Keraia
Genesis 2

Genesis 2:20

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

Translations

Modern
The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
Traditional
And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
Literal
And the man called names to all the livestock, and to the bird of the heavens, and to every beast of the field. And for the man there was not found a helper as his counterpart.
Latin
Appellavitque Adam nominibus suis cuncta animantia, et universa volatilia cæli, et omnes bestias terræ: Adæ vero non inveniebatur adjutor similis ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

Notes

Genesis 2:19–20

to see what he would name each one: Following God's example (1:5, 8, 10), the man named each creature. By doing this, he showed his authority over creation (1:26, 28).

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

People

Adam: The first man, created by God

Glossary

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

Topics

Adam: The First Man: History of, Before he Sinned Animals: Named Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Birds: Names Given To, by Adam God: Creator Man: Dominion of Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Wife: Help Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man