Genesis 2:22

KJV

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rib {H6763}, which the LORD {H3068} God {H430} had taken {H3947} from man {H120}, made {H1129} he a woman {H802}, and brought {H935} her unto the man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rib which Adonai, God, had taken from the person, he made a woman-person; and he brought her to the man-person.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him.

American Standard Version

and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:22 profoundly details the LORD God's climactic act of creating woman from man's rib, culminating in her divine presentation to Adam. This foundational event not only completes God's perfect provision for human companionship, addressing Adam's solitude, but also meticulously establishes the sacred blueprint for marriage, underscoring both divine design and the intrinsic, complementary connection between male and female.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is the culmination of God's creative work concerning humanity and directly follows His profound declaration in [Genesis 2:18 that "it is not good that the man should be alone"](/genesis/2-18 "God's declaration on man's aloneness"). The preceding verses describe Adam's naming of the animals, a process that highlights his unique position and, by contrast, his lack of a suitable counterpart. After Adam's unsuccessful search for a "helper comparable to him" among all the creatures, the LORD God orchestrates a miraculous solution, causing a [deep sleep to fall upon Adam in Genesis 2:21](/genesis/2-21 "Adam's deep sleep") before carefully taking one of his ribs. Genesis 2:22 then describes the precise divine action of forming the woman and her immediate presentation, setting the stage for Adam's joyful recognition and the seminal institution of marriage in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The institution of marriage as 'one flesh'").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near Eastern context often depicted creation myths with chaotic origins and capricious gods. In stark contrast, Genesis presents a singular, benevolent God who creates with order, purpose, and intimate care. The concept of a divine being personally forming humanity and intervening to provide companionship was revolutionary. While some cultures might view women as subservient or property, the Genesis account, particularly [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Creation in God's image") and the origin story in Genesis 2, establishes the woman's inherent dignity and unique, complementary role. The act of "bringing her unto the man" would have resonated with ancient marriage customs where the father or guardian presented the bride, but here, it is God Himself officiating the primordial union, elevating marriage to a sacred, divinely ordained institution rather than merely a social contract.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 2:22 is rich with theological and narrative themes. It underscores God's **sovereignty and meticulous design** in creation, demonstrating His active involvement in providing for humanity's deepest needs. The theme of **companionship and relationality** is central, highlighting that humanity is not meant to be alone, reflecting the relational nature of the Triune God. This verse also lays the foundational blueprint for the **sacred institution of marriage**, emphasizing its divine origin and purpose as a "one flesh" union, as described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The 'one flesh' union in marriage"). Furthermore, the woman's unique origin from man's side introduces the theme of **complementary equality**, establishing that male and female, though distinct, share a common humanity and are designed to function in mutual partnership, a concept reinforced by their shared creation in God's image in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Creation in God's image").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The narrative of Genesis 2:22 unfolds with deliberate divine action, highlighting God's meticulous and purposeful design for human relationship. The verse is a concise yet profound statement on the origin of woman and the establishment of the first human relationship.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rib (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ_ H6763):** This word refers to a side, a rib, or even a chamber. Its use here is highly symbolic. The woman is not formed from the dust of the ground (like Adam) nor from Adam's head (to rule over him) or his foot (to be trampled underfoot). Instead, she is taken from his side, signifying her position as a companion, an equal, and one who stands beside him, close to his heart and under his arm for protection. This origin emphasizes shared essence and intrinsic connection.
* **Made (Hebrew, _bânâh_ H1129):** This primitive root means "to build" or "to construct." It denotes a deliberate, purposeful act of creation, not a casual formation. The LORD God "built" or "fashioned" the woman, implying careful craftsmanship and architectural precision in her design. This highlights God's active and intentional role in bringing Eve into existence, underscoring her divine origin and perfect suitability as Adam's helper.
* **Woman (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh_ H802):** This term is the feminine form of _ʼîsh_ (man). The linguistic connection between _ʼîsh_ and _ʼishshâh_ (man and woman) is explicitly highlighted by Adam in [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Adam's recognition of Eve"), where he declares, "She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." This etymological link reinforces the concept of shared humanity and intrinsic connection, emphasizing that woman is not a separate species but a complementary counterpart to man, sharing the same fundamental nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man":** This opening clause establishes the unique material source for the woman's creation. The "rib" (Hebrew _tsêlâʻ_) is specifically identified as the element God extracted from the man (Hebrew _ʼâdâm_). The active role of "the LORD God" (Hebrew _Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym_) underscores divine agency and intentionality. The phrase "had taken" (Hebrew _lâqach_) implies a deliberate and precise surgical act, performed while Adam was in a divinely induced deep sleep ([Genesis 2:21](/genesis/2-21 "Adam's deep sleep")), ensuring that the process was entirely God's initiative and not a human endeavor.
* **"made he a woman":** This is the central action of the verse. From the single rib, the LORD God "made" or "built" (Hebrew _bânâh_) a complete human being, specifically a "woman" (Hebrew _ʼishshâh_). This highlights God's creative power and His ability to bring forth life and form from seemingly limited material. The divine craftsmanship involved in fashioning Eve is presented as a profound act of creation, demonstrating her inherent value and dignity as a divinely designed being, perfectly suited to be Adam's counterpart.
* **"and brought her unto the man":** This final clause describes the divine presentation of the woman to Adam. The verb "brought" (Hebrew _bôwʼ_) signifies a purposeful leading and presentation, akin to a father presenting his daughter to her groom. This act is not a casual encounter but a sacred, formal introduction orchestrated by God Himself. It underscores God's role as the officiant of the first union, establishing marriage as a divine institution and setting the pattern for all subsequent unions, where God is ultimately the one who brings partners together.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 2:22 employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "rib" is not merely a bone but a powerful symbol of shared essence, intimacy, and complementary equality. Its origin from the side, near the heart, suggests a partnership of affection and mutual support, rather than hierarchy. The entire narrative functions as an **Etiology**, explaining the origin of woman, the institution of marriage, and the fundamental relationship between male and female. The **Anthropomorphism** of God "taking" and "making" and "bringing" portrays Him in human-like actions, emphasizing His personal involvement and care in creation. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "man" (Hebrew _ʼâdâm_) at the beginning and end of the verse, framing the creation of woman, subtly underscores the relational purpose of her creation—to be a companion for man.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:22 stands as a cornerstone for understanding human identity, gender, and the sacred institution of marriage. It reveals God as the benevolent architect of human relationships, meticulously designing companionship as an essential component of human flourishing. The verse powerfully illustrates God's perfect foresight and provision, identifying Adam's solitude as "not good" and crafting the ideal solution in the woman. This divine act establishes marriage as a covenantal bond, initiated and blessed by God Himself, rather than merely a human construct or social arrangement. The woman's origin from man's side, rather than his head or foot, symbolically conveys a relationship of complementary equality, emphasizing that both male and female are equally made in God's image and are designed to function as interdependent partners in life and procreation.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Creation in God's Image")
* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage and Divorce")
* [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "The Mystery of Christ and the Church as One Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:22 profoundly shapes our understanding of human dignity, the sanctity of marriage, and God's benevolent provision. It challenges us to view relationships, especially marital ones, as divinely initiated and purposed, reflecting God's own relational nature within the Trinity. This passage encourages us to honor the unique design and complementary roles of men and women, recognizing that God perfectly provides for our deepest needs for companionship and belonging. For individuals, it underscores the inherent value of every human being, created by God with intentionality and purpose. For couples, it provides a divine blueprint for marriage rooted in mutual respect, companionship, and a shared journey under God's blessing. It calls us to seek God's guidance in our relationships, trusting His wisdom in bringing people together and sustaining their bonds. Ultimately, it invites us to find our deepest fulfillment not in isolation, but in the community and relationships God has designed for us, reflecting His own relational glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the creation of Eve from Adam's rib inform your understanding of the intrinsic connection and complementary nature of men and women?**
* **In what ways does God's act of "bringing her unto the man" elevate the institution of marriage beyond a mere social contract?**
* **How can we better reflect God's design for companionship and relationality in our own lives and communities?**
* **What practical implications does the concept of "complementary equality" have for modern relationships and gender roles within the church and society?**

### FAQ
**Why did God create woman from man's rib?**

Answer: The choice of the rib is deeply symbolic and theologically significant. It signifies that woman is not to be subservient (from the foot) nor superior (from the head), but rather a partner and equal, taken from man's side, close to his heart for affection and under his arm for protection. This origin emphasizes shared essence and intrinsic connection, as Adam himself recognized in his joyful declaration in [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Adam's recognition of Eve"), acknowledging her as "bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh." It highlights their shared humanity and complementary design.

**What is the significance of God "bringing her unto the man"?**

Answer: This act underscores the divine institution of marriage. It was not a human arrangement or a chance encounter but a sacred presentation by God Himself, who acted as the officiant of the first union. This sets the pattern for all subsequent marriages, emphasizing that marriage is a covenant ordained by God, where He brings two individuals together to form a [one flesh union](/genesis/2-24 "The one flesh union in marriage"). It signifies God's active involvement and blessing in the establishment of marital bonds, making it a sacred relationship with divine purpose.

**Does this passage imply male superiority?**

Answer: No, the passage does not imply male superiority; rather, it emphasizes complementary equality. While the woman is created after the man and from him, her origin from his side signifies partnership, mutual dependence, and shared humanity. Both male and female are equally created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Creation in God's image")) and are designed to fulfill distinct yet equally valuable roles in companionship, procreation, and stewarding God's creation. The narrative establishes a relationship of mutual respect and interdependence, where each gender completes the other.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The primordial union of male and female in [Genesis 2:22-24](/genesis/2-22-24 "The Creation of Woman and Institution of Marriage") serves as a profound type or shadow of the ultimate spiritual union between Christ and His Church. Just as Eve was taken from Adam's side to become his helper and "one flesh" with him, so too is the Church, the Bride of Christ, formed by His sacrificial act on the cross. From His pierced side, blood and water flowed ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "The Pierced Side of Christ")), symbolically giving birth to the new humanity, His redeemed people. Paul reveals this profound mystery in [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "The Mystery of Christ and the Church as One Flesh"), explaining that the "one flesh" union in marriage is a great mystery that points to Christ and the Church. Through His death and resurrection, Christ establishes an intimate, life-giving relationship with His Church, drawing her to Himself as His beloved Bride, fulfilling God's deepest desire for communion and demonstrating the ultimate divine provision for humanity's deepest need.

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

1 Corinthians 11:8

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:9

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

1 Timothy 2:13

For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Proverbs 18:22

¶ [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Genesis 2:19

And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought [them] unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that [was] the name thereof.

Proverbs 19:14

¶ House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.