causatively from חָוָה; life-giver; Chavvah (or Eve), the first woman; Eve.
Transliteration:Chavvâh
Pronunciation:khav-vaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חַוָּה (Chavvâh), transliterated as Chavvâh and commonly known as Eve, derives causatively from the root חָוָה (chavah), meaning "to live" or "to breathe." The base definition provided, "life-giver," accurately captures the essence of this proper noun. While חָוָה itself can mean "to declare" or "to show," its primary association in this context is with life, closely related to חָיָה (chayah, `{{H2421}}`), "to live," and חַי (chay, `{{H2416}}`), "life" or "living." Thus, Chavvâh signifies one who is the source or bearer of life. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the specific individual, the first woman created by God. However, the *meaning* embedded within her name carries profound theological weight, pointing to her foundational role in the continuation of humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חַוָּה (Chavvâh) appears primarily in the book of Genesis. Its most significant occurrence is in [[Genesis 3:20]], where Adam bestows this name upon his wife: "The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living." This naming occurs immediately after the pronouncement of curses following humanity's sin in the Garden of Eden, and before their expulsion. The context is crucial: in the face of death entering the world through sin, Adam, by divine inspiration or profound insight, names her "life-giver" or "mother of all living." This act of naming signifies Adam's recognition of her future role in procreation and the continuation of the human race, despite the curse and the introduction of mortality. The name also appears in [[Genesis 4:1]], where it is stated that "Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain." Here, her identity as the "life-giver" is immediately actualized through childbirth, fulfilling the prophetic nature of her name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name חַוָּה (Chavvâh) is deeply intertwined with the broader biblical concept of "life." It shares a direct etymological link with the Hebrew root חָיָה (chayah, `{{H2421}}`), meaning "to live," "to be alive," or "to preserve life." From this root also come words like חַי (chay, `{{H2416}}`), meaning "life" or "living," as seen in phrases like "tree of life" (עֵץ הַחַיִּים, etz ha-chayyim). The plural form חַיִּים (chayyim, `{{H2416}}`), often translated as "life," emphasizes the fullness and abundance of life. The very creation of humanity, particularly the breath of life given by God ([[Genesis 2:7]]), underscores the divine origin of life. Chavvâh is also conceptually linked to motherhood, procreation, and the human lineage, standing in stark contrast to the death that entered the world through sin. Her name itself is a testament to the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:28]]), a command that remains even after the Fall.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חַוָּה (Chavvâh) is profound, especially given the context of her naming. Despite her pivotal role in humanity's fall into sin ([[Genesis 3:6]]), Adam's naming her "mother of all living" points to God's sovereign plan for the continuation of life and the eventual redemption of humanity. This name, given after the curse, is a beacon of hope. It signifies that even in judgment, God's purpose for life persists. Furthermore, it directly connects to the protoevangelium in [[Genesis 3:15]], where God declares that the "seed" of the woman will crush the serpent's head. Chavvâh thus becomes the matriarch through whom the promised deliverer, ultimately Jesus Christ, would come. Her name encapsulates the paradox of human existence: fallen yet destined for life; subject to death yet the source of a lineage that would bring forth the vanquisher of death. It underscores God's preserving grace and His faithfulness to His creation, ensuring the continuation of humanity despite its rebellion.
### Summary
The name חַוָּה (Chavvâh), or Eve, is a powerful designation meaning "life-giver" or "mother of all living," derived from the Hebrew root for "life." Given by Adam after the Fall in [[Genesis 3:20]], her name is a profound statement of hope and divine intention amidst judgment. It highlights her essential role in the continuation of the human race, even as death entered the world through sin. Theologically, Chavvâh stands as a testament to God's enduring plan for life, linking directly to the promise of a redeemer who would come through her lineage ([[Genesis 3:15]]). Her name is a constant reminder that despite humanity's failings, God's purpose for life, procreation, and ultimate redemption prevails.
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