One Leads To Another
And the man called the name of his wife, Eve, because she became the mother of all living. Genesis 3:20
Eve – Of course, we know that the name Eve is a corruption of the real text. The man did not call her Eve. He called her by the Hebrew name Havvah. Why is it important to make this change in the translated text? Because once we see what he really named her, other things come to light. In particular, we discover Adam’s second sin.
Immediately following the punishment, Adam names his wife. This seems innocuous enough, but it is not. Notice that this naming pattern is a repetition of the same process Adam enacted over the animal kingdom. In Genesis 2:19, Adam is allowed to “call” the animals according to their essential being. The same verb qara is used in both naming occurrences.[1] It has the same implications as well, namely, authority over. The process of naming is the declaration of authority over the thing named. Adam fulfills the descriptive warning of the Lord regarding the woman by putting himself above her in an artificial hierarchy of his own making. By naming her, he elevates himself as her authority. It has been so ever since. Wherever the Fall dominates the relationship between men and women, men strive for authority over women. Notice that this is a result of the Fall. It is not part of the original design. It is not intended in the relationship between the zakar and the ‘ezer kenegdo. It comes into play because the man seeks revenge on the woman.
How can we make such a strong statement? Nahum Sarna offers an insight into Adam’s naming process that reveals a much deeper animosity.
Hebrew havvah, which seems to be an archaic form of hayyah, could mean “living thing,” life personified. This is how the Septuagint understood it when it rendered the name here Zoe. The vocalization suggests an intensive form, so that “propagator of life” is also a possible meaning. There might, in addition, be a word play involved, for Aramaic hivya means a serpent, as noted in Genesis Rabba 20:11; 22:2. In the Sifre inscription (I.A.31), the word for serpent is actually written hvvh. [2]
The possible implication here is shocking. If Adam chose the name havvah because of its relationship to the meaning “snake,” then we see that Adam not only asserts authority over Havvah but he also gives her a name that will forever remind her of her sin. In other words, Adam never forgives her! In fact, rabbinic legend suggests that after the birth of Cain and Havel (Abel), Adam left Havvah for 130 years and sought relationships among other beings.[3] According to these rabbinic sources, this constitutes the first separation between married partners. It is hard to imagine that there is any other ground for this legend than the animosity engendered as a result of twisting the divinely-ordered complementary relationship into a hierarchy of control.
Imagine what would have happened if Adam had taken responsibility and forgiven his ‘ezer kenegdo? He would have acted according to the character of God. He would have remembered the Lord of creation as compassionate and merciful. Would there still be sin? Of course. He participated in it. But by not forgiving his wife, he perpetrates the brokenness rather than allowing healing to take place. He starts the downward spiral with the second sin.
We cannot undo the first sin. The door has been opened and it has taken residence in the house. But we can undo the second sin. We, men and husbands, can do what our father Adam did not do. We can forgive. We can restore the ‘ezer kenegdo by accepting our responsibility and granting her the grace she so desperately needs.
Topical Index: Havvah, Eve, sin, forgiveness, ‘ezer kenegdo, Genesis 3:20, serpent
[1] qara is also found in Genesis 1:5, 8 and 10; Genesis 2:19, 20, 23 and Genesis 3:9
[2] Nahum Sarna, , Genesis: The JPS Torah Commentary (The Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia: 1989), p. 29.
[3] Three references may be consulted about this legend. Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed, Part 1, chapter 7; Talmud Eruvim 18A and Jerusalem Talmud Peah 1:1
Shalom!!!
This analysis is marvelous because Dr. Moen is integrating what the “legends” says. And if we make an space to this literature we will find very interesting things, such as Genesis 5:1-3זֶ 1This is the written account of Adam’s line.
When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them “man”
3When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.
What is important in these verses?? At least I would like to pinpoint the following. These same legends that Dr. Moen make reference, talks about why the writer mention that this specific son [Set] was in “his own likeness, in his own image”
What happpened between Adam and Eve was real serious. Adam abandoned Eve for a period of, specifically, “130 years.” And guess what happened with Adam during that time?? Well, here is the climax point of the “soap opera.” Adam had sexual intercourse with what scientists calls today, “homynids.” And this is the main reason why Set must be identified as a “real son” of Adam and Eve, because the others sons and daughters of Adam came from that relations with female homynids.[during that 130 years period] Since I’m writing from the top of my head, I can’t give references right now, but later I will be given it so that if somebody want to do his/her own research may use the references. Or course, this information put us in the edge of the huge importance of the role of “sex” in these firsts chapters of the Bible. We can find “sex” in Genesis 3, 6 and 9. And if we look at this three chapters we will find very,very important episodes, such as “The Fall”, “The Flood” and “The new beginnings”
IGS
PD At least, I remember one excellent book whose title is, “The Science of God,” by Dr. Gerald L. Schroeder. Dr. Schroeder is an applied theologian with undergraduate and doctoral degrees from MIT in Boston. Here is the link to the book.
http://www.amazon.com/Science-God-Convergence-Scientific-Biblical/dp/1439129584/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247827985&sr=1-1
IGS
Thank you very much, Dr. Moen for this analysis.
IGS
Hello, I’m including some references now:
Maimonides, “Guide for the Perplexed”; Part One, Chapter 7
Talmud Eruvim 18A
Jerusalem Talmud Peah 1:1
As quoted by Dr. Schroeder in page 141.
Hello, Ismael,
Your comments are always full of insight. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
I am now reading Dr. Schroeder’s latest book, “God According to God.” It is a very uplifting view of quantum physics and the creation of our universe. I especially appreciate the scientific information he has used to make his points. To me, this book seems to help bridge the chasm that has been between science and religion. I am finding it to be quite inspiring. Though I don’t think I have seen this term in the book, it brings to my mind the ‘otherness’ of the Creator.
Blessings,
Gayle
I’m reading that book. Right now I’m in page 87.
Hello!!!!
Let’s add more information. If you have a Hebrew Concordance at hand and make a search of the words “tselem” (image) and “demut” (likeness) you will find that these two words are use in Genesis 1:26; 5;1,3; 9:6.
Doesn’t it curious that these are the same chapters that I mention at the beginning? As I mentioned already, this literature is part of what is rabbinical literature. When we are talking about Jewish Literature we must be aware that we are getting inside a new universe and that much of that information is almost totally unknown by Christians.
Just as an example, think a little of what was happening at Earth before the Flood and how this information is very important when we are doing exegesis of passages such as, Matthew 24:37-38 “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;”
Can we see the connection in the phrase, ” people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage”???
I will agree to a point that real understanding and contextual framework is better understood with the help of the “Hebraic” or “Jewish” perspective. In fact I would contend that a proper understanding of the Biblical Hebraic mindset is necessary if one is serious about exploring The Word while being concerned with correctness.
I will however caution everyone that at the same time much Rabbinic exegesis and wisdom of the sages was developed (in some cases refined and added too) after Yeshua’s ministry of salvation …. and by individuals who essentially rejected Yeshua … if not per se the concept of Mashiach.
We must be careful that in the search for the deeper meanings within The Word, and by association the search for the deeper wonders of ELOHIM, many become blinded by the pursuit itself and place far too much value upon the knowledge as opposed to applying the knowledge correctly for His Glory. (I am not implying that this is relevant to anyone in particular … certainly not you my brother Ismael!)
But we clearly can see where this “purported wisdom” was consolidated and codified within religious/social sects and wielded as a gavel over the people. In fact the Jewish Religious Establishment of the time had become a Nicolatian entity …. using “purported wisdom” to lord over the sheep of Israel. As Yeshua stated … the blind leading the blind …. into the ditch! :(We can see that their Rabinnic wisdom was ultimately folly despite its intellectual elegance!)
My point is that “legends, traditions, esoteric ponderings, et. al.” must be approached very carefully … and in many instances not at all. I have personally experienced, and witnessed within other believers, a less complex scenario wherein Ruach HaKodesh imparts the correct Biblical Hebraic context and mindset. We must be careful that we rely upon Him and not the conjuring of men … despite the seemingly elegance of same.
I think that Skip had mentioned the potential dangers of delving too deeply without a very solid grounding into certain writings. Sadly many have been lost over the pursuit of a deeper truth when at the end of the day all the truth we need is contained in “The Word” and guidance/revelation by Ruach HaKodesh.
Ultimately I agree that at the end of the day the net result of a wise believer will be a Biblical Hebraic mindset …. And not a philosophic/esoteric mindset …. one which trapped many a Greek and many a Jew! The value of faith is ultimately not measured in ideology but in one’s heart attitude and one’s walk!
Be blessed one and all!
WOW, this appears amazingly complex! This “speculation” can get off into “vain geneologies” can’t it? Of course this can open up the dialogue and discussion of creation vs. evolution. Isn’t the objective point to tackle the subjective view of submission and authority? I view the issues at stake as what lies within the heart of man as a result of the fall. And because of that, Adam could quite possibly have had sex with other “creatures” and that is, of course, perversion. Our hearts are “desperately wicked” and herein lies the problem from the beginning.
Blessings,
Mary
Ok Skip, how long until the book is published? 🙂
Gee, Skip. You sure opened a can of worms on this one! When you go back to the geneology, you notice Adam and Cain are listed as two seperate lines. Add in the Aramaic idioms that are all over the scripture and you have Eve having sex with the serpent (HaSatan) and Adam, then giving birth to twins from two different fathers (Today, 1 out of every 400 births of twins today has this-so much for blaming the guys for all the infidelity that goes on). But you say legend has it that Adam left his wife and went to another for 130 years. Legend has a flood in almost every culture, so there is usually some truth to it, however the story has been perverted. So if Adam did leave and go to another, are you going to tell me it was Adam’s daughter he had sex with; what did he have to fight with Cain over which daughter? oh…..Adam probably left Eve right away, so what daughter would that have been anyway? Forget the animal primate thing. What guy would really want a primate. Never mind. I don’t want to know. It was a real nice thing to show the design of women though. Too bad it got soooooo lost!!!
“Perpetrate (and perpetuate) brokenness rather than allow healing”…how we need to understand this and share it with others who don’t understand what happens when one doesn’t forgive…Thank you for your wonderful example through the Hebrew thinking/understanding lesson today. Adam’s actions were a totally new idea for me to comprehend!
I’d like to “kick this up notch.” Let’s “fast-forward” to the second Adam. The Bible already states “in Adam” all die, but “in Christ” all (all) shall be made alive. The second Adam has offered forgiveness to His beloved bride. We are told in the Book to “love our wives” and not to be “bitter” against them. Ah, the blight of bitterness. Just ask Adam what is did for him and to him for those 130 years. Now on to the “naming process.” Did not our Abba give unto us a new name? We have been adopted into His family and share in both His name and His nature. Adam #1 messed up. Bigtime. I too,was this man. I have sinned just like my predecessor and stand in need of forgiveness also. Then Adam #2 arrived on the scene. This man has never been the same and never will be. All things have become new. Forgiveness is mine. Grace is mine. Covenant-mercy is mine. As part of the bride of the second Adam, and now carrying the name of “Beloved”, what a today and what a tomorrow are mine!! Not to mention the party yet to be after we pass through the doorway. Adam, quit the blame game, take responsibility for your derelection of duty in “not remembering” the words spoken by YHWH, take your pointing finger,turn it away from Eve, and aim it at the man in the mirror.
Adam took part in Eves sin,did he not? So why did he feel so bitter.
What happened to ‘he loved her so much he took part so as Not to be separated from her?’
I am confused.
Brilliant!
My oh my, Skip, you’ve really stirred the pot now! Good for you brother.
I agree with Marchien. And what happened to, ‘…the grace “he” so desparately needs.’?
Suz
Drew
I receive each one of your words as from a brother in Yeshua. This type of study is not new…I have been doing it for more than 30 years and thanks to our Rabbi Yeshua and to Ruach Ha Kodesh I’m still, by his grace, on the Way. But this does not mean that I don’t give value to your words. I really appreciate your message and I interpret it as from the Lord. Messages as yours are the ones that help me to be sensitive and to keep in mind that all acquired knowledge must produce in me the character of our Saviour.
Shalom.
IGS
“all acquired knowledge must produce in me the character of our Saviour” …. Ahmein!
Have at it brother …. 🙂
I do believe that with Yeshua abiding in us that His character should manifest naturally through Ruach HaKodesh …. yet … I do hear you because disciplining the mental state removes the barriers which battle the Spirit and straightens our alignment.
If Ruach HaKodesh is leading you then your path is purposeful.
Be blessed and His be the glory!
Shabbat Shalom
“all acquired knowledge must produce in me the character of our Saviour.”
Thankyou Ismael. This phrase of yours helps me today to regain the proper perspective. It’s so easy to get caught up in the study of the Hebrew meanings and lose sight of the purpose of the study.
OK…I want to be part of this chain too. My goodness, Skip, you are always “shakin’ it up. All this to say, I am hopeful that when you complete the community aspect of connecting us…someone is local to me that can teach me more Hebrew understanding. I long to sit at HIS feet.
Speaking of ‘sitting at His feet. I purchased a book at http://www.cbd.com by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg called “Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus” cannot wait to get into it.
Ray Vander Lann author and founder of ‘That The world May Know’ endorsed this book and said:
“I am very excited about Sitting At the Feet of Rabbi Jesus! With the precision of a scientist, the drama of a storyteller, and the passion of a disciple, Spangler and Tverberg present a stirring documentation of Jesus in a first-century Jewish context-one that will greatly benefit both scholar and lay person. I highly recommend it.”
http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1458
This is an amazing discovery! ” I Make All Things New” says Yeshua. Therefore let the woman be free! ” Woman Thou Art Loosed”! She is beloved daughter of Abraham and a partaker of our inheritance in Yeshua. I am so thankful for what Yeshau did for both men and women, otherwise, humanity would have been perpetually screwed-up and messed-up. The devil really played his game perfectly well, but thanks be to Yeshau who has delivered us from this body of sin. Anyway, Skip thanks for this one!