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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 3:20.
God having named the man, and called him Adam, which signifies red earth, Adam, in further token of dominion, named the woman, and called her Eve, that is, life. Adam bears the name of the dying body, Eve that of the living soul. The reason of the name is here given (some think, by Moses the historian, others, by Adam himself): Because she was (that is, was to be) the mother of all living. He had before called her Ishah - woman, as a wife; here he calls her Evah - life, as a mother. Now, 1. If this was done by divine direction, it was an instance of God's favour, and, like the new naming of Abraham and Sarah, it was a seal of the covenant, an assurance to them that, notwithstanding their sin and his displeasure against them for it, he had not reversed that blessing wherewith he had blessed them: Be fruitful and multiply. It was likewise a confirmation of the promise now made, that the seed of the woman, of this woman, should break the serpent's head. 2. If Adam did it of himself, it was an instance of his faith in the word of God. Doubtless it was not done, as some have suspected, in contempt or defiance of the curse, but rather in a humble confidence and dependence upon the blessing. (1.) The blessing of a reprieve, admiring the patience of God, that he should spare such sinners to be the parents of all living, and that he did not immediately shut up those fountains of the human life and nature, because they could send forth no other than polluted, poisoned, streams. (2.) The blessing of a Redeemer, and promised seed, to whom Adam had an eye, in calling his wife Eve - life; for he should be the life of all the living, and in him all the families of the earth should be blessed, in hope of which he thus triumphs.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The woman who initiated transgression was called “Life,” because she was responsible for the succession of those who came to birth and sinned. She thus became mother of the righteous and unrighteous alike. Each one of us shows himself to be just or willfully renders himself disobedient.
What I possess is flesh, not earth, even although of the flesh it is said: "Dust you are, and unto dust shall you return." In these words there is the mention of the origin, not a recalling of the substance. The privilege has been granted to the flesh to be nobler than its origin, and to have happiness aggrandized by the change wrought in it. [On the Resurrection of the Flesh 6]
Now, certainly nothing else is raised than that which is sown; and nothing else is sown than that which decays in the ground; and it is nothing else than the flesh which is decayed in the ground. For this was the substance which God's decree demolished, "Earth you are, and to earth shall you return;" Genesis 3:19 because it was taken out of the earth. And it was from this circumstance that the apostle borrowed his phrase of the flesh being "sown," since it returns to the ground, and the ground is the grand depository for seeds which are meant to be deposited in it, and again sought out of it. And therefore he confirms the passage afresh, by putting on it the impress (of his own inspired authority), saying, "For so it is written;" 1 Corinthians 15:45 that you may not suppose that the "being sown" means anything else than "you shall return to the ground, out of which you were taken;" nor that the phrase "for so it is written" refers to any other thing that the flesh.[On the Resurrection of the Flesh 52]
With that manifest knowledge
which God gave to Adam,
whereby he gave names to Eve
and to the animals,
God did not reveal the discoveries
of things that were concealed;
but in the case
of that hidden knowledge
from the stars downward,
Adam was able to pursue
enquiry into all
that is within this universe.
See the precision of Sacred Scripture, how it didn't pass over even this detail, but taught us that Adam named his wife as well. "He called his wife Eve, which means life," the text says, you see, "because she was the mother of all the living" that is to say, she is the source of all those who will come from her, the root and foundation of the future race. Then, after teaching us the naming of the woman, it further shows us God's goodness, how he does not overlook them in their depth of shame and nakedness after being created by him.
(Verse 20) And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she is the mother of all living. Therefore, Eve, which means life, is called so, because she is the mother of all living. Eve indeed translates to life.
And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And it is established that Adam gave his wife this name by divine instinct, which very fittingly corresponds to the Holy Church, in whose unity alone, which is called Catholic, the door to life is open to all.
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Summary
Genesis 3:20 records Adam's profound act of naming his wife "Eve," a name signifying "life" or "life-giver," immediately following the pronouncement of judgment and the introduction of death into the world. This pivotal moment reveals Adam's remarkable faith and hope in God's redemptive promise, looking beyond the immediate consequences of the Fall to the future continuation of humanity and the eventual fulfillment of the "protoevangelium" through the woman's offspring. It is a testament to God's enduring grace and His sovereign plan for life even amidst the reality of sin and mortality.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed directly after God's pronouncements of curses upon the serpent, Eve, and Adam in Genesis 3:14-19. Adam has just heard the grim reality of his own mortality—that he would "return to the dust" (Genesis 3:19)—and the arduous toil that would characterize his life. Yet, nestled within these judgments, God had already given the first glimmer of hope, the "protoevangelium," promising that the "seed" of the woman would ultimately bruise the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). Adam's naming of his wife, transitioning from the generic "Woman" (Genesis 2:23) to "Eve," is his faith-filled response to this divine promise, affirming life in the face of death and anticipating the promised offspring.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, naming was far more than a mere label; it was an act of authority, often reflecting the character, destiny, or circumstances surrounding the birth or life of the named individual. For Adam to name his wife "Eve" (Hebrew: Chavvah, related to chay, meaning "life" or "living") after the pronouncement of death underscored a profound theological truth and a prophetic declaration. It demonstrated Adam's understanding and acceptance of his role as head, and his spiritual insight into God's ongoing plan for humanity. This act also highlights the patriarchal structure prevalent in the culture, where the man had the authority to name his wife, though here it is exercised in an act of faith and hope rather than mere dominion.
Key Themes
Genesis 3:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Hope Amidst Judgment, showing that even in the immediate aftermath of humanity's catastrophic fall, God provides a basis for future life and redemption. It reinforces Divine Sovereignty and Redemptive Purpose, demonstrating that God's plan for humanity's continuation and the eventual defeat of evil remains intact despite human sin. The act of naming itself underscores the Prophetic Significance of Naming in Scripture, where names often reveal character, destiny, or a theological truth. Furthermore, it highlights the Preservation of Humanity and Lineage, ensuring the survival and proliferation of the human race, thereby preserving the very lineage through which the promised Redeemer would eventually come, a theme foreshadowed in Genesis 5 and culminating in the lineage of Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Causatively from חָוָה; "life-giver." This name, bestowed by Adam, is not merely descriptive but prophetic. It signifies her foundational role as the source of all human life, particularly in light of the divine promise of a "seed" (Genesis 3:15) who would come through her lineage. Despite the curse of increased pain in childbirth (Genesis 3:16), her identity is inextricably linked to life and procreation.
A primitive word meaning "a mother (as the bond of the family)." This word emphasizes Eve's unique and indispensable role in the continuation of the human race. She is not just a mother, but the mother, the progenitor from whom all future generations would descend. This title underscores the divine purpose for procreation even after the Fall, ensuring the preservation of humanity and the line of promise.
Meaning "alive." This word, used here in the plural ("all living"), contrasts sharply with the immediate context of death and mortality. Adam's choice to name Eve based on her being the "mother of all living" demonstrates a profound faith in God's ability to sustain life and fulfill His promises, even when the shadow of death has fallen upon creation. It speaks to the ongoing vibrancy and continuation of the human race despite the consequences of sin.
Verse Breakdown
"And Adam called his wife's name Eve;"
This clause reveals Adam's sovereign act of naming, an exercise of authority given by God, but more importantly, an act of faith. Previously, in Genesis 2:23, Adam had called her "Woman" (ishshah), recognizing her as "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." Here, after the Fall and the pronouncements of judgment, he renames her "Eve" (Chavvah), which carries the meaning of "life-giver." This renaming is not arbitrary but deeply significant, demonstrating Adam's spiritual perception and his hope in God's redemptive plan, particularly the promise of a future offspring who would confront the serpent (Genesis 3:15).
"because she was the mother of all living."
This explanatory clause provides the theological rationale for Adam's choice of name. Despite the introduction of death and the curse upon the ground, Eve's primary role as the progenitor of humanity remains intact. She is the conduit through whom life will continue, ensuring the fulfillment of God's original command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) and, crucially, the lineage through which the promised "seed" would come. This phrase highlights God's faithfulness to His creative design and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes, even in the face of human rebellion.
Literary Devices
Genesis 3:20 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Symbolism, where the name "Eve" itself becomes a powerful symbol of life in the face of death. Adam's act of naming is also an instance of Prophetic Naming, a common biblical motif where a name foreshadows a person's future role or destiny, or a significant event. Here, "Eve" (life-giver) prophetically declares her role as the mother of all humanity, despite the curse. The verse also presents a profound Paradox: life is affirmed and celebrated at the very moment death enters the world. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the consequences of sin and the enduring grace and redemptive purposes of God. Finally, there is an element of Irony, as the woman, through whom sin entered the world, is simultaneously affirmed as the source of all future life, including the promised Redeemer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 3:20 stands as a profound theological statement, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan even in the immediate aftermath of humanity's catastrophic fall. Adam's act of naming, rooted in faith, transforms a moment of judgment into a declaration of hope, acknowledging God's sovereignty over life and death. It underscores that while sin brought mortality, God's purpose for humanity's continuation and the ultimate defeat of evil remains steadfast. This verse thus serves as an early testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises and His gracious provision for a future beyond the curse.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 3:20 offers a powerful lesson for believers today: even in the darkest valleys of life, when circumstances seem to scream despair and death, we are called to fix our gaze on God's enduring promises and declare life. Adam, having just heard the pronouncement of his own mortality, chose to name his wife "Life," demonstrating a profound act of faith that looked beyond immediate judgment to God's redemptive plan. This challenges us to cultivate a similar faith, trusting that God's purposes will prevail, that His grace is sufficient, and that He can bring forth life even from the ashes of our failures and suffering. It reminds us that our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the faithful character of God, who is the ultimate source of all life and who has promised a future beyond the curse of sin.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Adam name his wife "Eve" after the Fall, when he had previously called her "Woman"?
Adam's renaming of his wife from "Woman" (Genesis 2:23) to "Eve" (Hebrew: Chavvah, meaning "life-giver") after the Fall is a profound act of faith and prophetic insight. It signifies his belief in God's promise of a future "seed" (Genesis 3:15) who would overcome the serpent. This renaming indicates Adam's understanding that despite the introduction of sin and death, life would continue through her lineage, and redemption would ultimately come. It's an affirmation of hope in God's plan amidst the dire consequences of disobedience.
What is the significance of Eve being called "the mother of all living"?
This title emphasizes Eve's foundational and indispensable role in the continuation of the human race. Despite the curse and the entry of death into the world, God's original command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) remains in effect. This designation highlights God's faithfulness to His creative design and His plan to preserve humanity, ensuring the lineage through which the promised Redeemer would eventually come. It underscores that even in judgment, God provides for the perpetuation of life and the unfolding of His redemptive purpose.
Does Adam's act of naming Eve imply his understanding of the "protoevangelium" in Genesis 3:15?
Yes, Adam's renaming of his wife strongly implies his understanding and acceptance of the "protoevangelium" (the first gospel promise) given in Genesis 3:15. By naming her "Eve" (life), he demonstrates a profound belief that despite sin and death, life will continue through her, and the promised deliverer—the "seed" who would crush the serpent—would indeed come from her descendants. It is an act of hope rooted in God's redemptive word, showcasing a nascent faith that anticipates God's future work of salvation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 3:20, though set in the earliest chapters of human history, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate source of life in Jesus Christ. Adam's act of naming Eve "mother of all living" is a testament to his faith in God's promise of a future "seed" (Genesis 3:15) who would bring life out of death. This promise finds its complete and glorious fulfillment in Jesus, the true "Life" (John 14:6) and the "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45) who, through His death and resurrection, conquered the power of sin and death that entered the world through the first Adam. While Eve was the mother of all physical life, Christ is the source of all spiritual and eternal life, offering new creation and abundant life to all who believe in Him. Adam's hopeful declaration of life in the face of mortality points directly to the one who said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly".