Definition: And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 2:5. It’s a really important and fascinating passage about how life began on Earth! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that before there was anything – no plants, no animals, no humans – God created the world as a single, fertile field. And everything within that field – all the plants and herbs – was just existing and growing on its own. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth…” This means everything we see today – trees, grass, flowers, berries, and even the soil beneath our feet – started as tiny seeds and grew into those things. “…and every herb of the field before it grew…” This is similar – all the different kinds of plants that grow were created in this initial field. “For the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground.” This is the key part. God didn't create the rain or the people to farm the land. He created the field itself – a whole expanse of fertile ground. And because there was no rain, and no one working the land, the field just… existed. What does this mean about creation? This verse is often interpreted as showing that God created the world completely and independently. It’s a fundamental concept in many religious traditions – it suggests God set everything in motion without needing human intervention. It emphasizes God's absolute control and authority over creation. Important Note: There can be different interpretations of this verse, but it generally points to the idea that God initiated all life on Earth. --- Would you like me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, I could: Explain the symbolism behind the "field" – it represents the world. Discuss the theological significance of this verse.