Genesis 2:18-25

1. Locate the passage

The passage is part of Day 6 of creation. It is part of the narrowing focus on this day that began in 2:4. This was a busy day.

2. Genre

The passage is narrative. The divine conversation in 2:18 appears directed to the Godhead and not to the man.

3. Determine the structure of the passage

4. Exegete the passage

Divine initiative begins the pericope

2:18 – “Not good” – the Hebrew construction emphasizes this phrase – placing this phrase at the beginning of the sentence

• This is the first thing in creation that is not good. The words stands in juxtaposition of the Divine assessment of His creation.
• This is not a suggestion that the creation was not good, but the condition of Adam was not good (being alone)

2:18 – “Alone” – This is the only thing “not good” in creation

• This is not Adam complaining about his loneliness, but God proactively providing a partner for him

2:18 – “I will make” – Hb. “asa” – carries the idea of “fashion”

2:18 – “comparable” – lit. “like what is in front of him”

• The word carries the idea of a counterpart; suitability

2:19 – out of the ground (Hb. “adamah”). That from which Adam was formed (Hb. “yatsar”) and named.

2:19 – God formed (Hb. “yatsar”) – the word carries the idea of fashion or form; like a potter

2:19 – Adam was given the responsibility of naming all of the animals

2:20 – “Adam gave names”

• Part of his dominion over creation was demonstrated through his naming of them

2:20 – No comparable helper was found

• Adam was alone in a crowded garden

2:21 – The Lord caused a deep sleep

• This Divine anesthesia is not explained in the text, but was necessary for the surgery to follow
• He awakes to discover God’s provision

2:21 – God took a rib (Hb. “sela”)

• This word is often used in the Tabernacle – “side”
• She was taken from Adam’s side
  • She is of the same substance
  • She is of the same stature (by his side; not below or above; a helper)

2:22 – God “built” a woman (Hb. “bana”)

• He “built” into a woman
• Man was formed (2:7-8); woman was built
• “bana.” This word is used elsewhere of physical construction (Ex. 1:11; 1 Sam. 7:17; 2 Sam. 5:9; 1 Kings 6:1, Ps. 78:69, etc.)

2:22 – He brought her to him

• The divine match-maker
• Same word used in 2:19 – God “brought” the animals to Adam

2:23 – She (unlike the rest of creation) is bone of MY bone

• She came from part of me; not just from the ground

2:23 – “woman;” (Hb. “Isha”) “man” (Hb. “Ish”)

• The “-a” in Hebrew is the feminine ending, but sometimes can be rendered “towards”

2:24 – “therefore” – for this reason – to become one flesh together, procreate, and  fulfill God’s mandate in 1:28

2:24 – “Leave and cleave” – the priority (leave the former family relationship) and exclusivity (cleave; cling to; adhere) of this union

• This description is clearly for future generations since Adam had no family from whom to leave.
• That makes this a mandate for all future participants in marriage
• Marriage is a public commitment
  • A public declaration of the desire to pursue God’s plan

2:24 – “his wife” (lit. “his woman”) – the creation of the marriage union; he is to only have this level of intimacy with HIS wife

2:24 – “one flesh” – the sexual union of the man and woman constitutes the unity God establishes in marriage; a union to be shared exclusively

• The sexual distinctives are clear (cf. 1:27); they are man and woman; separate, but when they are united, they become one

2:25 – Naked, but not ashamed

• Nakedness sometimes carried the idea of shame or judgment (1 Sam. 20:30; Isa 20:4; 47:3; Ezek. 16:7, 22, 37, 39; Lam. 1:8; Mic 1:11), but, here there is no shame, as they are following God’s plan
• This verse foreshadows the shame of nakedness in 3:10

5. Let the structure of the text drive the sermon

Why We Must Follow God’s Plan of Biblical Marriage:

• Because That’s What God Said (2:24)
  • This is not a mandate that you have to be married, but, if you marry, you must follow God’s plan
  • Mankind can use God’s term (marriage) and not follow His standards, but it will not receive His blessing
• Because That’s How God Made You (23)
  • God made you to fit together; you are fashioned and built by His design
  • It is “not good” to be alone
• Because it satisfies the Divine Instruction
  • 1:27 – be fruitful and multiply
  • 24 – one flesh
• Because it Brings True Satisfaction
  • Comparable; made for you
  • Satisfies the problem on creation => alone
  • God Has the Perfect Partner for you
    • The “search” for a comparable partner accentuates the Divine provision of perfect suitability
    • God brought her to him
  • Because outside of His plan brings shame (25)
    • They were not ashamed; Sin brings shame to nakedness