Genesis 2:21

Translations

Modern

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh.

Traditional

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

Literal

And YHWH God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept, and He took one from his sides, and He closed up the flesh in its place.

Latin

Immisit ergo Dominus Deus soporem in Adam: cumque obdormisset, tulit unam de costis ejus, et replevit carnem pro ea.

Original

Hebrew

English

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh.

Notes

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Adam and Eve Biblical Marriage God’s New Covenant Holiness and Sexual Purity Human Sexuality Marriage and Sexuality Symbolic Numbers The Creator-King Women’s Roles in the New Testament Church

Events

Creation of Adam and Evec. 4004 BC

Related verses

Genesis 15:12
As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.
Job 4:13
In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men,
1 Samuel 26:12
So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.
Daniel 8:18
While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, helped me to my feet,
Job 33:15
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,
Proverbs 19:15
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

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 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 Sleep Woman

Topics

Adam: The First Man: History of, Before he Sinned Eve: Creation of God: Creator Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Organ Donation Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Women: Creation of Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Genesis 2:21

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