The word ‘ēden
derives from the root ‘dn, which means approximately “to be fruitful,
abundantly provisioned” (Millard 1984; Greenfield 1984). An Aramaic inscription
from (Tell Fekheyre)uses the verb m’dn (in the D-stem) to mean “to make
abundant” (equated with Akkadian muttaḥḥhidu). The idea of abundant food
and bounty coheres with the use of this root in Hebrew. The Garden of Eden is
therefore “The Garden of Plenty,” referring to its lush and abundant
vegetation. This is an aspect of its paradisical quality, which corresponds with
Yahweh’s presence and care. (Ronald Hendel, Genesis 1-11: A New Translation
with Introduction and Commentary [AYB 1A; New Haven: Yale University Press,
2024], 163)
Compare the above with:
Ziony Zevit on the Garden of Eden being called "Bountiful"
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