The Unity of Gen 2,4

ABSTRACT

This article seeks to argue that Gen 2,4 should not be divided into two halfverses as many theologians have asserted. At least four good reasons exist for saying that the verse is best to be understood as one coherent whole. The article basically draws its reasoning from its close exegesis of Gen 2,4. However, the first reason is founded in looking into both the three verses before Gen 2,4 and into other Mesopotamian texts. The second and third argument are built upon an exegesis of Gen 2,4, and the ultimate reason is based upon the Masoretes” work in the Middle Ages, and is therefore an argument resting upon how an earlier traditions looked at the discussed verses.