Genesis 2:22

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 2:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Genesis 2:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

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 rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he woman, etc.] It is commonly observed, and pertinently enough, that the woman was not made from the superior part of man, that she might not be thought to be above him, and have power over him; nor from any inferior part, as being below him, and to be trampled on by him; but out of his side, and from one of his ribs, that she might appear to be equal to him; and from a part near his heart, and under his arms, to show that she should be affectionately loved by him, and be always under his care and protection: and she was not “created” as things were, out of nothing, nor “formed” as Adam was, out of the dust of the earth, being in the…”
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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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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“made: Heb. builded, Psa 127:1; Ti1 2:13 brought: Gen 2:19; Pro 18:22, Pro 19:14; Heb 13:4 Genesis 2:23”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification