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Genesis 2:19 - Man names God's creations

Genesis 2:19 - בראשית 2:19

Hebrew Text

וַיִּצֶר יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים מִן־הָאֲדָמָה כָּל־חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה וְאֵת כָּל־עוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם וַיָּבֵא אֶל־הָאָדָם לִרְאוֹת מַה־יִּקְרָא־לוֹ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר יִקְרָא־לוֹ הָאָדָם נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה הוּא שְׁמוֹ׃

English Translation

And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every bird of the air; and brought them to the man to see what he would call them: and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.

Transliteration

Vayitzer Adonai Elohim min-ha'adama kol-chayat hasadeh ve'et kol-of hashamayim vayave el-ha'adam lir'ot mah-yikra-lo vechol asher yikra-lo ha'adam nefesh chayah hu shmo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֩צֶר֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֜ים מִן־הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה כׇּל־חַיַּ֤ת הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וַיָּבֵא֙ אֶל־הָ֣אָדָ֔ם לִרְא֖וֹת מַה־יִּקְרָא־ל֑וֹ וְכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִקְרָא־ל֧וֹ הָֽאָדָ֛ם נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה ה֥וּא שְׁמֽוֹ׃
וַיִּ֩צֶר֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֜ים מִן־הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה כׇּל־חַיַּ֤ת הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וַיָּבֵא֙ אֶל־הָ֣אָדָ֔ם לִרְא֖וֹת מַה־יִּקְרָא־ל֑וֹ וְכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִקְרָא־ל֧וֹ הָֽאָדָ֛ם נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה ה֥וּא שְׁמֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Divine Formation of Animals

The verse states, "And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every bird of the air" (Genesis 2:19). Rashi explains that this formation occurred on the sixth day of Creation, alongside the creation of Adam. However, the Torah elaborates here to clarify that Hashem brought the animals before Adam for naming. Ramban adds that this demonstrates Hashem's kindness in providing Adam with a companion, as the naming process would help him recognize that none were suitable for him, leading to the creation of Chava (Eve).

The Purpose of Naming

The verse continues, "and brought them to the man to see what he would call them." The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 17:4) teaches that Adam's wisdom was evident in his ability to assign names that reflected the essence of each creature. The Sforno emphasizes that this task showcased Adam's intellectual superiority, as he could discern the unique characteristics of each animal and assign fitting names. The Talmud (Chullin 59b) further elaborates that Adam’s naming was precise—for example, he called the cow "shor" because it resembles a "shurar" (a ditch) in its plowing.

The Significance of Names in Jewish Thought

The verse concludes, "and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name." The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:2) explains that names in Hebrew are not arbitrary but reflect the intrinsic nature of the named. This concept is foundational in Kabbalah, where names hold spiritual power. The Zohar (Bereshit 1:20a) teaches that Adam’s naming was an act of prophecy, as he perceived the divine energy within each creature. This aligns with the principle that Hebrew is the lashon hakodesh (holy language), where words and names embody deeper truths.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Adam’s Wisdom: His ability to name reflected divine insight, as he recognized the essence of each creature (Rashi, Sforno).
  • Human Dominion: Naming demonstrated Adam’s role as steward over creation (Ramban).
  • Hebrew’s Holiness: The names given were not arbitrary but rooted in the spiritual reality of each being (Zohar, Rambam).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the naming of animals by Adam and the nature of their creation.
📖 Sanhedrin 38b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the creation of Adam and his role in naming the animals, highlighting his wisdom and uniqueness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem bring the animals to Adam to name them?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 2:19), Hashem brought the animals to Adam to demonstrate Adam's superior wisdom and to show that he had the capacity to give appropriate names that reflected each creature's essence. This also established Adam's dominion over creation, as naming signifies authority (see Ramban on this verse).
Q: What is the significance of Adam naming the animals?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 17:4) teaches that Adam's ability to name the animals showed his unique wisdom, as he could identify each creature's true nature. The names weren't arbitrary - they reflected the characteristics and purposes of each animal. This also fulfilled the divine command for man to 'rule over the fish, birds, and animals' (Genesis 1:28).
Q: How did Adam know what to name each animal?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) explains that Adam possessed tremendous wisdom and insight into the nature of creation. Hashem endowed him with the ability to understand each creature's essence, allowing him to give perfectly fitting names. Some commentaries suggest this was a form of divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh).
Q: Do the original Hebrew names of animals have special meaning?
A: Yes, traditional sources maintain that the Hebrew names Adam gave reflect deep truths about each creature. For example, Rashi notes that the word for 'cow' (parah) relates to being fruitful (pru), while 'donkey' (chamor) connects to physicality (chomer). These names weren't just labels but descriptions of each animal's fundamental nature.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Adam naming the animals?
A: This teaches us about human responsibility toward creation. As the Maharal explains, naming represents understanding and stewardship - we must use our wisdom to properly care for and elevate the world. It also reminds us that Hebrew is a holy language where words connect to essence, and that humans have a unique role as partners in creation (see Rambam, Guide for the Perplexed 1:2).