The Hebrew word ed (אֵד) refers to a mist, vapor, or stream that rises from the ground. It appears in Genesis 2:6 describing the primordial mist that watered the earth before rain.
The ed of Genesis 2 is theologically significant as it describes God's initial provision for the creation before rain fell. This watering of the earth from below points to God's creative sustaining care — He who formed Adam from the dust also moistened that dust with rising vapor. Some scholars connect this to the deep (tehom), emphasizing that all life's sustenance comes from the LORD. The image of upward-rising mist also speaks of prayer and worship ascending to God.