Genesis 2:23

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.

Commentary

Genesis 2:23 KJV captures Adam's profound declaration upon seeing Eve, the first woman, created by God. This verse is pivotal in understanding the biblical foundation of human relationships and marriage.

Context

Following the creation of man in Genesis 2:7, God observes that it is "not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). After Adam names all the animals and finds no suitable helper among them, God causes a deep sleep to fall upon him and forms Eve from his rib. This verse records Adam's immediate, joyful, and insightful response to her appearance, recognizing their intrinsic connection.

Key Themes

  • Profound Unity and Kinship: Adam’s exclamation, "bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh," is a powerful declaration of deep kinship and shared essence. It signifies that Eve is not merely a companion but an integral part of himself, highlighting the profound unity intended for husband and wife.
  • Divine Design for Marriage: This moment establishes the blueprint for marriage, where two distinct individuals are joined together in a unique bond. It foreshadows the instruction in the very next verse for a man to "leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife" (Genesis 2:24), a principle later affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 19:5) and Paul (Ephesians 5:31).
  • Complementary Origin of Woman: Eve's creation from Adam’s side, rather than from his head (to rule over him) or his feet (to be trampled underfoot), symbolizes her position as an equal partner and helper, designed to stand alongside him. Her name, "Woman," derived directly from "Man," further underscores this relational origin.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh" is a Hebrew idiom ('etsem me'atsamay uvasar mibbasari) signifying the closest possible relationship, often used for blood relatives or covenant partners. Crucially, Adam's naming of Eve as "Woman" (Hebrew: 'ishshah) is a direct linguistic play on "Man" (Hebrew: 'ish). This phonetic connection emphasizes their shared humanity and intrinsic bond, a divine wordplay embedded in the fabric of creation itself.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:23 provides foundational insights for understanding human relationships, particularly marriage. It teaches us about the inherent value and dignity of both man and woman, created to complement each other in a sacred union. This verse encourages mutual respect, deep emotional and spiritual connection, and the recognition that marriage is a divine institution designed for companionship, unity, and shared life. It reminds us that our deepest relationships are meant to reflect the profound interconnectedness intended by our Creator.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:28 (23 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 5:30 (23 votes)

    For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:8 (10 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 11:9 (10 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 5:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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