Genesis 2:21

¶ 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;

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;

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.

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.

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

Genesis 2:21 describes a pivotal moment in the creation narrative, detailing how God prepared to form the first woman, Eve, from Adam. This verse highlights God's purposeful and intimate involvement in the establishment of humanity and the foundational relationship between male and female.

Context

Following the creation of Adam and the Garden of Eden, the LORD God observed that it was not good for man to be alone. Before presenting the animals to Adam for naming, which underscored Adam's unique position but also his lack of a suitable partner, God initiated a divine procedure. This verse sets the stage for the creation of Eve, emphasizing God's direct intervention to provide a companion for Adam, fulfilling His perfect design for human community.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intentionality: The verse showcases God as the active and sovereign Creator. He "caused a deep sleep" to fall upon Adam, demonstrating His absolute control and deliberate plan in bringing Eve into existence. This was not an accidental or secondary creation but a divinely orchestrated act.
  • Unique Creation of Woman: Unlike all other living creatures formed from the ground, Eve was uniquely created from Adam's own body. This method signifies an intrinsic unity and a profound connection between man and woman, setting the stage for their complementary roles and the institution of marriage.
  • God's Provision and Care: God identifies Adam's need and meticulously provides for it. The "deep sleep" ensures Adam's comfort and safety during this divine "surgery," illustrating God's tender care for His creation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "deep sleep" translates the Hebrew word tardemah (תַּרְדֵּמָה), which refers to a profound, divinely induced unconsciousness, often associated with a prophetic state or a supernatural intervention. It's not ordinary sleep but a state where the individual is entirely passive and unaware, allowing God to perform His work without interference. This term is also used when God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:12. The "rib" (Hebrew: tsela, צֵלָע) can mean "side" or "rib." The choice of this specific part of Adam's body emphasizes the woman's origin from man's side, symbolizing partnership, equality in dignity, and mutual support, rather than being "from his head to rule over him, or from his feet to be trampled by him."

Practical Application

Genesis 2:21 offers profound insights for contemporary understanding of human relationships and identity:

  • Dignity and Value of Woman: The unique creation of woman from man, not as a separate creation from the dust, underscores her inherent dignity and value. She is of the same essence as man, designed to be his equal and complementary partner.
  • Foundation for Marriage: This verse, leading into the creation of Eve and the declaration in Genesis 2:24 about leaving father and mother to cleave to one's wife, lays the groundwork for the divine institution of marriage. It portrays marriage as a union of two distinct yet complementary individuals, designed by God for companionship, procreation, and mutual support.
  • Trust in God's Design: The meticulous and intentional nature of God's work in this verse encourages trust in His perfect design for our lives and relationships. Just as He carefully formed Adam and Eve for each other, He has a purpose for every individual and every union.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 15:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 26:12 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Daniel 8:18 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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