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Genesis 2:10 - Divine waters nourish creation.

Genesis 2:10 - בראשית 2:10

Hebrew Text

וְנָהָרּ יֹצֵא מֵעֵדֶן לְהַשְׁקוֹת אֶת־הַגָּן וּמִשָּׁם יִפָּרֵד וְהָיָה לְאַרְבָּעָה רָאשִׁים׃

English Translation

And a river went out of ῾Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and branched into four streams.

Transliteration

Ve'nahar yotze me'eden lehashkot et-hagan umisham yipared ve'haya le'arba'a rashim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָהָר֙ יֹצֵ֣א מֵעֵ֔דֶן לְהַשְׁק֖וֹת אֶת־הַגָּ֑ן וּמִשָּׁם֙ יִפָּרֵ֔ד וְהָיָ֖ה לְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה רָאשִֽׁים׃
וְנָהָר֙ יֹצֵ֣א מֵעֵ֔דֶן לְהַשְׁק֖וֹת אֶת־הַגָּ֑ן וּמִשָּׁם֙ יִפָּרֵ֔ד וְהָיָ֖ה לְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה רָאשִֽׁים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The River from Eden

The verse describes a river emerging from Eden to water the Gan Eden (Garden of Eden) and then dividing into four branches. Rashi (Bereshit 2:10) explains that this river was a miraculous creation, as it flowed upward from Eden to the garden, contrary to the natural downward flow of rivers. This emphasizes the supernatural nature of Gan Eden, a place of Divine perfection.

The Four Branches

The four rivers mentioned afterward—Pishon, Gihon, Chidekel, and Perat (Euphrates)—represent different aspects of the world's sustenance and spiritual influences. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 16:4) teaches that these rivers correspond to the four directions (north, south, east, west), symbolizing how Divine blessing flows to all corners of the earth.

  • Pishon: Associated with the land of Havilah, known for gold and precious stones (Bereshit 2:11-12). The Ramban suggests this symbolizes material wealth and prosperity.
  • Gihon: Linked to the land of Cush (Bereshit 2:13), which some commentaries associate with spiritual strength and endurance.
  • Chidekel (Tigris): Flowing east of Assyria, representing swift judgment or intellectual sharpness (as "Chidekel" is related to the word for "sharp").
  • Perat (Euphrates): The most well-known, representing fertility and Torah wisdom (as it is later mentioned in connection with the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael).

Spiritual Significance

The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that the river branching into four teaches that all sustenance and wisdom in the world originate from a Divine source. Just as a single river nourishes different lands, so too does Hashem provide for all creations in varied ways. The Zohar (1:27b) further connects these rivers to the four letters of Hashem's name (הוי"ה), indicating that all existence is sustained through Divine channels.

Eden as the Source

The Talmud (Eruvin 19a) describes Eden as the highest spiritual realm, from which all goodness flows. The river symbolizes the transmission of Divine blessing from the spiritual world (Eden) to the physical world (the garden and beyond). This aligns with the Kabbalistic understanding that Gan Eden is the source of souls and spiritual energy, which then manifest in different forms throughout creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the rivers flowing from Eden and their significance in the context of dreams and interpretations.
📖 Eruvin 19a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the geography of Eden and the rivers that emanate from it, relating to the boundaries of the Garden of Eden.
📖 Chagigah 12a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the creation narrative and the layout of the Garden of Eden, including the rivers that flow from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the river that came out of Eden in Genesis 2:10?
A: The river that flowed out of Eden was a miraculous water source created by Hashem to sustain the Garden of Eden. According to Rashi, this river split into four major rivers (Pishon, Gihon, Chidekel, and Prat) that watered different parts of the world. This shows how Hashem provided for all of creation from one central, holy place.
Q: Why did the river from Eden split into four branches?
A: The Midrash teaches that the four branches symbolize how Divine blessing flows from a single source (Hashem) to nourish the entire world in different ways. Just as one river split to reach different directions, Torah and goodness must spread to all corners of the earth. Rambam also notes that this demonstrates Hashem's wisdom in designing creation.
Q: What can we learn from the river in the Garden of Eden today?
A: We learn that just as the river sustained the Garden, Torah (which is compared to water) sustains us spiritually. The Talmud (Ta'anit 7a) states 'Just as water flows from a high place to a low place, so too Torah flows from those who are humble.' The river's division also teaches us to share wisdom and kindness with all people, just as the waters reached in all directions.
Q: Are the four rivers from Eden the same as modern rivers?
A: Traditional Jewish commentators like Rashi identify two of the rivers as the Tigris (Chidekel) and Euphrates (Prat), which exist today. The identities of Pishon and Gihon are debated—some connect them to the Nile or other ancient rivers. The Torah's description may refer to a pre-Flood geography that changed after the generation of Noah.
Q: Why is the Garden of Eden described with a river?
A: Water in Torah often represents life, wisdom, and Divine blessing. The Zohar explains that Eden was the spiritual center of the world, and its river symbolizes the continuous flow of holiness. Just as a garden needs water to thrive, our souls need Torah and mitzvot to grow. This imagery reminds us that our spiritual 'Eden' is sustained by connecting to Hashem's wisdom.