King James Version

What Does Genesis 2:22 Mean?

Genesis 2:22 in the King James Version says “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. made: Heb. builded” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. made: Heb. builded”

Genesis 2:22 · KJV

Context

20

And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. gave: Heb. called

21

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;

22

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. made: Heb. builded

23

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. Woman: Heb. Isha Man: Heb. Ish

24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Read Genesis 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.... This passage continues the detailed account of Eden, human creation, and God's design for human flourishing. Genesis 2 complements chapter 1 by providing intimate details about human origins, the garden setting, marriage institution, and humanity's vocation as priest-kings in God's sanctuary-garden.

The narrative emphasizes God's personal involvement, careful preparation of human habitation, clear communication of covenant requirements, and provision for human needs including work, rest, relationship, and worship. The garden of Eden represents perfect environment where heaven and earth intersect, God dwells with humanity, and everything needed for life and blessing exists.

Key theological themes include human dignity as divine image-bearers, work as divine calling (not curse), marriage as covenant partnership, moral freedom with accountability, and the necessity of obedience for blessing. The detailed geography and placement of Eden in historical space-time (rivers, lands) presents this as real history, not mythology. These foundational truths establish the pattern for understanding humanity's purpose, relationships, and destiny throughout Scripture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 2 provides a detailed account of human creation and Eden's establishment, using different literary style than chapter 1. Ancient Near Eastern parallels include the Sumerian Paradise myth and the Gilgamesh Epic's plant of life, but Genesis transforms these motifs within strict monotheism. The garden sanctuary with its rivers, trees, and divine presence parallels ancient temple theology where gods dwelt in sacred spaces.

The geographical references (Pishon, Gihon, Hiddekel/Tigris, Euphrates) ground the narrative in historical space-time rather than mythological timelessness. While the exact location of Eden remains debated, the inclusion of identifiable rivers presents this as real geography, not allegory. The Mesopotamian setting connects to humanity's ancient origins in that region, confirmed by archaeology.

Ancient audiences would have recognized marriage's divine institution as countercultural, elevating women beyond their typical status as property. The intimate account of woman's creation from man's side presented revolutionary equality and partnership. The garden-temple imagery established patterns for Israel's tabernacle and temple, where God would again dwell with His people in sacred space requiring holiness and obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּבֶן֩1 of 13

“made”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

יְהוָ֨ה2 of 13

“which the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהִ֧ים׀3 of 13

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶֽת4 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַצֵּלָ֛ע5 of 13

“And the rib”

H6763

a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje

אֲשֶׁר6 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לָקַ֥ח7 of 13

“had taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִן8 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽאָדָֽם׃9 of 13

“from man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לְאִשָּׁ֑ה10 of 13

“he a woman”

H802

a woman

וַיְבִאֶ֖הָ11 of 13

“and brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל12 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאָדָֽם׃13 of 13

“from man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 2:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11:8-91 Timothy 2:13Hebrews 13:4Proverbs 18:22Proverbs 19:14Psalms 127:1

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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