Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The Pison is one of the four rivers mentioned in the Book of Genesis that branched out from the river flowing out of Eden to water the garden. The specific mention of the Pison is found in Genesis 2:10-12 : "A river watering the garden flowed out from Eden; from there it branched into four headwaters. The name of the first is Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there."Geographical Context The exact location of the Pison River has been a subject of debate and speculation among scholars and theologians. The text indicates that it flows through the land of Havilah, a region noted for its wealth in gold, bdellium, and onyx. The identification of Havilah itself is uncertain, with various theories suggesting locations in the Arabian Peninsula, northeastern Africa, or even parts of Mesopotamia. The description of the Pison as a river that "winds through" suggests a significant and possibly meandering watercourse, though no definitive archaeological evidence has pinpointed its location. Theological Significance The mention of the Pison, along with the other rivers of Eden, underscores the abundance and provision of God in the creation narrative. The river's association with precious resources like gold and onyx highlights the richness and fertility of the pre-Fall world, reflecting God's intention for humanity to dwell in a place of beauty and sustenance. The Pison, as part of the Edenic rivers, symbolizes the life-giving and sustaining power of God, who provides for His creation. Symbolic Interpretations Throughout Christian history, the rivers of Eden, including the Pison, have been interpreted symbolically. Some early Church Fathers and theologians viewed the rivers as representing the spread of the Gospel or the outpouring of divine grace. The Pison, in this allegorical framework, could symbolize the richness and purity of God's word, flowing out to nourish and enrich the spiritual landscape of humanity. Cultural and Historical Considerations In the ancient Near Eastern context, rivers were vital for sustaining life, agriculture, and trade. The mention of the Pison in Genesis would have resonated with contemporary audiences familiar with the importance of water sources. The association with valuable commodities like gold and onyx also reflects the economic and cultural significance of these materials in ancient societies. Modern Perspectives While the precise identification of the Pison remains elusive, its mention in the Genesis narrative continues to inspire theological reflection and scholarly inquiry. The river serves as a reminder of the mysterious and wondrous nature of God's creation, inviting believers to ponder the richness of the world God has made and the divine provision that sustains it. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Pisonchanging; extension of the mouth Smith's Bible Dictionary Pison[EDEN] ATS Bible Dictionary PisonOne of the four rivers that watered Paradise, Genesis 2:11-12, and which ran through all the land of Havilah, where excellent gold was found. It has, of course, been placed as variously as the Garden of Eden, to which article and EUPHRATES the reader is referred. Easton's Bible Dictionary Babylonian, the current, broad-flowing, one of the "four heads" into which the river which watered the garden of Eden was divided (Genesis 2:11). Some identify it with the modern Phasis, others with the Halys, others the Jorak or Acampis, others the Jaab, the Indus, the Ganges, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PISHON; PISONpi'-shon pi'-son (pishon; the King James Version): A river of EDEN (which see), said to compass the whole land of Havilah where there is gold, bdellium and onyx stone (Genesis 2:11), most probably identified with the Karun River which comes down from the mountains of Media and formerly emptied into the Persian Gulf. PISON pi'-son. Strong's Hebrew 6376. Pishon -- one of the rivers of Eden... 1). Pison. From puwsh; dispersive; Pishon, a river of Eden -- Pison. see HEBREW puwsh. 6375, 6376. Pishon. 6377 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/6376.htm - 6k Library On the Creation of the World The Scriptural Account of Paradise. The Beauty of Paradise. Letter Liii. To Paulinus. Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology. Letter Li. From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John ... Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. Thesaurus Pison (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PISHON; PISON. pi ... Gulf. PISON. pi'-son. See PISHON. Multi-Version Concordance Pison (1 Occurrence). ... /p/pison.htm - 7k Pisidian (1 Occurrence) Pishon (1 Occurrence) Pispa (1 Occurrence) Compasseth (8 Occurrences) Surrounding (78 Occurrences) Surrounds (8 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Pison (1 Occurrence)Genesis 2:11 Subtopics Pison: One of the Rivers of Eden Related Terms |
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