share torah logo

Genesis 2:8 - Divine garden of perfection planted.

Genesis 2:8 - בראשית 2:8

Hebrew Text

וַיִּטַּע יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים גַּן־בְעֵדֶן מִקֶּדֶם וַיָּשֶׂם שָׁם אֶת־הָאָדָם אֲשֶׁר יָצָר׃

English Translation

And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in ῾Eden

Transliteration

Vayita Adonai Elohim gan-be'eden mikedem vayasem sham et-ha'adam asher yatzar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּטַּ֞ע יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהִ֛ים גַּן־בְּעֵ֖דֶן מִקֶּ֑דֶם וַיָּ֣שֶׂם שָׁ֔ם אֶת־הָֽאָדָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָצָֽר׃
וַיִּטַּ֞ע יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהִ֛ים גַּן־בְּעֵ֖דֶן מִקֶּ֑דֶם וַיָּ֣שֶׂם שָׁ֔ם אֶת־הָֽאָדָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָצָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Planting the Garden in Eden

The verse states: "וַיִּטַּע יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים גַּן־בְעֵדֶן מִקֶּדֶם וַיָּשֶׂם שָׁם אֶת־הָאָדָם אֲשֶׁר יָצָר" ("And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He placed the man whom He had formed").

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 2:8) comments that the term "וַיִּטַּע" ("planted") implies that Hashem prepared the Garden of Eden with pleasant trees and delightful sights before placing Adam there. This teaches that Hashem first created a beautiful and suitable environment for man, demonstrating His kindness and foresight.

Location of the Garden

The phrase "מִקֶּדֶם" ("eastward") is interpreted in several ways:

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "מִקֶּדֶם" refers to the eastern side of Eden, indicating a specific geographical location.
  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (15:1) explains that "מִקֶּדֶם" alludes to the primordial origins of the Garden, as "קֶדֶם" can mean "ancient" or "from the beginning of time," emphasizing its divine and eternal nature.

The Purpose of the Garden

The placement of Adam in the Garden is significant:

  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:30) explains that the Garden was designed as a place of spiritual and physical perfection, where man could attain closeness to Hashem through contemplation of divine wisdom.
  • Zohar (Bereshit 1:35b) teaches that the Garden of Eden was a reflection of the higher spiritual realms, and Adam's role was to elevate the physical world by fulfilling mitzvot and recognizing Hashem's presence.

Symbolism of Planting

The act of planting by Hashem carries deeper meaning:

  • Sforno (Bereshit 2:8) notes that planting implies permanence and growth, symbolizing that the Garden was meant to be a lasting dwelling for mankind, provided they adhered to divine will.
  • Malbim emphasizes that planting suggests careful preparation, indicating that every detail of the Garden was intentionally designed for man's benefit and moral development.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the creation of the Garden of Eden and the placement of Adam there.
📖 Sanhedrin 38b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the creation of Adam and his initial dwelling in the Garden of Eden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 2:8 mean when it says Hashem planted a garden in Eden?
A: According to Rashi, this verse teaches that Hashem personally planted the Garden of Eden as a place of perfect beauty and pleasure for Adam. The garden was filled with magnificent trees and delights (Genesis Rabbah 15:1). This shows Hashem's kindness in creating an ideal environment for mankind.
Q: Why is the Garden of Eden described as being 'eastward'?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 15:1) explains that 'eastward' (mikedem) can also mean 'from the beginning' - indicating this was among the first things created. Some commentaries suggest the eastern location symbolizes spiritual light, as the sun rises in the east (Malbim).
Q: What can we learn from Hashem planting Adam in the Garden of Eden?
A: The Rambam teaches that this shows humanity's purpose - to serve Hashem in a perfected world. Just as Adam was placed in the garden 'to work it and guard it' (Genesis 2:15), we learn our responsibility to properly use and protect Hashem's creations (Guide for the Perplexed 3:13).
Q: Does the Garden of Eden still exist today?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 19a) states that the physical Garden of Eden still exists but is hidden from ordinary perception. Many commentators explain that after Adam's sin, access to the garden was restricted, though its spiritual counterpart remains as the reward for the righteous in the World to Come.
Q: Why did Hashem create the garden before placing Adam there?
A: The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 12) teaches this demonstrates Hashem's thoughtful preparation - just as a host prepares a home before welcoming guests. This reflects the principle of 'ha'meichin mitsadei gaver' - preparing what a person will need (Yalkut Shimoni, Bereishit 20).