EVE: The Mother of All the Living
Was the man truly alone? If we think about it, Adam was surrounded by the whole creation—and most importantly, by God Himself. Yet for the Lord, who knows what is good and what is not, Adam was indeed alone. The creation of the woman was for the good of man. When God saw Adam in solitude, it was the first time He declared, “It is not good,” and so He created Eve. The creation story reveals how God recognized and provided for the needs of the first human beings, a truth that extends to all generations. Today, let us turn our attention to Eve.
EVE: A PARTNER WHO COMPLEMENTS ADAM
It was not beneficial for man to be alone. Adam could not fulfill the God-given mandate to multiply and exercise dominion without Eve. Being created in God’s image refers primarily to the task entrusted to humanity as God’s stewards. For this reason, woman was created to assist man. But does this imply that women are inferior to men? Not at all. The term “helper” speaks not of rank but of role: she was to provide support to man. Since the woman was created to be man’s partner, it meant they shared the same tasks. The responsibilities given to Adam were likewise given to Eve. God was clearly addressing them both in Genesis 1:28: they were equally blessed and equally commanded to be fruitful and to govern creation. Adam came first in order, but in dignity and essence, they were equal.
It is a serious misinterpretation to claim that men are superior simply because women are called “helpers” in the passage. The Hebrew word ezer (“helper”) is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe God Himself (Ps. 33:20; 70:5; 115:9, and others).
EVE: A PARTNER WHO CORRESPONDS TO ADAM
“But for Adam no suitable helper was found” (Gen. 2:20). Eve was the only being who corresponded to Adam. This passage proves that there were no other human beings outside Eden, no so-called pre-Adamic people. If there were, then God’s statement would have been in error. It also shows that no other creature besides woman was fit for man. Adam recognized Eve as the only one suitable for him. The name he gave her reflects this recognition: she would be called the “mother of all the living” (3:20), with Adam himself as father. The name “Eve” means “living” or “life.” God’s original design was that man would exercise authority over his wife, and Adam expressed this by naming her. In Scripture, naming conveys authority of the one who gives over the one who receives. Yet a wife’s submission does not imply inferiority. In marriage, submission reflects role, not worth. Even the Son of God submitted to the Father’s will, though He was equal in essence with Him (Mk. 14:36; 1 Cor. 15:28).
EVE: A PARTNER WHO COMPLETES ADAM
“And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man” (Gen. 2:22). Why did God create the woman from Adam’s rib? The Hebrew text more accurately conveys “side” rather than a specific bone. This explains Adam’s declaration: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (v. 23). God’s act symbolized that man and woman are one flesh (v. 24), equal in nature and essence. Adam understood this symbolism. For Adam, Eve was the one who completed him. His missing side was found in her. Nothing else in creation could complete him! The woman’s creation out of man’s side shows the intimacy and unity between man and woman.
ADAM AND EVE: THE BASIS OF MARRIAGE
We notice that the writer immediately inserted a comment after Eve’s creation (v. 24). This was to teach the original readers about the foundation of marriage and the relationship between a man and his wife. Since Adam and Eve were the first couple created by God, they became the model for all future generations.
The Relationship is Primary. To “leave his parents” literally means to forsake. This does not primarily refer to setting up a separate household (though this may be wise). In the ancient context, married children often lived near their family clans. “Leaving” here refers to a shift in priority and perspective: the bond between husband and wife must surpass even blood ties. A man must consider his wife as more important than his parents.
The Relationship is Permanent. “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matt. 19:6). Ideally, marriage is permanent. It is a covenant that goes deeper than a legal contract. The woman was created from man’s side, and in marriage, they are joined back together as one flesh. Marriage unites two into one.
The Relationship is Exclusive. From the very beginning, marriage was God’s design for one man and one woman. Jesus affirmed this truth (Matt. 19:4–6). Any other form of “romantic relationship” falls outside God’s original plan and is considered immoral.
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Though the Bible was written in a cultural context where women were often regarded as lesser, this does not reflect God’s view of them. The creation story points us back to the truth: men and women have always been created equal. We also see, in Jesus’ own interactions with women, how He elevated them to their rightful place of dignity and honor. Stay Curious.
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