פִּישׁוֹן (pi.shon)

pi.shon

Pishon

H6376 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun pi.shon refers to one of the four rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden, mentioned only in Genesis 2:11. Its name translates to "increase" or "abundance," a meaning derived from its root association with growth and flourishing.

This single occurrence places the word firmly in the geographical description of paradise, where it is listed alongside the Tigris and Euphrates. The choice of a name meaning abundance likely reflects the river’s perceived fertility or the richness of the land it watered, reinforcing the biblical theme of Eden as a place of overflowing provision.

Because pi.shon appears just once in Scripture, its exact modern location remains unknown. Scholars have proposed various identifications with ancient Mesopotamian waterways, but no consensus exists. The word’s primary significance lies not in geography but in its contribution to the portrait of Eden as a source of life and material blessing for the world.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word Pishon appears only once in Scripture, marking one of the four rivers that flowed from Eden. Its name suggests abundance and increase, painting a picture of a place where life flourished without scarcity. This single mention reminds us that God’s original design for creation was rich and generous.

While we cannot pinpoint its exact location today, the imagery encourages trust in God’s provision. The Pishon symbolizes the overflowing blessings available to humanity before the fall. It points to a source of life that sustains the world, inviting us to appreciate the goodness inherent in creation.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

[is] Pishon1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

פִּישׁ֑וֹן1×

Key Verses

Genesis 2:11
The name of the first is Pishon: it flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

This verse identifies Pishon as the first river, linking it directly to the land of Havilah and its gold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Pishon mean?

The name Pishon is generally understood to mean 'increase' or 'abundance.' This reflects the fertile nature of the land it watered, specifically Havilah, which was known for its gold.

Where is the river Pishon located today?

The exact location of the Pishon is unknown. While some scholars have proposed various identifications with ancient Mesopotamian waterways, there is no consensus on its modern geographical equivalent.

Why is Pishon significant in Genesis?

Pishon is significant because it helps describe the richness and abundance of the Garden of Eden. Its mention alongside other rivers emphasizes God's provision and the original goodness of creation.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Genesis 1 verse

Genesis 2:11

The name of the first is Pishon: it flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;