Genesis 2:23

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמֶר֮
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָֽאָדָם֒
And Adam
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
זֹּֽאת׃
This
this (often used adverb)
#4
הַפַּ֗עַם
is now
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#5
מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י
bone
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#6
מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י
bone
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#7
מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י
and flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#8
מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י
and flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#9
זֹּֽאת׃
This
this (often used adverb)
#10
יִקָּרֵ֣א
shall be called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#11
אִשָּׁ֔ה
Woman
a woman
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מֵאִ֖ישׁ
out of Man
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)
#14
לֻֽקֳחָה
she was taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#15
זֹּֽאת׃
This
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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