Genesis 2:22

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּבֶן֩
made
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
יְהוָ֨ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהִ֧ים׀
God
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
#4
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַצֵּלָ֛ע
And the rib
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
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
לָקַ֥ח
had taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הָֽאָדָֽם׃
from man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#10
לְאִשָּׁ֑ה
he a woman
a woman
#11
וַיְבִאֶ֖הָ
and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הָֽאָדָֽם׃
from man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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