Genesis 2:8-15 ▼

8 And the LORD God planted a garden (oasis) in the east, in Eden (delight, land of happiness); and He put the man whom He had formed (created) there.

9 And [in that garden] the LORD God caused to grow from the ground every tree that is desirable and pleasing to the sight and good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the [experiential] knowledge (recognition) of [the difference between] good and evil.

10 Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four [branching] rivers.

11 The first [river] is named Pishon; it flows around the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold.

12 The gold of that land is good; bdellium (a fragrant, valuable resin) and the onyx stone are found there.

13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the entire land of Cush [in Mesopotamia].

14 The third river is named Hiddekel (Tigris); it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

15 So the LORD God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.