Yesterday, shortly before I left services, a friend of mine in my congregation asked a question about the interpretation of Genesis 2:5-6, especially wondering about the relationship of the existence of plants as well as water sources necessary to grow them. After a brief discussion I told her it would take a bit longer to answer her question, and this is that answer.

Abstract

Genesis 2:5-6 presents a fascinating theological and linguistic puzzle that has captured the attention of biblical scholars for centuries. The passage describes a state where “no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted” while simultaneously noting that “a mist was going up from the earth and was watering the whole surface of the ground.” This apparent temporal paradox—watering before planting—raises profound questions about the nature of God’s creative activity, the relationship between divine providence and natural processes, and the theological implications of mature creation. This white paper examines the Hebrew terminology, surveys major commentaries throughout church history, and explores the broader biblical pattern of God creating mature forms of life capable of immediate reproduction.

Introduction

The opening chapters of Genesis have long been recognized as foundational to understanding biblical cosmology, anthropology, and theology proper. While Genesis 1 provides a broad overview of creation in six days, Genesis 2 offers a more detailed account focusing particularly on the creation of humanity and the Garden of Eden. Within this narrative, verses 5-6 present what appears to be a chronological conundrum that has generated extensive scholarly discussion.

The passage reads: “Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. But a mist was going up from the earth and was watering the whole surface of the ground” (NASB). This description of irrigation preceding vegetation challenges modern assumptions about agricultural development and raises important questions about the nature of God’s creative methodology.

Hebrew Textual Analysis

Key Hebrew Terms

The Hebrew text of Genesis 2:5-6 employs several significant terms that require careful examination:

שִׂיחַ הַשָּׂדֶה (siach hasadeh) – “shrub of the field” or “bush of the field” The term שִׂיחַ (siach) appears elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible referring to wild vegetation or bushes (Job 30:4, 30:7). The construct relationship with הַשָּׂדֶה (hasadeh, “the field”) suggests uncultivated, wild-growing shrubs rather than domesticated plants.

עֵשֶׂב הַשָּׂדֶה (eseb hasadeh) – “plant of the field” or “herb of the field” The word עֵשֶׂב (eseb) typically refers to green vegetation, herbs, or grasses. When combined with הַשָּׂדֶה, it likely denotes wild-growing herbaceous plants as distinguished from cultivated crops.

יִצְמָח (yitzmach) – “had sprouted” or “had grown” This verb derives from the root צמח (tzmach), meaning to sprout, spring up, or grow. The niphal stem suggests natural, spontaneous growth rather than cultivation.

אֵד (ed) – “mist” or “stream” This term has generated considerable debate among scholars. Traditional translations render it as “mist” or “vapor,” while others suggest “spring” or “subterranean water source.” The Septuagint translates it as πηγή (pege), meaning “spring” or “fountain.”

יַשְׁקֶה (yashqeh) – “was watering” The hiphil stem of שׁקה (shaqah) indicates causative action—literally “causing to drink” or “giving drink to.” This suggests intentional, purposeful watering rather than accidental moisture.

Grammatical Structure and Temporal Markers

The Hebrew construction employs several important temporal and causal markers:

טֶרֶם (terem) – “before” or “not yet” This temporal particle indicates that something has not yet occurred. Its usage here emphasizes the absence of vegetation at the time being described.

כִּי (ki) – “for” or “because” This causal conjunction introduces the reason for the absence of vegetation: lack of rain and human cultivation.

וְ (ve) – “and” or “but” The waw-conjunction beginning verse 6 creates a contrast with the preceding statements, introducing the provision of water despite the absence of vegetation.

The overall grammatical structure creates a temporal sequence that describes conditions before vegetation appeared, followed by God’s provision of irrigation in anticipation of plant life.

Survey of Major Commentaries

Patristic Period

John Chrysostom (c. 349-407 AD) Chrysostom interpreted the passage as demonstrating God’s providential care in preparing conditions suitable for life before creating that life. He emphasized that God created the infrastructure necessary for sustaining life before bringing forth living creatures, showing divine wisdom and planning.

Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) Augustine viewed Genesis 2:5-6 as referring to potential rather than actual vegetation. In his Literal Meaning of Genesis, he argued that God created the earth with the capacity for producing plants, but they remained in potentiality until the proper conditions were established. The watering represents God’s preparation of optimal conditions for actualizing this potential.

John of Damascus (c. 676-749 AD) John interpreted the passage as evidence for the logical order of creation, where God prepared the environment before populating it with life. He saw the watering as God’s anticipatory provision for vegetation that would follow.

Medieval Period

Rashi (1040-1105 AD) The great Jewish commentator Rashi understood the passage as describing the third day of creation before vegetation actually appeared. He emphasized that God prepared the ground with moisture before commanding plants to grow, demonstrating divine orderliness.

Maimonides (1135-1204 AD) Maimonides approached the text philosophically, arguing that it describes the natural order established by God whereby water precedes plant growth. He saw this as evidence of God’s wisdom in creating natural processes that would sustain life.

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 AD) Aquinas interpreted the passage within his broader framework of primary and secondary causation. God as primary cause established the conditions (watering) necessary for secondary causes (plant growth) to operate effectively.

Reformation Period

Martin Luther (1483-1546 AD) Luther emphasized the literal interpretation of the text, arguing that God actually watered the earth before creating vegetation. He saw this as evidence of God’s perfect planning and provision, creating optimal conditions before bringing forth life.

John Calvin (1509-1564 AD) Calvin interpreted the passage as describing the state of the earth immediately after its creation but before vegetation appeared. He emphasized that God’s watering of the ground demonstrated divine preparation for the life that would follow, showing God’s orderly method of creation.

Post-Reformation and Modern Period

Matthew Henry (1662-1714 AD) Henry viewed the passage as illustrating God’s wisdom in preparing the earth for habitation. He emphasized that the watering shows God’s provision preceding human need, demonstrating divine forethought and care.

John Gill (1697-1771 AD) Gill interpreted the text as referring to the condition of the earth on the third day before vegetation appeared. He argued that the mist or springs provided the necessary moisture for plant growth when God commanded vegetation to appear.

Adam Clarke (1760-1832 AD) Clarke offered multiple interpretations, suggesting the passage could refer either to the pre-vegetation state of earth or to a specific geographic region before it was populated with plants. He emphasized the providential nature of God’s preparation.

Charles Hodge (1797-1878 AD) Hodge argued that the passage describes the earth’s condition immediately after its formation but before the creation of vegetation. He emphasized that God prepared optimal conditions before creating life forms to inhabit them.

Franz Delitzsch (1813-1890 AD) Delitzsch provided detailed philological analysis, arguing that the passage describes the earth in its primitive state before vegetation appeared. He emphasized the careful preparation God made for sustaining life.

Contemporary Scholarship

Gerhard von Rad (1901-1971 AD) Von Rad interpreted Genesis 2:5-6 as part of a parallel creation account that emphasizes different aspects than Genesis 1. He saw the watering as evidence of God’s provision preceding human need.

Gordon Wenham (1943-present) Wenham argues that the passage describes conditions on the earth before the creation of vegetation, emphasizing God’s careful preparation of optimal growing conditions. He notes the theological significance of divine provision preceding created need.

Victor Hamilton (1941-present) Hamilton emphasizes the literary structure of the passage, arguing that it sets up the necessity for both divine action (rain) and human activity (cultivation) in sustaining plant life. The preliminary watering demonstrates God’s initiative in providing for creation.

Kenneth Mathews (1950-present) Mathews interprets the passage as describing the earth’s pre-vegetation state, emphasizing that God prepared ideal conditions before creating plant life. He sees this as evidence of divine wisdom and orderly creation.

John Sailhamer (1946-2017) Sailhamer argued for a more specific geographical interpretation, suggesting the passage refers to the land of Eden before it was planted as a garden. The watering represents God’s preparation of this specific region for its intended purpose.

Synthesis of Commentary Perspectives

The commentaries reveal several consistent themes:

1. Divine Preparation: Most commentators see the passage as demonstrating God’s wisdom in preparing optimal conditions before creating life.
2. Providential Care: The watering before planting illustrates God’s provision preceding created need.
3. Orderly Creation: The sequence shows God’s methodical approach to creation, establishing infrastructure before inhabitants.
4. Temporal Sequence: Whether interpreted literally or figuratively, commentators generally recognize a temporal element showing divine forethought.

The Pattern of Mature Creation in Scripture

Creation of Adam and Eve

The creation of Adam and Eve provides the clearest biblical example of God creating mature forms of life. Genesis 2:7 describes God forming man from the dust and breathing into him the breath of life, resulting in an adult human being rather than an infant. Similarly, Eve was created as a mature woman capable of immediate relationship and reproduction (Genesis 2:21-22).

Several factors support the mature creation of humanity:

Immediate Functionality: Adam was created with the ability to name animals (Genesis 2:19-20), indicating mature cognitive abilities and linguistic competence.

Reproductive Capacity: The command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) implies immediate reproductive capability.

Moral Responsibility: Adam and Eve were held accountable for their actions, suggesting moral and intellectual maturity.

Work Assignment: Adam was given the task of tending the garden, indicating physical and mental maturity necessary for agricultural work.

Creation of Animals

Genesis 1:20-25 describes God creating various kinds of animals, with the text suggesting they were created in mature, reproductive forms:

Immediate Blessing: God blessed the sea creatures and birds, commanding them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:22), indicating immediate reproductive capacity.

Species Categories: The creation of animals “according to their kinds” suggests fully developed species rather than evolutionary precursors.

Functional Integration: Animals were created with immediate ecological roles, suggesting mature forms capable of fulfilling their intended functions.

Creation of Plant Life

Genesis 1:11-13 describes the creation of vegetation in terms that suggest mature forms:

Seed-bearing Plants: God commanded the earth to bring forth “plants yielding seed according to their kinds” (Genesis 1:11), indicating immediate reproductive capability.

Fruit Trees: The text specifically mentions “fruit trees bearing fruit” (Genesis 1:11), suggesting mature trees capable of immediate fruit production rather than seedlings requiring years of growth.

Immediate Food Source: The provision of plants as food for humans and animals (Genesis 1:29-30) implies mature, edible vegetation from the moment of creation.

Astronomical Bodies

Genesis 1:14-19 describes the creation of sun, moon, and stars as immediately functional:

Light Provision: These bodies immediately provided light for earth, suggesting mature stars rather than nascent stellar formations.

Timekeeping Function: They were created to serve as markers for “seasons and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14), indicating immediate functionality.

Apparent Age: The visibility of stars implies that their light had already traveled vast distances, creating an appearance of age regardless of actual temporal age.

The Garden of Eden

Genesis 2:8-9 describes Eden as a mature, functioning ecosystem:

Established Garden: God “planted a garden” (Genesis 2:8), but the description suggests an immediately mature and beautiful environment.

Mature Trees: The garden contained “every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food” (Genesis 2:9), including the special trees of life and knowledge of good and evil.

River System: A river flowed through Eden and divided into four heads (Genesis 2:10-14), indicating an established hydrological system.

Theological Implications of Mature Creation

The pattern of mature creation throughout Genesis carries several theological implications:

Divine Sovereignty: God’s ability to create mature forms demonstrates absolute sovereignty over natural processes and temporal limitations.

Immediate Purpose Fulfillment: Mature creation allows created beings and things to immediately fulfill their intended purposes without waiting for development.

Apparent Age vs. Actual Age: The tension between functional maturity and temporal newness raises questions about the relationship between appearance and reality in divine creation.

Providential Design: Creating mature forms shows God’s wisdom in providing immediately for the needs of His creation.

Theological Analysis of Genesis 2:5-6

The Problem of Apparent Anachronism

Genesis 2:5-6 presents what appears to be an anachronistic situation: irrigation systems functioning before there are plants to irrigate. This apparent reversal of normal agricultural sequence has generated several theological explanations:

Anticipatory Providence: God’s provision of water before vegetation demonstrates divine foreknowledge and preparatory care. This interpretation emphasizes God’s wisdom in establishing optimal conditions before creating life to inhabit them.

Potential vs. Actual: The passage may describe the earth’s capacity for supporting vegetation rather than actual vegetation. The watering prepares the ground for the actualization of plant life when God commands it to appear.

Mature Ecosystem Creation: God may have created an immediately mature ecosystem where irrigation, soil preparation, and vegetation appeared simultaneously as a functioning whole.

The Nature of אֵד (Ed)

The Hebrew term אֵד has generated considerable scholarly debate, with implications for understanding the irrigation system described:

Mist/Vapor Theory: Traditional interpretations understand אֵד as atmospheric moisture or mist that watered the earth from above. This suggests a natural weather pattern established by God.

Spring/Fountain Theory: Alternative interpretations see אֵד as subterranean water sources or springs that provided ground-level irrigation. This suggests an underground water system.

Supernatural Watering: Some interpretations view the אֵד as a supernatural provision of water that functioned differently from normal hydrological processes.

Each interpretation carries different implications for understanding the relationship between natural processes and divine intervention in creation.

Relationship to Genesis 1

The relationship between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2:5-6 affects interpretation significantly:

Chronological Sequence: If Genesis 2 follows Genesis 1 chronologically, then 2:5-6 describes conditions on earth after the six days of creation but before human cultivation began.

Parallel Account: If Genesis 2 provides a parallel account focusing on different aspects of creation, then 2:5-6 may describe the pre-vegetation state during the creation week itself.

Topical Arrangement: If Genesis 2 arranges material topically rather than chronologically, then 2:5-6 serves to establish the conditions that made the Garden of Eden necessary and significant.

Implications for Natural Law

Genesis 2:5-6 raises questions about the relationship between divine action and natural processes:

Suspension of Natural Law: The watering before planting might indicate that normal natural processes were suspended during the creation period, allowing for extraordinary conditions.

Establishment of Natural Law: Alternatively, the passage might describe the establishment of natural processes that would govern post-creation reality, with the irrigation representing the initiation of the water cycle.

Mature Natural Systems: The passage might indicate that God created mature natural systems that functioned immediately according to established principles, with the watering representing an already-mature hydrological cycle.

Anthropological Considerations

The passage’s emphasis on the absence of human cultivation raises important questions about humanity’s role in creation:

Human Necessity: The text suggests that full agricultural development required human participation, indicating humanity’s integral role in creation’s completion.

Divine-Human Cooperation: The combination of divine watering and human cultivation suggests a cooperative model where God provides foundational conditions while humans develop and maintain them.

Stewardship Implications: The need for human cultivation establishes the principle of human stewardship over creation from the very beginning.

Comparative Ancient Near Eastern Perspectives

Understanding Genesis 2:5-6 benefits from comparison with other ancient Near Eastern creation accounts:

Mesopotamian Parallels

Enuma Elish: This Babylonian creation epic describes the ordering of primordial waters but lacks the specific agricultural imagery found in Genesis.

Atrahasis Epic: This account includes references to irrigation and agriculture but presents them as solutions to divine problems rather than anticipatory provision.

Sumerian King List: Various Sumerian texts describe the establishment of agriculture and irrigation as divine gifts to humanity, but typically after human creation rather than before.

Egyptian Parallels

Egyptian creation texts often emphasize the role of the Nile’s flooding in sustaining life, providing some parallel to the watering theme in Genesis 2:5-6. However, Egyptian accounts typically describe these as cyclical natural processes rather than preparatory divine acts.

Distinctive Elements in Genesis

Several elements distinguish Genesis 2:5-6 from other ancient accounts:

Purposeful Preparation: Unlike other accounts that describe creation as response to divine needs or conflicts, Genesis presents creation as purposeful preparation for life.

Integrated Ecosystem: The Genesis account envisions an integrated system where watering, vegetation, and human activity work together harmoniously.

Moral Framework: The Genesis account places creation within a moral framework where human responsibility plays a crucial role.

Contemporary Scientific Considerations

Modern scientific understanding of plant biology and hydrology provides additional perspective on Genesis 2:5-6:

Plant Biology

Contemporary botany reveals the complex relationship between water availability and plant growth:

Soil Preparation: Optimal plant growth requires properly prepared soil with appropriate moisture content, supporting the idea of preparatory watering.

Seed Germination: Most seeds require specific moisture conditions for germination, which could support the interpretation of preparatory irrigation.

Mature Plant Establishment: Transplanting mature plants requires thorough soil preparation including proper watering, paralleling the watering before planting described in Genesis.

Hydrology

Modern understanding of water cycles and irrigation systems provides insight into possible mechanisms for the described watering:

Groundwater Systems: Artesian springs and groundwater systems can provide consistent irrigation without rainfall, supporting the spring interpretation of אֵד.

Atmospheric Moisture: Under certain conditions, atmospheric moisture can provide significant plant irrigation, supporting the mist interpretation.

Geothermal Systems: Some interpretations suggest geothermal activity could have provided both heat and moisture for optimal growing conditions.

Ecological Systems

Contemporary ecology emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental systems:

Ecosystem Establishment: Modern ecological restoration often requires establishing optimal water conditions before introducing plant species.

Primary Succession: The process of primary ecological succession involves the gradual establishment of conditions suitable for increasingly complex plant communities.

Habitat Preparation: Conservation biology demonstrates the importance of habitat preparation before species introduction or reintroduction.

Theological Synthesis

Divine Wisdom and Planning

Genesis 2:5-6 demonstrates several aspects of divine wisdom:

Anticipatory Provision: God’s preparation of optimal conditions before creating life to inhabit them shows divine foreknowledge and care.

Orderly Process: The sequence of preparation followed by population demonstrates God’s orderly approach to creation.

Purposeful Design: Every element of creation serves a purpose in supporting the whole, indicating intelligent design rather than random occurrence.

Providence and Natural Process

The passage illuminates the relationship between divine providence and natural processes:

Primary and Secondary Causation: God works through natural processes (watering) to achieve divine purposes (supporting vegetation).

Supernatural and Natural Integration: The account integrates supernatural creative acts with natural processes like irrigation and plant growth.

Ongoing Sustenance: The emphasis on watering suggests that God’s creative activity includes ongoing sustenance of creation.

Human Role in Creation

Genesis 2:5-6 establishes important principles regarding humanity’s role:

Co-creative Calling: Humans are called to participate in developing and maintaining creation through cultivation and stewardship.

Dependence on Divine Provision: Human agricultural activity depends on God’s provision of water and suitable conditions.

Moral Responsibility: The agricultural calling places humans in a position of moral responsibility for creation’s welfare.

Eschatological Implications

The themes in Genesis 2:5-6 carry forward into biblical eschatology:

New Creation: The pattern of preparatory provision followed by life establishment anticipates the new creation described in Revelation.

Divine Gardening: God’s role as gardener preparing Eden parallels descriptions of God preparing the New Jerusalem.

Restoration Themes: The agricultural imagery connects to biblical themes of restoration and renewal throughout redemptive history.

Conclusions

Genesis 2:5-6 presents a rich theological text that illuminates fundamental principles about God’s creative activity, the relationship between divine providence and natural processes, and humanity’s role in creation. The apparent anachronism of watering before planting, rather than presenting a problem, demonstrates God’s wisdom in preparing optimal conditions before creating life to inhabit them.

The Hebrew textual analysis reveals carefully chosen terminology that emphasizes both the absence of vegetation and the presence of preparatory watering. The survey of commentaries shows remarkable consistency in recognizing the passage as evidence of divine wisdom and anticipatory provision, though with varying interpretations of specific details.

The biblical pattern of mature creation throughout Genesis supports the interpretation that God consistently created fully functional systems and beings capable of immediate purpose fulfillment. This pattern extends from the creation of mature humans and animals to the establishment of mature ecosystems and astronomical systems.

The theological implications of Genesis 2:5-6 extend far beyond agricultural concerns to encompass fundamental questions about the nature of divine action, the relationship between supernatural and natural processes, and the role of humanity in God’s creative purposes. The passage establishes principles that resonate throughout Scripture and continue to inform contemporary theological reflection.

Contemporary scientific understanding, while not determining interpretation, provides helpful insights into possible mechanisms for the watering described and parallels in modern ecological restoration practices. These insights support the plausibility of the biblical account while respecting the text’s theological priorities.

Ultimately, Genesis 2:5-6 stands as a testament to divine wisdom, demonstrating God’s careful preparation for life and His ongoing providential care for creation. The watering before planting reveals a God who anticipates needs and provides abundantly, establishing patterns of provision that continue throughout redemptive history. This passage thus serves not only as historical description but as theological paradigm for understanding God’s character and His relationship with creation.

The mature creation pattern evidenced throughout Genesis, including the preparatory watering described in 2:5-6, reflects God’s sovereignty over temporal processes and His ability to create immediately functional systems that serve His purposes. This understanding enriches our appreciation for both the power and wisdom of the Creator, while establishing the foundation for human stewardship and responsibility in the ongoing care of creation.