ("LORD God") from this point forward enriches the understanding of God as both transcendent Creator and immanent Redeemer.
• made (עֲשׂוֹת - ‘ăśōwt): The Hebrew verb "ʿaśāh" often means "to make," "to do," or "to fashion." While "bara" (create) typically refers to bringing into existence, "ʿaśāh" can refer to forming, ordering, or completing something from existing material. Here, it likely signifies God's completed action of shaping and establishing the created order.
• the earth and the heavens (אֶרֶץ וְשָׁמָיִם - ’ereṣ wəšāmayim): This reversal of the usual order ("heavens and the earth" in Gen 1:1 and earlier in Gen 2:4 itself) is significant. It forms a chiastic structure, drawing attention to the primary subject of the upcoming narrative: the earth and, specifically, humanity's place upon it. The focus has shifted from the cosmos at large to the detailed creation of life on earth.

Genesis 2 4 Bonus section

• The "Toldot" Formula: Genesis 2:4 is the first of ten instances where the "toldot" formula appears, structuring the entire book of Genesis (2:4, 5:1, 6:9, 10:1, 11:10, 11:27, 25:12, 25:19, 36:1, 37:2). Each toldot marks a new historical-genealogical and thematic section, presenting Genesis as a unified account of divine history.
• Divine Names: The careful shift from "Elohim" (God, the Creator) in Genesis 1 to "Yahweh Elohim" (LORD God, the personal, covenanting God) from Genesis 2:4 onward reflects the two major strands of divine revelation within the Pentateuch, underscoring both God's universal sovereignty and His specific relationship with humanity.
• Purposeful Design: The detailed description following this verse highlights that creation, especially the earth and humanity, was not accidental or chaotic but a result of God's intentional design and preparation for His relationship with mankind.

Genesis 2 4 Commentary

Genesis 2:4 stands as a majestic heading to the narrative that immediately follows, introducing us to a new and vital dimension of God's interaction with His creation. It's not a mere repetition of Genesis 1, but rather a thematic hinge that pivots from the grand cosmic stage to a more intimate human drama. The foundational use of the term toldot—"generations" or "account"—establishes that this is an unfolding historical and theological narrative.

The introduction of the divine name "LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) is paramount here. While Genesis 1 focused on God as Elohim, the transcendent, all-powerful Creator, Genesis 2 immediately unveils His personal, covenantal nature as Yahweh. This composite name bridges the two perspectives, revealing a God who is both infinite and intimately concerned with His creation, particularly humanity. The phrase "in the day" clarifies that the Genesis 1 account wasn't limited to literal 24-hour periods for God's activity, but encompasses the entirety of His creative acts, setting the stage for His further engagement with the world. The shift in emphasis from "heavens and earth" to "earth and heavens" signifies a transition from the universal creation to the detailed shaping of the earthly dwelling place and the specific formation of mankind within it. This verse serves to reassure that the personal, covenant God of Israel (Yahweh) is indeed the powerful, majestic Creator God (Elohim) of the universe, integrating divine omnipotence with divine intimacy right at the very beginning of human history.