Immediately after commanding the man to eat freely from every tree in the garden and forbidding him to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen 2:16–17), the Lord made His assessment of man:
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone (לֹא-טוֹב הֱיוֹת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֹ); I will make him a helping partner that will match him (אֶעֱשֶׂה-לּוֹ עֵזֶר, כְּנֶגְדּוֹ). (Gen 2:18)
One by one, animals were brought to the man, and he gave each one a name, exercising God-given authority over creation. Yet, God’s initial assessment proved true:
…for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him (וּלְאָדָם, לֹא-מָצָא עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ). (Gen 2:20)
Who is Ezer KeNegdo?
Among modern translations, NASB/NIV Bible translations render עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (ezer kenegdo) as “a helper suitable for him.” The NET Bible strikes a similar but slightly different tone: “a companion for him who corresponds to him,” while the KJV simply calls her “an help meet for him.” Let’s highlight a few nuances that can only be seen in Hebrew.
First, עֵזֶר (ezer) appears twenty-one times in the Hebrew Bible, overwhelmingly for God Himself as Israel’s help in contexts of deliverance (Exod 18:4; Deut 33:7; Ps 33:20; 70:5). Even though there is no question that in a marriage relationship a man is a covenant head, the woman’s designation as ezer does not imply subordination. Instead, the term connotes strength, commitment, and willingness to intervene and save her partner at any cost.
Second, כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (kenegdo) derives from the root נֶגֶד (neged), meaning “against, in front of, corresponding to, over against.” The preposition כְּ (ke-, “like, as”) indicates similarity, while the noun form implies confrontation or correspondence. Thus the phrase is dynamic: the woman is “a helper like his opposite” or “a strength corresponding to him.” She matches him in essence (both אָדָם adam, human) yet stands over against him in personhood. The tension is deliberate: she is equal yet distinct, the same yet other. English “suitable” flattens this dialectic into mere compatibility, whereas the Hebrew evokes a mirror that both reflects and also opposes—or, better put, challenges.
Rib or Side?
We cannot possibly know whether the original audience imagined a literal divine surgery or understood the story as poetic truth (remember, scientific approaches belong to our time, not theirs). In Genesis, the creation of הָאָדָם (the human, adam) is from the אֲדָמָה (ground, adama) and the אִשָּׁה (woman, isha) from the אִישׁ (ish). We can easily see that they are connected.
Then we read:
So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place (וַיִּקַּח, אַחַת מִצַּלְעֹתָיו, וַיִּסְגֹּר בָּשָׂר, תַּחְתֶּנָּה). (Gen 2:21)
The noun usually translated as “rib” is צֵלָע (tzela); it occurs some forty-one times in the Hebrew Bible, but only here (Gen 2:21–22) for a human body part. In 30 out of 41 cases it means “side” (of the ark, e.g., Exod 25:12; Exod 25:14; Exod 37:3; Exod 37:5; of the tabernacle, e.g., Exod 26:20; Exod 26:26–27; Exod 36:25; Exod 36:31–32; of a hill, 2 Sam 16:13), in 5 cases it means plank/beam (of wood or architecture, 1 Kgs 6:15–16; 1 Kgs 7:3), and in 3 cases it means side chamber/side room (1 Kgs 6:5–6; Ezek 41:5–9).
A fourth-century Latin Church Father, Jerome, in the Latin Vulgate (ca. 405 CE), translated πλευρά as costa, which in Latin primarily means “rib” or “side” (with “side” being a less common usage). In other words, in the Judeo-Greek Septuagint, “side” was primary and “rib” secondary, but in Jerome’s Latin Vulgate, inadvertently, “rib” became primary and “side” secondary. Through the Vulgate, “rib” entered the King James Version and inspired the unchallenged following of other translations until a fairly recent time. While most Bible translations follow KJV’s “rib,” a number of other translations restore the dominant Biblical Hebrew use as “side” or “one of his sides,” including the Common English Bible (CEB), International Standard Version (ISV), Lexham English Bible (LEB), and Jubilee Bible (JUB).
The choice of צֵלָע (tzela) in the original Hebrew, most likely, evokes a side of a bilaterally symmetrical structure, suggesting that Adam in the Genesis story should be seen as being split into two parts instead. (This will become very significant just a little later.)
Moreover, we read:
And the Lord God fashioned (בָּנָה) into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man and brought her to the man. (Gen 2:22)
The verb בָּנָה (bana, “fashioned,” v. 22) is typically used for building houses or altars (Gen 8:20; 1 Kgs 6:1), not biological creation (which uses a different word, יָצַר yatzar, as in v. 19 for animals). The choice of language here suggests that God builds the woman as an edifice of strength and beauty.
One Flesh
In response to God’s creation of woman, man responds with joy now that ezer kenegdo is found. We read:
“At last (הַפַּעַם), this is bone of my bones (זֹאת עֶצֶם מֵעֲצָמַי),
And flesh of my flesh (וּבָשָׂר מִבְּשָׂרִי);
She shall be called ‘woman.’ (לְזֹאת יִקָּרֵא אִשָּׁה)
Because she was taken out of man.” (כִּי מֵאִישׁ לֻקֳחָה־זֹּאת) (Gen 2:23)
Bible translations capture the basic meaning but miss the sonic brilliance. אִישׁ (ish) and אִשָּׁה (isha) share the same consonants (אש) with differentiated vowels and the feminine ending. In Hebrew, the names declare origin and affinity: she is “man-ess,” taken from “man.”
The phrase זֹאת הַפַּעַם (zot hapa’am, “this at last” or “this time”) conveys long-awaited fulfillment after the parade of animals yielded no כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (kenegdo). We read:
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife (עַל־כֵּן יַעֲזָב־אִישׁ אֶת־אָבִיו וְאֶת־אִמּוֹ וְדָבַק בְּאִשְׁתּוֹ), and they shall become one flesh. (וְהָיוּ לְבָשָׂר אֶחָד) (Gen 2:24)
“Leave” (יַעֲזָב, ya‘azov) demands a radical severance from parental ties, inverting ancient family norms in which a husband often swore greater allegiance to his parents than to his wife. “Joined” (דָבַק, davaq)—employed for the utmost level of covenant commitment (Deut 10:20)—elevates marriage to a sacred adhesion. “One flesh” (בָשָׂר אֶחָד, basar eḥad) signifies not merely sexuality but an ontological reunion, reversing the division of the male human wrought by the creation of woman (Gen 2:21). Adam, bereft of his half, is but half of his former, original self; he requires her—the woman formed from his half—to be made whole (one flesh) once more. In Ephesians we read:
So husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are parts of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. (Eph 5:28-31)
Translating צֵלָע (tzela) as “side” instead of “rib” does not make it easier to explain the Genesis 2 account to those outside of the believing community, but it certainly makes it far more beautiful, consistent, and meaningful.
Conclusion
In the dawn of creation, God inscribed an eternal truth upon the human soul: we are not formed for solitude. From the man’s own side, He fashioned the woman as a mighty ezer kenegdo—His decisive answer to aloneness. She is no afterthought, but a divine masterpiece of strength and perfect correspondence: a partner who mirrors yet confronts, an ally who completes.
Yet Eden’s whisper extends beyond marriage. Every ish and ishah—widowed, divorced, or single—remains half of a greater whole, longing for reunion within the covenant community. Like mirrors poised in divine hands, we stand kenegdo: opposite yet kindred, severed from original creation oneness only to be drawn back into the sacred bond of belonging.
Amen! Thank you
Thanks, Kate.
Thank you again. This God-glorifying article is what I always thought, but kept being cut down as being too prideful. I’m returning back to the truth now after reading this article. True humility, then, I learned the hard way a long time ago, is fearing/revering God and falling more accurately under line with the truth. This article is life-saving/soul-changing for the highest good of mankind for God. It is this godly, God-fearing thinking that will “save” humans in great spiritual, and therefore, real ways. God bless you and your wife. I pray Christians or followers of Christ Jesus of the Holy Scriptures all over the world hear it, especially in the U.S.
Thanks, Kate!
This text clarifies that while the accompanying article may be life-changing, the true path to eternal soul-salvation is found exclusively in the Gospel, which states that a sovereign God created everything, but sin entered the world and separated humanity from Him; however, Jesus, the sinless Lord, was crucified, died, and resurrected to save people from their sins, promising that anyone who confesses Him as Lord and believes in His resurrection will be saved and receive eternal life.
Thank you for your comment.
in Dr Eli’s words, i now humbly appreciate companionship as God may have intended: it sounds like a storm that lulls in its own tempest…
Thank you for your comment.
Sadly, finding a single man who loves God, in a woman’s age frame, is getting harder and harder to find. Women are staying single longer, because it’s easier, with less drama. Sometimes being alone is good. Many times it is sad. We weren’t created to be alone and yet, too many of us are. Maybe, one day God will send the right man, the right helpmeet for each other. Maybe.
People become friends when they move in the same direction. Make sure to place yourself in various groups where meeting someone from God will become possible.
No comment.
Brillant as always dr. Eli.
Thank you.
Thank you, Ana!
Dear Dr. Eli,
Thank you for further explaining the intent of this important text in the Hebrew. Seeing God’s purpose for creating woman, lends clearer understanding of how a husband and wife truly become “one flesh.” So, so beautiful!
Thank you, Christina. I agree!
If God made Adam from dust then He can do anything! Why the confusion?
Can he make Eve from the rib? Of course! The side does not make it easier to explain to a modern audience. But it certainly makes it far more beautiful and, to me, makes more sense (especially because the Hebrew word is NEVER used for body parts).
Wonderful teaching – feels like coming home
Thanks, Mary-Ann! Friends, if any of you would like to help me to take this teaching to many more people please offering your help here – https://shorturl.at/NpBF7
I find this analysis quite intriguing. Although not so biblical, I would be curious to see your interpretation of Kumbaya. Kum•by•yah
My take is that is means something to the effect of: stand forthrightly in the face of your G-d.
I have read the usual translations of being a negro or African spiritual, routed in the American plantation work of the 17-19 centuries, but I don’t buy it.
Ron+
The etymology of “Kumbaya” traces back to the Gullah people, an African American community in the coastal South. The word is a transliteration of the Gullah creole phrase “Come By Yah,” meaning “Come By Here.”
The song originated as a spiritual plea, a prayer for divine presence and intervention. In the 1920s, it was documented by folklorists who transcribed the sound of the words as “Kum Ba Yah,” moving from the English “Come By Here” to a spelling that reflected its unique pronunciation.
This transcription allowed the song to spread beyond its cultural origins. It was popularized by folk revival groups in the mid-20th century, becoming a global campfire anthem. While now often associated with a naive ideal of harmony, its roots are deep, born from a specific community’s heartfelt invocation for grace and comfort to “come by here.”
I love this beautiful picture of a marriage.
Amen!
It is indeed beautiful and spiritually elevating in the modern context of the abuse of the holy marriage institution handed down to man by his creator, God!
Beautiful article! I’ve been studying Biblical Hebrew and can appreciate a little bit now your explanation. Also very much enjoyed the webinar last weekend about translation issues.
A question – is there a repository of your previous articles somewhere that we can access?
Thank you and bless you for all you do.
Yes, plz check the section articles https://drelisblog.com/blog/
Dr Eli! I thank you for this, I really needed to hear that is not manly to have strength.
And it’s not good to alone.
That God gives strength and beauty.
Again I thank you!!
Flossie, May the Lord bless you and keep you!
In my experience she is the leader of the opposition
As long as the opposition understands she is part of the same team.
This is so interesting. I’d love to read your commentary on Genesis 3:16, which speaks of the post-fall relationship between husband and wife
Perhaps I will get to it one day.
The word ish also means fire….so, each is a light and warmth to each other in the spiritual, psychological and temporal ‘work assignment’.
Michael, you are probably confusing ISH with ESH (fire).
Dr Eli, I apologize for not being able to “give” In the United States great turmoil is about in whose values shall prevail to lead the society of people in this Nation. Our Government has abandoned fundamental and foundational truths. Evidence discovered everyday that points to Israel as real and legitimate as well as the Historical facts of the uSA. This small lesson in the history of Man is critical. Considering these people who call themselves Representatives of the People and States want to destroy the Family Matrix and create gender confusion. Men are afraid to search for a Woman due to contaminated thinking and rebellion against HaShem and his Design and Order. Your lessons are much needed and incredible. Baruch HaShem. Shalom Rabbi
Thank you for your comment, Curtis.
Teaching myself the Hebrew alphabet with the vowel points. I love the way you show the Hebrew letters, vowel points, etc. with the pronunciation. I’m teaching myself how to pronounce the words in Hebrew. I’m practicing on your article here. I did pretty well but there’s definitely a room for improvement. Thanks for your note here. I’m gonna archive it and practice on it over and over.
Peace be with your shalom.
Way to go, Marc!
I absolutely enjoyed learning the new perspectives you have taught us here. So helpful in understanding our true role as women. It also gives a deeper meaning as bride of Christ. Something new to meditate on.
Thank you, Sharon!
This is another great information. I really like this bit, ” One flesh” (בָשָׂר אֶחָד, basar eḥad) is not sexuality alone but ontological reunion, reversing the surgical division that was brought about by the creation of the woman. (Gen 2:21). Adam without his half is half of his former self. He needs her (the woman made from his other half) to be made whole (one flesh) again.”
This is so beautiful, I will let my sons to embrace this truth.
Thank you Dr. Eli
Thank you, Naomi. Indeed!
This certainly does make more sense than a rib. And more acceptable. I do thank you. Amen.
You are welcome. Blessings!
At a time when humanity seems to have lost its proper relationships, this truly is the the most beautiful answer to the maze of who and what we were made to be. If only the world would wake up to the stunning truth of the Holy Bible. It is the food for starving men and women.
Indeed, Julian! Indeed.
Thank you for this very interesting explanations on the words “side” instead of “rib”, the verb create “as for an alliance arch” instead of create “biologically”. Especially if we consider the couple as the living icon of the divine Alliance.
With regards the word “kenegdo”, it reminds me of the Greek word in the Gospel with which we lightly translated “Give the other cheek” : in Greek, it is not a cheek, it is the “identical pair but opposite”. Like the color black is the “same but opposite” of white, or life-death, day-night, … and woman-man. Would the day be day without a night, woman be woman without a man. And freedom to love be love without freedom to hate.
Dear Amaury, thank you!
Thank you so much for another beautiful explanation of what is actually in our beautiful Bible. It helps us understand the depth of God’s beauty and wisdom.
Lena, thank you for writting! God bless you!
Wow! Brilliant explanation of Adam and Eve as one whole. Complete in Oneness- echad as YHWH Himself is Echad- divine completeness and Oneness. The one half a mirror image of the other half. I am speechless Dr Eli. Thank you for this article. Ps. I wonder myself did Adam warned Eve not to eat from the fruit of the tree 🤔 Blessings to you and your wife , your children.
We will one day ask 🙂
I am in tears! thank you,
May the Name of Our Lord be lifted up on high!
Hi The rib bone is the only bone that can grow itself, the marrow can be used as the stem cells from it can be used to grow other body parts. Hope this is correct
This claim is mostly incorrect. While the rib has a remarkable ability to regenerate significant missing segments—more so than most bones—all bones in the body can heal and “grow” themselves after a fracture. The second part is a major oversimplification. Bone marrow, including that from ribs, is a source of stem cells. However, these cells are not used to grow entire “body parts.” Instead, they are used in specific medical treatments, primarily for regenerating bone in grafts or, more commonly, in transplants to rebuild a patient’s blood and immune system after diseases like leukemia. So, the rib is uniquely good at regrowing itself, but marrow stem cells are powerful medical tools, not a magic source for growing new organs or complex body parts. The two facts are related but have been combined inaccurately.
Friends, if any of you would like to help me to take this teaching to many more people please offering your help here – https://shorturl.at/NpBF7
Joy (my wife) has always been my ally here on this earth and in this world of conflict and chaos living as one before YHWH
AMEN!!!!
I understand what you are saying however I do believe in a literal interpretation of the woman made from the rib. If we diminish that verse than we diminish who are sovereign creator is. God is almighty, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. It is He who spoke the earth, havens and planet into existence. I will never question what His word states. I do however feel that understanding scripture and interpretation is important. I do understand that there are many good and bad scholars both Hebrew and Christian. I know that there are many interpretations of the Bible, I am personally a KJV person.
Jennifer, hi. The King James Version or any other Bible translation is God’s Word ONLY IF IT FAITHFULLY REFLECTS THE ORIGINAL HEBREW TEXT. Translations are not in and of themselves the word of God—THE ORIGINAL TEXT that they translate is. This is why historical confessions of the church spoke of our Bibles as CONTAINING the Word of God. Think about it with me: since Hebrew TZHELA is used 40 times for SIDE and other building materials in the Hebrew Bible, how can we say that the WORD OF GOD said that it was a RIB in this particular case?
I love KJV myself (I think there is still nothing like it), but I am not blinded by its many failures like this one. By the way, most translations translate it as “rib”; only some translate it as “side,” following KJV and tradition mistakenly. I recommend reading the gold standard of Biblical Innerancy here – https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-chicago-statement-on-biblical-inerrancy/
When I first came across this idea/explanation (courtesy of you and your colleagues at IBC) I think I experiences “shock and awe” 🙂 . The more I thought about it, the more beauty I saw in mankind’s creation. One being, created in the (dual- or non-gendered) image of YHVH, separated for unique companionship, reuniting in the most creative of acts (procreation).
Neville, I appreciate your thoughtful comments.
I regard this story of Adam as an analogy to the Last Adam who was pierced (at the side) on The Cross, slept for three days and The Church (His bride) fashioned’.
Praise the Lord.
Thank you, Eddie.
So beautiful.
✨❤️🙏❤️✨
Thank God!
Thanks to God always!
I have found Dr. Eli’s teachings very insightful from the Hebrew’s perspective. I appreciate you sir
Thank you, Absalom!
As I have bought several of your books, and the references are exciting.
You have said in the past that the Tree of Good and Evil is more closely to Order and Disorder. Is there been a change since then in interpretation?
George, thank you for being a supporter of my ministry by purchasing books! What you are saying I said, I don’t remember saying :-). Perhaps you are reading too many books, or I am just getting too old!!! 🙂 Perhaps you can refer to something in particular to refresh my memory?
Outstanding explanation of the Genesis story of creation. I learned a great deal from your post. Thank you.
Thank you, Wil!
Thank you for responding.
It was Dr.Nicholas J. Schaser’s “What is the Knowledge of Good and Evil”. August 14, 2019.
I guess I am reading to many books. LOL
No harm ever came from reading a book. : -) 🙂 🙂 https://youtu.be/9lU2OUcJcEU?si=t-Uv2leC2PQ_g-ts
Amein! on reading books, especially “The BOOK”!!!!!
Created as two from one. The bond of man and woman is divine. Not only physical but spiritual. For in physical we need one another as we do spiritually.
The Hebrew gives us a more definitive explanation as to ish and Isha. For the are to become one.
Indeed it does!
This message is powerful.
Thank you, Joshua!
Wow! The idea that God used one “side” of Adam to make Eve popped an idea into my head…
We know that men have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome, but women have 2 X chromosomes. As you said, the science of the actual action would not have been known back then, but perhaps it could still describe the act in a scientifically exact way, just as Job accurately described the hydrologic cycle. So, perhaps, God took a cell from Adam and separated the chromosomes into 2 nearly identical groups, as in mitosis. Then took the X chromosome side from Adam, made 2 copies, and cloned the woman from that. While Adam, retained both his X and Y chromosomes.
Just a thought! Charlie
Charlie, hi! Perhaps. I was never good at science. Either that or what is more likely is that I had non-inspiring teachers in school. 🙂 or both :-).
Thank-you for this explanation I’m single and I find do much wholeness and healing companion ship in small group Bible study or the wider community of believers at church services shalom and God be with you thru Jesus amen0
Luca, thank you very much for your comment!
Hi Dr. Eli, no need to post my last three “thank YOU’s”. 😅 Is it possible to just leave it the way it currently is right now regarding my posts? Thank you for posting my last message on the Gospel message or the Good News of Jesus Christ. And thank you for saying, “Thank you for your comment.”
God bless you and your family, Dr. Eli!
Kate, the original post was too long and too unpleasant to the eyes. So I took the liberty to run it through AI and summarize its essentials. I then reposted it. (I didn’t want to not approve the comment). So I choose a middle ground.
Excellent! With Scriptural Hebrew, the language is the message, so to speak. It seems to be somewhat recognized in the comments here presented that the relationship of the woman with the man and their origins REFLECTS our relationship with our Creator and being ‘created’ in His image. Quite thought provoking! 🤔
Glad to provoke. 🙂
This is so clearly written, Dr. Eli. And comes at a perfect time where people are still debating this topic instead of praying about it and seeking for clarity.
Too many years I have suffered with controlling men, who ignorantly used and still do today our Americanized Bible to contend and control women. Not allowing them to be who God called them to be. But pushing on them their own interpretations: that women belong in the home, basically barefoot and pregnant, subordinate and compliant. And I have had confrontations in the past with male ministers who said, I needed to be silent and obey.
Thank you for bringing such amazing clarity to what I have known for years but needed an even deeper understanding. I did search out what you explain here, but you put the icing on the cake.
God bless you, man of God.
Dear Abigail, I am so sorry you had to go through this. Men and women both are seeking to submit each other under each other’s control instead of both submitting to the kingship of Christ. May the Lord bless godly male leaders in the Church who do not lord over but act with the love of Christ for his Church. May God bless women who are female leaders who put to His service all the gifts God has given to them and, most importantly, fulfill their high calling to motherhood.
This is a great discussion my one question is when a man divorces a woman, is she allowed to remarry some one else? If not then she would remain as a solitary being, which makes her half a person as well.
The issue of remarrying after divorce is very important and is one of the most misunderstood topics in the Christian Church at large. I will probably write an article about it sometime soon.
Dear Dr Eli
This is a very beautiful narrative and I thank you for for bringing clarity on this matter of marriage. And the conclusion is very profound where you say “Every ish and ishah—widowed, divorced, or single—remains half of a greater whole,” if people can have this kind of understanding perhaps the divorce rate will subside.
Thank you, I will use this for my teaching for biblical view of marriage.
Probably so. Thank you for your comment, Pastor Tedi.
Really beautiful piece. I’m not married (am age 36) but am trusting that the Lord will guide me to my other side (half).
Thank you, Grant! Exactly this applies to everyone at any stage. May the Lord bless you!
Thank you Dr. Eli. That was very helpful and enlightening. Lionel
You are most welcome, Lionel.
Thank you again Dr Eli for such a beautiful article. Blessings!
You are welcome, Sylvia! More is coming. Stay tuned.
Thank you for this great article. I would like to run something past you. The marriage covenant was the first covenant revealed in the word, because out of the side of Adam came Eve. Open Adam’s flesh there must be a flow of blood etc. This covenant was before the fall of man when Adam sinned and disobeyed God. The last Adam, Jesus, out of His side at Calvary gave life to the church the bride of Christ and as Eve came alive so also all those who believe in Jesus. This is what we understand to be a better covenant. Let me know your thoughts on this. Blessings.
Gerrit, thanks. I will have to chew on this. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless!
What an amazing word. It is so beautiful to see the word of God in its true context. The true understanding dismantles all fears and perceptions. I was so blessed by this article. Thank you for your faithfulness. May God continue to multiply the work of your hands.
Janet, thank you! Explore other pieces and look for the next one; I release one study per 10 days roughly. God bless!
So clearly written explaining the nuances which have often confused some. Thank you for expounding on this topic which many have and continue to debate on the role of woman. When we understand our role we can truly fulfill our God designed purpose. Blessings and Peace.
Amen and amen!
You say, “ Even though there is no question that in a marriage relationship a man is a covenant head”, but is that a Hebrew thought or a Greek thought.
Paul was bicultural and I would challenge anyone to show me where in the Hebrew text it says the male is to be the head of their covenant. Thanks, Randy
I am not here to challenge anyone, Randy :-). But I don’t think there is a single covenant in the Bible with a woman at the head of it. That is not to say that a woman is not to be held in the highest honor by a good man. This has nothing to do with the place of honor. On a lighter note, one of the least politically correct songs but so true to the reality – https://youtu.be/GaB9F3R9cIY?si=I34nIl8fTm9o63U7 Don’t get too offended. Enjoy the song!
My wife and I were married almost 13 years when she went home to be with the Lord. I still to this
day can’t believe the loss that I feel. I had connected with her like I had never connected with
anyone before. After almost a year and 5 months I still feel lost and incomplete.
Gregg, please accept my deepest condolences, my brother. It is usually considered really stupid to comment in cases like this with a book recommendation. But I did want to share with you that while I was experiencing my personal loss many years ago, this is a book about loss (in his case for a son) that made probably an everlasting impression on me – https://shorturl.at/DUdtn Lament for a Son is the name.
Very interesting! I love reading the greater depth of the original language about the scriptures. This interpretation of what a woman and marriage is really about is elevating in a most wholesome manner. (Pun intended.) It gives me a greater appreciation for God and for marriage.
Thanks, Kathleen, for this encouraging feedback!
I will check it out and probably recommend it to a friend who lost his son last year. Thank you.
I think for anyone dealing with loss of someone close, this would be an inpactful book (its short).
Thank you Dr Eli for this article explaining in detail about Gods intention for Adam, long awaited fulfillment, he required her to be made whole. Our Fathers divine masterpiece and we are not formed for solitude. The meaning of the words “ ezer Kenegdo” was not known to me ( suggestion to include the meaning of the words in the article) excellent!
Emily, it is included (I spent quite a bit of time explaining its meaning).
Thank you for this article. This confirms how an understanding of the Hebraic mindset often supersedes the more vague Greco-Roman mindset, which has proven to cause more divisions within the body of Messiah.
Shalom, E. M. I am not sure it confirms what you think it confirms :-). I think any mindset other than that of the original AUTHORS of the Bible (and they had different ones) is that one we should align with. If we can understand the aurthoer we will understand his writing.
I posted that comment in light of the Aramaic English New Testament (by Andrew Gabriel Roth, 5th ed.) and Jewish New Testament Commentary, both of which I use when I study the New Testament. A good example is Matthew 1:21. For many years it didn’t make sense to me why He would be called Jesus. According to the CJB: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means `ADONAI saves,’] because he will save his people from their sins.” It was the name of Yeshua who rescued me during a horrible incident, not Jesus but that’s another story. Of course, there are other examples that are more intricate and complex but this is just one example of how the Hebrew and Aramaic provide a more in depth learning experience for me than if I didn’t have those tools.
Yes, it would have been much better if all read Hebrew and followed the original. This is already lost in part in Judeo-Greek gospels and more so in our translations. But this is NOT the end of the world! We are slowlly but surelly recoverying everything that has not be obscured. God is above it all and uses everything to His grlory!
Who was the artist in the blue and gold painting in the blog Did God create Eve from a rib?
Midjourney AI at my direction
As I read the history of the rib became the standard translation for tsela. I remember hearing about Rashi who was thought to be the best commentary of the Midrash only to find out the he was plagiarizing. And I asked the other Rabbi if there was sort of plagiarism in the English translation, he didn’t give me a clear answer. This now is answering my question that most English translations plagiarized form the KJV.
“Plagiarizing” is too strong a word :-). KJV itself was (if I am not mistaken) basically the Wycliffe translation rechecked and reworked. But hugely important translaiton inluencing others who follow is not a cribe, but a reality. Don’t forget OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF TRANSLATION IN KJV is aboslutely correct!
Dear Eli, shalom shalom. Beautiful article indeed. Much appreciated. I do have one question though: In Genesis, the creation of הָאָדָם (the human, adam) is from the אֲדָמָה (ground, adama) and the אִשָּׁה (woman, isha) from the אִישׁ (ish). We can easily see that they are connected.
Can you please clarify us a little bit more how the connection works (conceptually and linguistically) ?
Many thanks in advance
Andres
ADAM (human) came from ADAMA (earth). He is an earthling. His woman ISHA comes from ISH (even though Hebrew roots are different, don’t worry about it for now), so they are part of one and the same ONE flesh together.
Perfect and inspiring as always, dr.Eli. Thank you so much. Trully a life long impact.
I saw here for the first time the definition of my professional title.
CELA, never CEO, pronounced as tzela, which in hebrew means “A CHOICE”
BIBLE REALLY IS ONE OF A KIND SACRED BOOK
May the Lord richly bless you, Ana!
Dear Dr.
You are quoting a Spiritual connection with man and woman and saying that husband and wife are one who marry carnally . God did allow marriage because we are carnal creatures and through Christ become spiritual and God will show us who our spiritual partners is.
Not sure I follow. Can you kindly restate it differently?
Dr Donald Joy in his book ‘Bonding’ has a chapter called ‘On Splitting the Adam’. Precisely as you say.. completion is the bonding of the two halves, a reflection of the image of God.
Marvelous! Thank you, Norma!
I think it was Matthew Henry who said Eve was taken from his side to be his equal, from near his heart to be beloved, and from under his arm to be protected.
Indeed it was him. Very beautiful, very poetic, but probably drawing all this beauty from inadequate translation.
This is truly enlightening and eye opening to the biblical truth of scripture, the side depict The half of man connecting to the woman to make a whole with strength and perfect correspondence in a covenant whole. Beautiful and inspiring.
Blessings, Paulette!
It is NOT from his “rib”, in hebrew it is from his “side” Levi ben Abraham
🙂 Did you read the article?
Yes Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg, i read the article…
Blessings!
Been exploring this topic for many years. Thank you for your clarity.
Love your articles and the way you have expanded my understanding and love for the Word
Thank you, Sylvia! God bless!
Does the bible say that a man and woman must have a marriage ceremony.? A young man who wants to lead a men’s group at church is living with a Buddhist woman. He says they were blessed by her mother and they committed to love, honour, and obey each other so in the eyes of God they are married, I believe they are living in sin and he shouldn’t be leading a church group. Please share your thoughts. Thanks so much.
They both should get married formally and believe in Christ. I am not sure there is much to talk about here :-). Friends, if any of you would like to help me to take this teaching to many more people please offering your help here – https://shorturl.at/NpBF7
Great stuff Dr. Eli. I just read your work on Lot and Revelation. Especially chapter 12, when you say the woman is spiritual Israel. I am surprised however by your affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ, seeing you are a Jew. Your work on John was similar in scope; tactful in your exegesis, especially on John 1:1. But I deeply respect your knowledge. I was a student sometime ago, but that is another story…
Thomas, thanks. I am a Jewish CHristian/Christian Jew (there are other names people call me too 🙂 ). I do think that Jesus is devine. Author of John’s Gospel felt the same thing. He was a Jew too. 😉
You raise up great observations, brother. It seems that Jerome’s Vulgate was a mixed blessing; while he translated Scripture into Latin, he also brought in errors that promulgated and perpetuated flawed thinking and doctrinal errors. We picture the rib, because Jerome used this word in place of the more accurate phrase “from his side.” While we want specific answers, it is helpful to ponder the mystery–which includes the mystery of covenant and headship, all of which is wonderfully pondered. Thank you.
Eric, Vulgate was much more a blessing than not. But no translation can capture it all. I think that’s the balanced way to think about it.
This teaching reinforces the idea about marriage as a God given Covenant. God’s plan is always perfect, for this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.verse 24.
As a mother, God has been speaking to me that being a mom of a married child it requires to let go.
Blessings to you,
Indeed
Agreed…but there are areas where his translation has caused great harm, as his misunderstanding of repentance, which led the Roman Catholic Church into the great heresy that forgiveness from God comes only after doing a work of penance.
I don’t know enough of Catholic docrtines. I just know many Catholic believers are better believers than me. May the Lord have mercy on us all.
Well…this Is what I get from reading: God wanted make a great group out from just an individual male which had not any similar female partner to. Thus God just cut him up in two: one ‘half’ the original male, the other ‘half’, a female to let them perfectly coupled (kenegdo)
In my opinion, they both are one against the other when joining at coitus in order to help the other one to get a child.
well, can’t rule out that 🙂
Thanks Dr. Eli. And Blessings for sharing this concise and deep study.
I´ve red the text before. And several times.
But this si the very first time that I have understood it in a better and precise way.
No doubt. It is not the same reading a good Bible translation than reading it in the original language.
We must keep on studying.
Blessings: Integral health. Joy. Peace.
Blessings!
Wonderful dear Eli Lizorkin. A marvelous charging setup for reading the First Book of Moses.
Zamečateljno dorogoj Eli Lizorkin.Perekrasnoe ustrojsvo zarjadnoe za scitat Pervuju knjigu Mojsejevu.Spasibo vam Eli Ajzenberg.
You are mostwelcome, dear Tomislav!
Dr. Eli, Shalom Y’didi ! How are you doing? Once again you write a great article, very informative, and using the languages to explain, but I noticed how you’ve referenced many KJV derivatives, and the variations, even to the L. Vulgate reference. Question: Did the “J” exist in Latin, for the name Jerome? I know it didn’t appear in English until 1611, with the advent of the KJ Bible, and that it came from the German “Yortz”, or J. Also in the Biblical Hebrew, in A22, Neged is defined as “Opposite, In Front of, or In sight of”. This is the way I always read the word C’Negdo, “for his opposite”, as Male & Female are opposites. I feel that Chava means Female Life. Just my own opinion, Dr Eli, and your Hebrew is much better than mine. But I’m working on it. HalleluYah
Danny, I don’t understand your hang-up with the “J,” my dear friend. You are driving me crazy with it :-). Stop beating this dead hourse already :-). Love you, bro!
Well, you gave me a good laugh, Doc.! It has to do with my interest in how language is formulated over the years, but OK; I hear you. Somehow this reminds me of your own joke about asking three Rabbi’s one question, and they each have their own explanations, haha.
Or if you ask three machinists how they would each run a job for the same part? You get three different set ups.
I hope things are going well, for you, and yours, Eli.
Indeed! Thank you my brother! Blessings and peace!
Artscrolll Tanakh has side not rib. This was really a great article.
Thanks, Frank!
Thank You 🙏 This explains in more detail a woman’s intended purpose and in many ways how it’s been lost
Blessings, Rebecca!
Thank you very much, Dr Eli, great discovery. But how should we deal now with these midrashes? Are they still trustworthy any further?
https://www.e-reading.club/chapter.php/1027982/18/pritchi-midrashey-sbornik-skazaniy-pritch-izrecheniy.html
Anna, thank you for your support, encouragement, and this question! Midrash, by definition, is a text-interpretation. It is not trustworthy in the sense that it can be relied upon for some extra-biblical information. Midrashim provide us with insight into the thoughts of some Jews on various topics. From time to time they may even preserve something from oral tradition that did not make it into the written. But how can something like this be relied upon? It can’t.
Ezer kenegdo…a blessed insight and really adds to the value of self worth! On a totally different subject, the artwork used for your articles is so special and beautiful, relevant to whatever the subject. Are you the artist, Dr. Eli? My compliments!
I am MidJourney AI user 🙂 Thank you so much, Dori!
VERY interesting!
The nuances in Hebrew that you, Dr. Eli, bring forth, are always enlightening, broadening of our understanding.
Thank you,
Jane mazzola
Thank you, my dear Jane!
My pleasure! Thank you again! 🙂
God bless you Dr. Eli. Amazing! The mind of God is Awesome. Mind blowing!
We miss a lot of Bible meaning due the available translations. What about having IBC or Dr. Eli version of the Bible, with accurate / expository translation?
It’s not about a new version of the Bible, Charles! (Thank you for the vote of confidence). It is about the need of each and every serious Christian to learn Biblical Hebrew to take their Bible Study to a whole new level.
Thank you for clearing up my roll as a woman of ABBA Father God blessings
May the Lord bless you, Meliesse! Friends, if any of you would like to help me to take this teaching to many more people please offering your help here – https://shorturl.at/NpBF7
Great article. Really informative. I am really convinced that the creation of Eve was accurately depicted by Michelangelo. No rib was used, though. Cannot imagine God being depicted with a bone in the hand. So much for anthropomorphism. Btw Dr. Eli, what do you say about the meaning of ‘yom’ in the creation story? Some people wish to claim that with God one day is a thousand years, and so of course assert that evolution is compatible with creationism.
Thanks, James. Trying to define wither Yom in Genesis is 24 hours day or something much much longer is very modern question that very ancient text is simply not answering.
Ephesians 5:28-31 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
That’s a great Scripture to add. thanks!
The Hebrew noun ṣēlāʿ (צֵלָע, Strong’s 6763), or its feminine form ṣalʿāh (צַלְעָה), derives from the root ṣālaʿ (to limp or curve), evoking a literal bend or arc. Fundamentally, it denotes a “rib” (Gen 2:21–22, twice in KJV), symbolizing the curved bone from which Eve was fashioned, a poetic emblem of human complementarity. By extension, it signifies a “side” (19x), whether of the body, an object, or the sky’s quarter, as in directional orientation.
Architecturally, the term dominates descriptions of the tabernacle: “boards” (Exod 26:26–27) of acacia wood forming upright frames, “chambers” (11x; 1 Kgs 6:5–6) as side rooms in Solomon’s temple, and structural “beams,” “planks,” or “leaves” (of doors). Less commonly, it yields “corners” (2x), “another” (side), or even “halting” (a limping gait, Jer 20:10). Across 41 KJV uses, ṣēlāʿ thus bridges anatomy, cosmology, and sacred construction, its curvature unifying flesh, framework, and firmament.
Thanks for posting. By the way, I added Eph 5 that you suggested earlier to the article itself (before the conclusion).
Fascinating, intriguing and beautiful. I will share this with my brother, a Bible scholar. He has given up virtually his whole life due to divorce when he was a youth, and not feeling free to remarry. I’m sure it will be bitter sweet. Thank you.
There is life after divorce.
Dr. Eli,
The was a well written example how a man and woman compliment each other through marriage. I enjoy how you extenuate that the woman brings beauty and unification.
Thank you, Jeff!
Why is “ezer” masculine, since it refers to Eve?
In Hebrew, the term ezer kenegdo is grammatically masculine because it refers to the role or function of a protector/helper within a pair, and the word ezer itself is a masculine noun in many occurrences in biblical Hebrew, even though it denotes a role that can be fulfilled by either gender. Eve is described as Adam’s ezer kenegdo, meaning a counterpart/helper who stands with him in partnership, not someone who is inherently feminine in status or capability. The masculine grammatical gender of ezer in this context reflects the broader pattern of Hebrew where certain relational roles and constructs are gendered by the grammatical noun rather than by the gender of the person filling the role. Thus, the designation highlights function and covenantal partnership over gendered identity.
I think that “side” might be more properly interpreted “penis”…. (certainly fulfills the type…) And, as elsewhere this word is translated as the fifth “rib”, perhaps could read fifth “appendage” which could also be referring to the penis.
And all men have a scar on their penis…. perhaps from Yahwah removing the penis bone, which many primate and large mammals have.
Just a thought.
Not all thoughts are created equal, Roger. But it is beneficial to think of many possibilities.
Dr Eli, this is another Great Read. And another one concentrating on the Language of the Scriptures, compared to the English, again. As all the other animals had their male and female counterparts, Eloheinu took a look, and noticed the Adam had no opposite, and He knew Mankind had to have his opposite to mate with. It would be very interesting to see how Chavah (Life Female) was taken and created from Adam (Man). Ezer C’Negdo, and Arvat Derekim prompted word study in the BDB, and I noticed how Arvat Derek came from Arvah, and meant one thing, but is counted as having “sexually immoral Ways”, and that causes Men to obtain legal divorces, through misbehavior. I also noticed that Arvat and Erev (nudity, and Evening) are related, & have big similarities. And, hey! NO “J’s” in it, haha! Have a nice night, Doc..
Thanks, Danny! And thank you for (almost) staying away from a non-issue 🙂
So much richness in the meaning.
Blessings!
Would this suggest celibate lesbians (that go with Hashem), nuns, et al., marry Hashem?
Not sure what is the right answer here, DeeAnna.
Thank you sir for this informative, educative and thought – provoking teaching!
You are most welcome! Thank you for your encouragement!
Amazing presentation, very well explained
Blessed be ❤️
Amen! Friends, if any of you would like to help me to take this teaching to many more people please offering your help here – https://shorturl.at/NpBF7
The woman was made from one of the Ribs of Man. we see god doing surgery on the side of man and removing one rib then closed the wound Gen 2: 21-22
Thank you for your comment. Perhaps, rereading the article would help further.
Genesis 2:23’s “flesh and bone,” uses the Hebrew word “basar” (“flesh”) as a euphemism for the male organ (Ezek 16:26; 23:30). One scholar suggests the “rib” bone was a bone in the male organ called a “baculum” (Ziony Zevit, “What Really Happened in the Garden of Eden?” 2013).
The baculum is a stiffening bone in many mammals small and large, from rodents to walruses, Humans are among the few primates that have NO baculum. Thus, Eve was made from Adam’s now “missing” baculum.
Mary Leith (“Creating Woman,” 2016 Mar-Apr, “Biblical Archaeology Review”) says the Hebrew word for “rib” (“tsela”) in Genesis 2:21-22 is translated “rib” only there. “Tsela” usually indicates “side parts” that are, “… body parts like arms that branch out from the trunk of the standing body. One branching part could be male genitals.” This gives an unexpected intimate sense about Eve, now the product of Adam’s loins.
The proposal that Adam’s “tsela” (typically translated “rib”) refers to a part of the male anatomy, specifically a baculum (penis bone), is a provocative but fringe scholarly interpretation. While it is true that humans lack a baculum found in many other mammals, and that “basar” (“flesh”) can be a euphemism, the primary textual and traditional evidence does not support this reading. The term “tsela” is used architecturally for a side chamber (1 Kings 6:5) and anatomically for a structural side (Exodus 25:12), which aligns well with the “side” or “rib” translation. The narrative’s primary symbolism is one of intimate unity and shared essence (“bone of my bones”), not a biological hypothesis about a missing bone. Thus, the traditional understanding of the “rib” as a metaphor for partnership and equality remains the most contextually coherent.
Adam was created in the image of god ,Adam was male and female when he was first created until got seperated them into male and female . Marriage is the rejoining into his original created state ,both together are the image of God . God is both father and mother
Thank you for your comment.
Hello Dr Eli,
I believe man and woman are a creation beginning the humankind, they were animals and after that they become human. This creation is of spiritual nature, the surgical explanation is but an allegory.
Didn’t Albert once said : “I you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want your children to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales”.
This being said, I believe in the gospel, I just ask myself questions.
It always good to think outside of the box. Thank you, Arnault.
Thank you Dr. Eli, I always enjoy your teachings. Please can you assist in recemmending a Jewish bible (in Western English) that one can read and study God’s Word?
Greetings from South Africa.
There are many excellent Bibles, most of which get most things absolutely right. Comparing versions is beneficial too. However, it is essential to eventually learn to read biblical languages and thoroughly explore the meanings beneath the translations. But NIV, NASB, ESV, and NET Bible, among others. I hesitate to name just one.
Wow!! Just wow! This has now made me understand the term “and the two shall become one flesh”.
Thank you so much…
Amen!
Thank you dr. Eli for your article, I needed it.
So glad it was useful.
I appreciate this deeper dive…thank you!
Glad you enjoied it!
Deep understanding and so well laid out, thank you. In this way we could perhaps resolve conflicting ideologies arising from religious and scientific approaches in seeking the truth.
Blessings!
This is an excellent synthesis of the Holy Scriptures and verifies my personal study of the position of a wife, the side of the man and the meaning of One Flesh! It also gives me an unction to study the role of the woman (ish and ishah). I love the Hebrew language. The English rendering just does not have the words to fully express the sense of the language. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for posting your feedback!
Wonderful explanation! Thank you!
Blessings!
Very educative but I would need help with a bible that has those Hebrew and English translation of words . like Azer kenegdo,ish ,ishah etc I have many preachers of the Word of G-d use terms like that but wondered what bible they used.
Yes, learning at least basics of Hebrew is important.
I think we have to reconsider the whole subject because the search for the ezer was before Adam was seperated into ish and Isha . When ezer was not found then they got split giving them function that they couldn’t have when they were attached which eats at the idea that the Isha is the ezer .
Reconsidering is almost always good.
Dear heavenly Father, I thank You so very much for Dr. Eli. O dear Lord, bless him daily and bless his family and his works. Amen. ❤️
Amen, Michael! Thank you so much! All others reading, please PRAY FOR BLESSING AND LIGHT!
Even the term help meet implies a sense of equality of being with man. Together they can do more, not as one dominates, but as a team. The Hebrew Scripture shows times where women were active participants in the working out of God’s will, not a mere subordinate. I think of Naamans wife, Deborah, Moses wife and others. The pattern continues in the times of Jesus direct followers and on to this day.
Divine patterns are perfect in design it’s just in human execution that it sometimes goes astray.
Yes, indeed!
“The choice of צֵלָע (tzela) in the original Hebrew, most likely, evokes a side of a bilaterally symmetrical structure”
Symmetrical as an “X” chromosome, from which God took a side, so the man was left with a “Y”.
Thanks for your comment, Elisabeth.
Dear Mr. Eli Lizorkin,
I have once again posted one of your blogs, the one about Adam’s rib, on my website: https://www.geestkunde.net/vraag-en-antwoord/eva-en-de-rib-van-adam-2.shtml
The average number of visits per day in December 2025: 1340, of which 4% lasted > ½ hour. Visitors come from all over the world, a significant portion from Israel.
May I ask you a question? In the Gospels, Jesus calls God his Father, making himself God’s son. But a father with a son, in my opinion, is the image of a broken family. Could that be an image of God?
Does the word “father” have multiple meanings in Hebrew? I read in the Corpus Hermeticum that the word “father” also means “parents,” as it does in Spanish and Portuguese.
I am curious to hear your opinion on this! Thank you in advance for your efforts! Kind regards, Freek van Leeuwen
I wish you all success on your site! I am not sure I understand how talking about Father and Son signifies a broken family? (do you mean no Mother?)