It is often claimed that Genesis 1 and 2 represent two contradictory accounts of creation.

For example, Genesis 1:24-26 has the animals created before humans. Yet Genesis 2:18-19 appears to have animals created after humans in most versions. For example, the NKJV has

And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. (Gen 2:18-19; NKJV)

However, the word translated “formed” can be translated as “had formed”. This (or something equivalent) is how it is translated in the DRB, ESV, NIV, TNIV and others. For example, the NIV has

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them. (Gen 2:18-19; NIV)

Then there is no contradiction—the animals were created before humans, and God brought each of them to Adam to be named.

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2 Responses to Does Genesis 2 contradict Genesis 1?

  1. Norman Bilton says:

    The FEW animals and birds (specially created long after Gen 1) would have to:
    1] not trash a beautiful garden in minutes: so no rhinos, elephants, giraffes………..
    2] be domesticated enough to heed Adam’s CALL;
    3] be regarded as a suitable ‘helper’ or companion.

    Result: NIL. Lesson learnt. Eve is formed.

  2. Robert says:

    the bible usese the same word for the creation of adam as it does for the creation of the animals at this point…
    Also genesis 1 says god made man and woman tegether
    when genesis 2 places a great deal of time between the 2 being created.
    Adam had to name all the creatures and adam had to sleep for his rib to be removed

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