King James Version

What Does Genesis 2:23 Mean?

Genesis 2:23 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 2:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Read Genesis 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, becau... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֮1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאָדָם֒2 of 15

“And Adam”

H120

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

זֹּֽאת׃3 of 15

“This”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַפַּ֗עַם4 of 15

“is now”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י5 of 15

“bone”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י6 of 15

“bone”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י7 of 15

“and flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י8 of 15

“and flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

זֹּֽאת׃9 of 15

“This”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

יִקָּרֵ֣א10 of 15

“shall be called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אִשָּׁ֔ה11 of 15

“Woman”

H802

a woman

כִּ֥י12 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵאִ֖ישׁ13 of 15

“out of Man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לֻֽקֳחָה14 of 15

“she was taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

זֹּֽאת׃15 of 15

“This”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:28-301 Corinthians 11:8-92 Samuel 5:1Genesis 29:14Judges 9:22 Samuel 19:13

Test Your Knowledge

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

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