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Pishon

Illustration of Pishon

The Pishon is one of four rivers flowing out of the Garden of Eden, encircling the land of Havilah noted for its gold, bdellium, and onyx. In Genesis 2, it forms part of the primeval geography that sustained Eden before the fall, demonstrating God's abundant provision through natural resources and fertile boundaries. Though its modern location remains unidentified and subject to scholarly debate, the river underscores the biblical portrayal of Eden as a real yet idealized setting for humanity's origins. Its mention highlights themes of divine order, material blessing, and the lost perfection of creation in Scripture.

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Details

Region
Eden
Modern Location
Unknown
Strongest connections in Scripture

Key Passages

The Four Rivers of Eden

Genesis 2:10-14

Lists the Pishon as the first river from Eden that surrounds Havilah.

A10nd a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.

11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; 12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone. 13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. 14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

Resources of Havilah

Genesis 2:11-12

Describes the Pishon river and the gold and precious stones found in the land it borders.

T11he name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.