And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
A river went out of Eden to water the garden. The Hebrew word х yotsee' (H3318)] rendered "went out" often signifies, when applied to streams, 'rising' or 'springing' from the earth (cf. Deuteronomy 8:7; Isaiah 41:18). The source of the river was not within the garden, but issued from some spot within the extensive district called Eden; and many eminent biblical scholars, such as Michaelis, Jahn, Dr. Pye Smith, and others are of opinion that the word "river" is used collectively for the plural, implying that the mountain streams issuing from the adjacent mountains collected in the valleys, and flowing in different directions, meandered through the garden, imparting to it that refreshing coolness and moisture which is essential to vegetation, and forms the greatest charm to a landscape in the East.
Became into four heads. Rosenmuller and Gesenius render the Hebrew term 'river-heads;' but the general opinion is that four branches or principal rivers are meant. It is impossible, however, to imagine how any of the great rivers that are mentioned in the tabular view can ever have been united in one stream; and this consideration seems to confirm the truth of the opinion that 'the river that went out of Eden' was a collection of springs.