Do Genesis 1 and 2 record two different creation accounts?

TL;DR:

A straightforward reading of Genesis 1:1-2:3 gives a summary of creation, while Genesis 2:4-25 gives further details regarding the creation of Adam and Eve. The Bible does not record two different creation events.

what does the bible say?

Some people wrongly believe that Genesis 1 and 2 record two different creation accounts because they present the history of creation twice. However, when focusing on the artificial division of the Bible into chapters and verses (which was added later for convenience), we cannot overlook the big picture and the intended literary structure of texts. Moses, the author, provided a natural structure to Genesis by using toldot, a Hebrew word translated as "generations." In Genesis, Moses compiled eleven family documents (toldots). Each family document begins with: "These are the generations of" (2:4, 5:1, 6:9, etc.) and explains what became of an event or genetic line, such as creation, Adam or Noah.

The intended structure of Genesis begins:

Introduction (1:1-2:3): The themes are creation, creation of man, and God's sabbath rest.

First toldot, "What became of creation" (2:4-4:26): The themes are the creation of Adam and Eve, the Fall and its results, and the Edenic and Adamic covenants.

Second toldot, "What became of Adam" (5:1-6-8): The themes are death and corruption, God's displeasure with sin, and the decline from Adam to Noah.

Third toldot, "What became of Noah" (6:9-9:29): The themes are judgment of the Flood, salvation of Noah, and the Noahic covenant.

These toldots are repeated throughout the book of Genesis, using "these are the generations of" as key. Reading the text this way presents a unified account of Genesis, not two different accounts.

from the old testament

Genesis 1:1-2:3 is the introduction, which deals with creation out of chaos, how man was created in the image of God and given sovereignty over the earth and the animal kingdom, and how God crowned creation by enjoying His Sabbath rest.
Genesis 2:4-4:26 is the toldot of creation, that is, what became of the heavens and the earth. This first toldot provides further details about the creation of Adam and Eve, and then deals with the Fall, God's curse on sin, the expansion of sin, and its results on their descendants, Cain and Abel.
Genesis 5:1-6:8 is the toldot of Adam, meaning "what became of Adam." This second toldot deals with the theme of death and God's displeasure with sin, the downward slide from Adam to Noah, and the angelic corruption of womanhood. Of particular interest here are verses 5:1-2, where the introduction to this toldot once again reminds readers that God created Adam and Eve. No one confuses this with yet another creation account, as it is clearly a brief reminder of how Adam and Eve came to be. Likewise, the account in chapter 2 reviews the creation of man in chapter 1, while providing additional details.

from the new testament

The New Testament does not record information for the answer to this question.

implications for today

By considering the two creation accounts of Genesis 1 and 2 individually and then reconciling them, we see that God describes the sequence of creation in Genesis 1, then clarifies its most important details, especially of the sixth day, in Genesis 2. There is no contradiction here, merely a common literary device describing an event from the general to the specific. Any claims of contradictions, such as when plants were created, or when animals were created, are easily resolved by examining the text. Postulating that a race of pre-humans existed before Adam and Eve is not justified by the text. The initial creation of man is recorded in Genesis 1, with additional details in Genesis 2 and further reminders in Genesis 5:1-2 and Deuteronomy 4:32. All refer to the same creation event.

The Genesis toldot structure provides a framework for understanding the book’s composition and purpose. By recognizing the divisions marked by "these are the generations” we can appreciate the cohesive narrative plan, progressive unity, and themes of promise and hope that underlie the text. The toldot, or family document, framework of Genesis emphasizes what became of an event, such as creation, or a genetic line, such as Adam.

Reference: "The Book of Genesis: Exposition from a Messianic Jewish Perspective," by Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Ariel's Bible Commentary, 2020.

understand

Genesis 1 and 2 do not record two different creation accounts.
Genesis 1 gives an overview of creation.
Genesis 2 gives more details of creation, particularly with respect to man.

reflect

How does understanding Genesis 1 as an overview and Genesis 2 as detailed clarification influence your view of the accounts of creation?
What can you learn about God's nature from the way Genesis describes creation in both general and specific terms?
How does the toldot structure in Genesis help you appreciate the unity of the biblical narrative?

engage

How can we explain to others the harmony between Genesis 1 and 2 when questions about contradictions arise?
What insights does the detailed account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2 provide about humanity’s relationship with God and creation?
How does recognizing the literary structure of Genesis enhance our understanding of the way God communicates to us through His Word?