Genesis 2:21 - Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 2:21" mean?
This verse from Genesis 2:21 describes the creation of the first woman, Eve. Let's break down its meaning and significance:
"Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep": This establishes a state of unconsciousness in Adam. The "deep sleep" is often interpreted as a divinely induced trance, ensuring Adam wouldn't experience pain or interfere with the process. It also suggests that the creation is beyond human understanding and control.
"As the man slept, he took one of his ribs": This is the most debated part of the verse.
Literal interpretation: Some believe God literally removed a rib bone from Adam's body.
Symbolic interpretation: Others understand "rib" figuratively.
Strength and Support: Ribs protect vital organs, and Eve was created to be a partner and helper to Adam, a source of strength and support.
Nearness and Equality: The rib is close to the heart, signifying Eve's intimate connection with Adam and her role as his equal companion, not above him (from the head) or below him (from the foot).
Unified Humanity: The rib emphasizes that humanity shares a common origin, and men and women are interconnected.
Possible Etymological Interpretation: In some interpretations, the word for "rib" can also be understood as "side". This could imply that Eve was created from Adam's "side", meaning she was formed to be his companion and partner.
"and closed up the flesh in its place": This reinforces the idea of a seamless creation and God's power to heal and restore. It suggests that Adam was not diminished or harmed by the process.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Creation of Woman: The verse explains the origin of the first woman, Eve, as being created by God from Adam's body.
Relationship between Man and Woman: The passage is often interpreted to highlight the close relationship and inherent equality between men and women. Eve was not created from dust like Adam, but from Adam's very being, emphasizing their shared humanity and interconnectedness.
Purpose of Marriage/Partnership: The story provides a foundation for understanding the purpose of marriage and partnership. God creates Eve as a "helper suitable" for Adam (Genesis 2:18), suggesting that companionship, support, and shared life are essential components of the human experience.
Divine Authority: The narrative underscores God's power and authority in creating humanity and establishing the roles and relationships within it.
Interpretational Considerations:
It's crucial to note that the interpretation of this verse has varied throughout history and across different religious and cultural traditions. Some interpretations emphasize the literal aspects of the story, while others focus on its symbolic and theological meanings. Understanding the historical and cultural context, as well as the different interpretative lenses, is important for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the verse.
Genesis 2:21 - Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.
What does "Genesis 2:21" mean?
This verse from Genesis 2:21 describes the creation of the first woman, Eve. Let's break down its meaning and significance:
"Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep": This establishes a state of unconsciousness in Adam. The "deep sleep" is often interpreted as a divinely induced trance, ensuring Adam wouldn't experience pain or interfere with the process. It also suggests that the creation is beyond human understanding and control.
"As the man slept, he took one of his ribs": This is the most debated part of the verse.
Literal interpretation: Some believe God literally removed a rib bone from Adam's body.
Symbolic interpretation: Others understand "rib" figuratively.
Strength and Support: Ribs protect vital organs, and Eve was created to be a partner and helper to Adam, a source of strength and support.
Nearness and Equality: The rib is close to the heart, signifying Eve's intimate connection with Adam and her role as his equal companion, not above him (from the head) or below him (from the foot).
Unified Humanity: The rib emphasizes that humanity shares a common origin, and men and women are interconnected.
Possible Etymological Interpretation: In some interpretations, the word for "rib" can also be understood as "side". This could imply that Eve was created from Adam's "side", meaning she was formed to be his companion and partner.
"and closed up the flesh in its place": This reinforces the idea of a seamless creation and God's power to heal and restore. It suggests that Adam was not diminished or harmed by the process.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Creation of Woman: The verse explains the origin of the first woman, Eve, as being created by God from Adam's body.
Relationship between Man and Woman: The passage is often interpreted to highlight the close relationship and inherent equality between men and women. Eve was not created from dust like Adam, but from Adam's very being, emphasizing their shared humanity and interconnectedness.
Purpose of Marriage/Partnership: The story provides a foundation for understanding the purpose of marriage and partnership. God creates Eve as a "helper suitable" for Adam (Genesis 2:18), suggesting that companionship, support, and shared life are essential components of the human experience.
Divine Authority: The narrative underscores God's power and authority in creating humanity and establishing the roles and relationships within it.
Interpretational Considerations:
It's crucial to note that the interpretation of this verse has varied throughout history and across different religious and cultural traditions. Some interpretations emphasize the literal aspects of the story, while others focus on its symbolic and theological meanings. Understanding the historical and cultural context, as well as the different interpretative lenses, is important for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the verse.