Keraia
Genesis 2

Genesis 2:23

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

Translations

Modern
And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.”
Traditional
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Literal
And the man said, “This at last is bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh; for this shall be called ‘Woman,’ because out of Man this was taken.”
Latin
Dixitque Adam: Hoc nunc os ex ossibus meis, et caro de carne mea: hæc vocabitur Virago, quoniam de viro sumpta est.

Original

Hebrew
English
And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.”

Notes

Genesis 2:23

  • Adam recognized the woman as his "suitable helper" (2:20). He celebrated their unity through poetry and song, focusing on their connection, not their differences (compare 29:14).

  • "she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken": Adam understood their connection (see Ephesians 5:28–29). Earlier, Adam looked at the animals but did not find a suitable partner. This evaluation is very different!

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 Bone 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 Eve: Creation of Eve: Named by Adam Family: Instituted God: Creator Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Regard Them As Themselves Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Organ Donation The Purpose of the Woman Wife: Relation of, to Husband Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Women: Named Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To