Genesis 2:21

KJV

¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} caused {H5307} a deep sleep {H8639} to fall {H5307} upon Adam {H121}, and he slept {H3462}: and he took {H3947} one {H259} of his ribs {H6763}, and closed up {H5462} the flesh {H1320} instead thereof;

Complete Jewish Bible

Then God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the person; and while he was sleeping, he took one of his ribs and closed up the place from which he took it with flesh.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:21 meticulously describes the Lord God's sovereign act of inducing a profound, divinely orchestrated sleep upon Adam, during which He carefully extracted one of Adam's ribs. This foundational event precedes the creation of Eve, underscoring God's precise design for human companionship, His provision for relational fulfillment, and the intrinsic unity and complementary nature of male and female, thereby establishing the divine blueprint for marriage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader creation narrative of [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman"). It immediately follows God's declaration in [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "God's declaration that it is not good for man to be alone") that "it is not good that the man should be alone" and Adam's subsequent naming of all the animals, where he found "no helper fit for him" ([Genesis 2:20](/genesis/2-20 "Adam finds no suitable helper among the animals")). Genesis 2:21 thus serves as the direct divine response to humanity's relational incompleteness, setting the stage for the creation of Eve and the subsequent institution of marriage in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The institution of marriage in Genesis 2:24"). It highlights God's intentionality in addressing human needs and perfecting His creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Genesis is a foundational text, its historical and cultural context is primarily ancient Near Eastern. The concept of a deity actively involved in the formation of humanity was common, but Genesis presents a unique monotheistic perspective where the singular, sovereign God acts with deliberate purpose and personal care. Unlike pagan creation myths often involving conflict or accidental formation, God's creation here is orderly, benevolent, and perfectly executed. The idea of a "deep sleep" (Hebrew *tardemah*) also appears elsewhere in the Old Testament, often signifying a divinely induced trance or unconsciousness, allowing God to perform extraordinary acts without human interference or comprehension, as seen in [Abraham's covenant experience](/genesis/15-12 "Abraham's deep sleep during the covenant ceremony in Genesis 15:12"). This emphasizes God's absolute agency and Adam's passive reception of God's creative work.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 2:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and beyond. It reinforces the theme of **God's perfect design and provision**, demonstrating His meticulous care in meeting Adam's need for companionship. It introduces the profound theme of **humanity's relational nature**, emphasizing that humans are created for relationship, first with God and then with each other, reflecting the relational nature of the Godhead. Furthermore, it lays the foundational understanding for the **dignity and complementary equality of male and female**, as Eve is uniquely formed from Adam's very being, not from separate dust, establishing an intrinsic unity that underpins the sacred institution of marriage as described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The 'one flesh' union in Genesis 2:24"). This act also highlights God's **sovereignty and creative power** as He performs a miraculous "surgery" to bring forth new life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deep sleep (Hebrew, _tardêmâh'_):** From H8639, this term denotes a profound, divinely induced lethargy or trance, far beyond ordinary slumber. It implies a state where human consciousness and will are suspended, allowing God to act unimpeded. This specific word is used in other biblical contexts to describe supernatural sleep, such as that which fell upon [Abraham during God's covenant with him](/genesis/15-12 "The 'deep sleep' (tardemah) that fell upon Abraham in Genesis 15:12") and upon [Saul when David took his spear](/1_samuel/26-12 "Saul's deep sleep (tardemah) in 1 Samuel 26:12"). Its use here emphasizes God's complete control and Adam's passivity in the creation of Eve.
* **ribs (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ'_):** From H6763, this word literally refers to a rib or side. While commonly translated "rib," the broader meaning of "side" is highly significant. It implies that Eve was taken from Adam's side, symbolizing her position as his equal, partner, and companion. This choice of origin is crucial for understanding the intrinsic unity and shared essence between man and woman, distinguishing Eve's creation from all other creatures.
* **closed up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** From H5462, this verb means to shut up, enclose, or close. In this context, it depicts God's meticulous and precise action in healing Adam's side after the extraction of the rib. It portrays God as a careful, masterful surgeon, ensuring Adam's well-being and demonstrating the perfection and intentionality of His creative work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept:":** This initial clause establishes God's absolute sovereignty and initiative in the creation of Eve. The "deep sleep" (tardêmâh) is not natural but divinely induced, rendering Adam completely passive and unconscious. This passivity underscores that Eve's existence is solely a result of God's power and purpose, not any human effort or choice. It highlights God's meticulous preparation for the next stage of creation, ensuring that the process is entirely His work.
* **"and he took one of his ribs,":** This phrase describes the specific material God chose for Eve's formation. The selection of "one of his ribs" (or "one of his sides") is profoundly symbolic. Unlike all other creatures, including Adam himself who was [formed from the dust of the ground](/genesis/2-7 "God forms man from the dust of the ground in Genesis 2:7"), Eve is uniquely fashioned from Adam's very being. This signifies an intrinsic unity, shared essence, and profound connection between man and woman, establishing their complementary nature from the outset.
* **"and closed up the flesh instead thereof;":** This final clause emphasizes God's divine care and surgical precision. After the extraction, God meticulously healed and restored Adam's body. This act portrays God not merely as a powerful creator but also as a tender, attentive sustainer, ensuring the well-being and integrity of His creation even amidst a miraculous transformation. It speaks to the perfection and completeness of God's work.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Genesis 2:21](/genesis/2-21 "Genesis 2:21 - The Creation of Eve from Adam's Rib") employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident as God is depicted performing actions typically associated with human surgeons: causing sleep, taking a part, and closing up flesh. This portrayal makes God's actions relatable and emphasizes His personal involvement and meticulous care in creation. **Symbolism** is profoundly present in the choice of the "rib" or "side" as the material for Eve's creation. This is not merely a biological detail but a powerful symbol of equality, intimate connection, and shared humanity between man and woman, illustrating that she is not to be subservient (from the foot) nor dominant (from the head), but a partner (from the side). The entire episode also functions as a **Narrative Device**, where the "deep sleep" serves to isolate Adam from the creative act, highlighting God's sole agency and the miraculous nature of Eve's formation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:21 is a cornerstone for understanding God's design for humanity and human relationships. It powerfully articulates God's intentionality and wisdom in creating a suitable companion for Adam, thereby addressing the only "not good" in the perfect creation. This act establishes the foundational principles for human dignity, the complementary nature of male and female, and the sacred institution of marriage as a divinely ordained union built on shared essence and mutual partnership. It reveals a God who is not only powerful but also intimately involved and caring for the relational needs of His creation.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "God creates humanity in His own image, male and female") - God's creation of humanity "male and female" in His image establishes the inherent dignity and equality of both genders from the very beginning.
* [Ephesians 5:28-30](/ephesians/5-28-30 "Paul's instruction on husbands loving their wives as their own bodies") - Paul's exhortation for husbands to love their wives as their own bodies echoes the foundational unity established in Genesis 2:21-24, where man and woman are "one flesh."
* [Mark 10:6-9](/mark/10-6-9 "Jesus' teaching on marriage, referencing Genesis") - Jesus Himself affirms the Genesis account of creation, emphasizing the permanent and unified nature of marriage as God's original design for male and female.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:21 invites us to contemplate the profound depth of God's wisdom and His tender care in crafting humanity. It challenges us to move beyond superficial understandings of gender roles and embrace God's original, perfect design for complementary equality between male and female, rooted in their shared essence and dignity. This passage reminds us that companionship is not an afterthought but a divine provision, essential for human flourishing. Reflecting on God's meticulous "surgery" on Adam can foster a deeper trust in His sovereign hand in our own lives, assuring us that He is always working for our good, even through processes we may not fully comprehend. It calls us to value and cultivate relationships that reflect the unity and mutual support intended by our Creator, recognizing that our relational nature is a reflection of the Triune God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's deliberate act of causing a "deep sleep" in Adam inform our understanding of His sovereignty and our role in His plans?**
* **In what ways does the creation of Eve from Adam's side challenge or affirm contemporary views on gender roles and equality?**
* **How can understanding God's meticulous care in "closing up the flesh" inspire greater trust in His provision and healing in our own lives?**
* **How does the foundational unity established in Genesis 2:21-24 shape our approach to marriage and other significant human relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose a rib to create Eve?**

Answer: The choice of the rib (Hebrew *tsela*, which can also mean "side") is profoundly symbolic and conveys deep theological truths about the nature of humanity and relationships. It signifies that woman is not inferior to man (not taken from his foot to be trampled), nor superior (not from his head to rule over him), but rather his equal, taken from his side to be his companion, protector, and beloved partner. This origin emphasizes their shared humanity, intrinsic unity, and complementary nature, laying the groundwork for the "one flesh" union in marriage as described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The 'one flesh' union in Genesis 2:24"). It highlights that man and woman are distinct yet interdependent, designed to complete each other in a unique partnership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:21, with its account of Adam's divinely induced "deep sleep" and the subsequent creation of Eve from his side, serves as a profound theological foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the birth of His Bride, the Church. Just as Eve was formed from Adam's very being while he was in a state of profound unconsciousness, the Church is spiritually born from Christ's death and resurrection. The "deep sleep" of Adam prefigures Christ's death on the cross, a voluntary act of surrender and sacrifice. From Christ's wounded side, pierced by the soldier's spear, flowed blood and water ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "Blood and water from Christ's side in John 19:34")), symbolizing the life-giving sacraments and the very essence of the new covenant community. Through His "deep sleep" on the cross, Jesus secured the spiritual union of believers with Himself, establishing a new humanity—His body, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's love for the Church, His bride")), to be His beloved companion and co-heir, thereby fulfilling God's relational design on a cosmic and redemptive scale.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 15:12

¶ And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

Job 4:13

In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

1 Samuel 26:12

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw [it], nor knew [it], neither awaked: for they [were] all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

Job 33:15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

Proverbs 19:15

¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.