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Book of Genesis - Chapter 2 - Verse 19

2:19
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Meaning

In this verse from Genesis 2:19, we see the act of creation taking place as God forms every beast of the field and every bird of the air from the ground. The significance of this act lies in God's decision to bring these creatures to Adam for him to name them. By giving Adam the responsibility of naming the animals, God shows his trust in humanity to have authority over the rest of creation. This act emphasizes the close relationship between humans and nature, as Adam's ability to name the animals signifies his understanding and dominion over them. Furthermore, the act of naming reflects Adam's role as a steward of God's creation, highlighting the importance of humans caring for and nurturing the natural world. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the special connection between humans and the rest of God's creation, emphasizing our responsibility to care for the earth and all its inhabitants.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Genesis 2:19, we see the close relationship between man and the animal kingdom. The act of Adam naming the animals that God brought before him shows his authority and dominion over creation as the steward of the earth. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the special role that humans play in the world, given to them by God. By naming the animals, Adam not only demonstrated his understanding of creation but also established his authority over it. This act reflects the importance of language and communication in defining and understanding the natural world. The word "name" in this context also holds significance, as it represents the power of language and the ability of humans to distinguish and categorize the various creatures of the earth. In naming the animals, Adam participated in the process of creation by assigning identity and purpose to each living creature.

American Standard Version

And out of the ground Jehovah God formed every beast of the field, and every bird of the heavens; and brought them unto the man to see what he would call them: and whatsoever the man called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
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