Keraia
Genesis 2

Genesis 2:18

Man and Woman in the Garden · Genesis 2:4–25
Read Genesis 2

Translations

Modern
The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”
Traditional
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Literal
And YHWH God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make for him a helper as his counterpart.”
Latin
Dixit quoque Dominus Deus: Non est bonum esse hominem solum: faciamus ei adjutorium simile sibi.

Original

Hebrew
English
The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”

Notes

Genesis 2:18

  • It is not good: This is God's first negative comment about an otherwise good creation (1:31). The Lord God is like a father finding a bride for his son (compare chapter 24).

  • The solution for the man's need is a helper who is perfect for him. She is his ideal partner. God made her in the same image of God (1:26–27), gave her the same mission (1:28; 2:15), and gave her the same rule (2:17). The man cannot achieve his purpose alone.

Genesis 2:18–23

Human creation was the most important part of chapter 1, and human intimacy is the highlight of chapter 2. God's focus on mutual support and companionship among humans is unique in ancient Near Eastern writings.

Genesis 2:4–25

This story (see study note on 2:4) of the heavens and the earth is not a second creation story. Instead, it expands on 1:1–2:3 with more theological and historical details. The focus shifts to what the universe (kosmos) produced rather than on its creation.

Special attention is given to the first man and woman. As the story continues, it is shaped by contrasts such as good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, life and death, and harmony and conflict.

Events

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Book of Revelation Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Creation Myths Eve Fall of Man Genesis, Book of God, Names of Hebrew Language Land Man Mesopotamia Monotheism New Creation, New Creature Paradise Patriarchs, Period of the Sex, Sexuality Woman

Topics

Adam: The First Man: History of, Before he Sinned Being Alone Being Lonely Being Single Communication in Marriage Dating Dating Age Dating and Relationships Finding a Husband Finding a Mate Finding a Wife Gender Roles Getting Married God: Creator Godly Women Good Wife Healthy Marriage Healthy Relationships Helpmate Honor your Wife Loneliness Love your Wife Loving your Wife Male Leadership Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Marriage: Designed For: The Happiness of Man Monogamy Multiple Marriages Pets Praying for a Mate Relationships Romance Sacrament of Marriage Single Women The Marriage Ceremony The Purpose of the Woman The Role of the Man The Role of the Older Woman The Role of the Woman The Sanctity of Marriage