Genesis 2:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 2:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:
Genesis 2:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept, etc.] This was not a common and natural sleep that Adam fell into, occasioned by any weariness of the animal spirits, in viewing the creatures as they passed by him, and in examining them, and giving them suitable and proper names; but it was supernatural, and from the Lord, his power and providence, who caused it to fall upon him: it was not a drowsiness, nor a slumber, but a sound sleep: his senses were so locked up by it, that he perceived not anything that was done to him; and it seems to have been on purpose, that he might feel no pain, while the operation was made upon him, as well as that it might appear that he had…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“deep sleep--probably an ecstasy or trance like that of the prophets, when they had visions and revelations of the Lord, for the whole scene was probably visible to the mental eye of Adam, and hence his rapturous exclamation. took one of his ribs--"She was not made out of his head to surpass him, nor from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to be equal to him, and near his heart to be dear to him."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- XIV. The Woman 21. תרדמה tardēmâh, “deep sleep,” ἔκστασις ekstasis, Septuagint. צלע tsēlā‛, “rib, side, wing of a building.” 23. פעם pa‛am, “beat, stroke, tread, anvil.” אישׁ 'ı̂ysh, “man,” vir. אשׁה 'āshah, “be firm, as a foundation;” ישׁה yāshah, “be firm as a substance;” אנש 'ānash, “be strong;” אושׁ 'ûsh, “to give help: hence, the strong, the brave, the defender, the nourisher.” אשׂה 'ı̂śâh, “woman,” feminine of the above; “wife.” The second creative step in the constitution of man as the natural head of a race is now described. This supplies the defect that was drawn forth into consciousness in the preceding passage. Man here passes out of solitude into society, out of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“This was done upon the sixth day, as was also the placing of Adam in paradise, though it be here mentioned after an account of the seventh day's rest: but what was said in general, Gen 1:27, that God made man male and female is more distinctly related here, God caused the sleep to fall on Adam, and made it a deep sleep, that so the opening of his side might be no grievance to him: while he knows no sin, God will take care he shall feel no pain. Genesis 2:23”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 15:12; Sa1 26:12; Job 4:13, Job 33:15; Pro 19:15; Dan 8:18 Genesis 2:22”
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Sources and verification