Genesis 2:22

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Genesis 2:22 follows the creation account of man and sets the stage for the establishment of the first human relationship. After forming Adam from the dust of the ground and placing him in the Garden of Eden, the LORD God declared that it was "not good that the man should be alone." This verse describes God's direct solution to Adam's solitude, immediately after causing a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and taking one of his ribs.

Key Themes

  • Divine Design and Intentionality: This verse underscores God's deliberate and creative action in forming woman. She is not an afterthought but a specific, purposeful creation designed to meet Adam's need for companionship.
  • Companionship and Partnership: The woman is created as a "help meet" or suitable partner (as described in Genesis 2:18), perfectly complementing the man. God's act of "bringing her unto the man" signifies the establishment of the first human partnership.
  • Unity and Shared Humanity: By taking the rib from man, God emphasizes the woman's intrinsic connection and shared essence with him. She is literally "bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh," as Adam declares in Genesis 2:23. This origin story highlights a fundamental unity and equality in their humanity, despite distinct roles.
  • Foundation of Marriage: The act of God personally bringing the woman to the man serves as the divine institution of marriage, setting the pattern for all future marital unions. This divine presentation leads directly to the seminal declaration of Genesis 2:24 regarding the "one flesh" union.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for 'woman' is ishshah (ืึดืฉึธึผืื”), which is closely related to ish (ืึดื™ืฉื), the Hebrew word for 'man'. This linguistic connection reinforces Adam's exclamation in Genesis 2:23: "She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." The term for 'rib' (ืฆืœืข, tsela) can also be translated as 'side' or 'flank', suggesting that the woman was taken from man's side, not from his head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be trampled, but from his side to be his equal companion and partner.

Practical Application

This foundational verse teaches us several enduring truths:

  • The Sacredness of Human Relationships: God's active involvement in creating and bringing Adam and Eve together highlights the divine importance of companionship and the sacred nature of marriage.
  • Dignity and Equality of Genders: Both man and woman are created by God with unique purposes, yet both are equally made in His image, as established in Genesis 1:27. This narrative emphasizes a complementary relationship rather than one of inherent superiority or inferiority.
  • God's Provision: Just as God saw Adam's need and perfectly provided a suitable helper, He continues to be the ultimate provider for our deepest needs, including companionship and purpose.
  • The Blueprint for Marriage: This account remains the primary biblical blueprint for marriage, emphasizing that it is a divine institution purposed for companionship, unity, and procreation, a principle later affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:6.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 11:8 (13 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 11:9 (13 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 2:13 (8 votes)

    For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

  • Hebrews 13:4 (5 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 18:22 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 2:19 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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