What is the significance of Eve being taken from Adam's side?

Eve's creation from Adam's rib or side, rather than his head or foot, is profoundly symbolic. It signifies that she is not meant to rule over him (from the head) nor be trampled underfoot (from the foot), but rather to stand beside him as an equal partner, protected and cherished. This origin emphasizes her complementary role and shared humanity, highlighting the relational equality and mutual respect intended by God from the very beginning. This divine design establishes a blueprint for partnership, where both male and female are essential and equally valued in God's plan, as further elaborated in Genesis 2:24.

Does Genesis 2:23 imply male superiority or female subordination?

No, Genesis 2:23 does not imply male superiority or female subordination. Adam's joyous declaration, "bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh," is a powerful affirmation of profound unity and shared essence, indicating that Eve is of the same fundamental nature as Adam. Eve's creation from Adam's side, as discussed, symbolizes partnership and equality, not hierarchy. The linguistic connection between *'ish* (man) and *'ishshah* (woman) emphasizes their intrinsic connection and complementary design. Both are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and are equally valuable in His sight, designed to function together in harmonious unity.

2:22 2:22

Genesis 2:23

2:24 2:24

Bible Versions

And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

And Adam {H120} said {H559}, This {H2063} is now {H6471} bone {H6106} of my bones {H6106}, and flesh {H1320} of my flesh {H1320}: she {H2063} shall be called {H7121} Woman {H802}, because she {H2063} was taken {H3947} out of Man {H376}.

The man-person said, “At last! This is bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh. She is to be called Woman , because she was taken out of Man .”

And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.”

And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:28

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Ephesians 5:30

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
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.
2 Samuel 5:1

¶ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.
Judges 9:2

Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether [is] better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, [which are] threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I [am] your bone and your flesh.
Genesis 29:14

And Laban said to him, Surely thou [art] my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

Bible Versions

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