Genesis 3:20

Authorized King James Version

And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֧א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הָֽאָדָ֛ם
And Adam
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
שֵׁ֥ם
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#4
אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ
his wife's
a woman
#5
חַוָּ֑ה
Eve
eve (or chavvah), the first woman
#6
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
הִ֥וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
הָֽיְתָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
אֵ֥ם
because she was the mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
חָֽי׃
of all living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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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