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Genesis 2:20 - Where is Adam's true partner?

Genesis 2:20 - בראשית 2:20

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא הָאָדָם שֵׁמוֹת לְכָל־הַבְּהֵמָה וּלְעוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם וּלְכֹל חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה וּלְאָדָם לֹא־מָצָא עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a help to match him.

Transliteration

Vayikra ha'adam shemot l'khol-habehema ul'of hashamayim ul'khol chayat hasadeh ul'adam lo-matzah ezer kenegdo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֨א הָֽאָדָ֜ם שֵׁמ֗וֹת לְכׇל־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ וּלְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וּלְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה וּלְאָדָ֕ם לֹֽא־מָצָ֥א עֵ֖זֶר כְּנֶגְדּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּקְרָ֨א הָֽאָדָ֜ם שֵׁמ֗וֹת לְכׇל־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ וּלְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וּלְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה וּלְאָדָ֕ם לֹֽא־מָצָ֥א עֵ֖זֶר כְּנֶגְדּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Naming the Animals

Rashi (Bereshit 2:20) explains that Adam's ability to name the animals demonstrated his superior wisdom, as each name reflected the essence of the creature. This act of naming was not arbitrary but revealed Adam's deep understanding of each animal's nature, as granted by Hashem. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 17:4) elaborates that Adam's wisdom was so profound that even the angels acknowledged his insight.

The Search for a "Help to Match Him"

The phrase "עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ" ("a help to match him") is interpreted in multiple ways by our sages:

  • Rashi explains that this refers to a partner who would "help" in tasks and "match him" in intellect and stature, unlike the animals who were not suitable companions.
  • Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the term "כְּנֶגְדּוֹ" implies a counterpart who complements him—someone who balances his strengths and weaknesses.
  • The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) teaches that a spouse is called "עֵזֶר" because she assists her husband in fulfilling his spiritual mission in life.

The Loneliness of Adam Before Chava

The verse emphasizes that "לְאָדָם לֹא־מָצָא עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ"—no suitable helper was found among the animals. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bereshit 6) states that Adam attempted to cohabit with the animals but found no satisfaction, highlighting that human companionship is unique and irreplaceable. This teaches that marriage is not merely for procreation but for emotional and spiritual partnership.

The Deeper Lesson in Human Relationships

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that this verse sets the foundation for the sanctity of marriage. Unlike animals, humans require a bond that transcends physicality—a union of souls. The absence of a suitable helper led to the creation of Chava, illustrating that true companionship is a divine gift, essential for human fulfillment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 63a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of marriage and companionship, illustrating that Adam was incomplete without a partner.
📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the naming of animals and the wisdom of Adam in giving them names.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Adam named all the animals?
A: According to Rashi, Adam's ability to name the animals demonstrated his superior wisdom, as he gave each creature a name that reflected its true nature. This showed that he was uniquely qualified to be the caretaker of creation (Rashi on Genesis 2:20).
Q: Why couldn't Adam find a 'help to match him' among the animals?
A: The Midrash explains that while animals could provide companionship, none were truly equal to Adam in intellect or purpose. Only another human—Chava (Eve)—could be his proper partner, sharing his divine image and spiritual potential (Bereshit Rabbah 17:4).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Adam naming the animals?
A: The Rambam teaches that this episode highlights humanity's role as stewards of creation. By understanding each creature's essence (as shown through naming), we learn to respect all living things while recognizing our unique responsibility to elevate the world through Torah and mitzvot (Guide for the Perplexed 1:2).
Q: How does this verse relate to marriage in Judaism?
A: The Talmud derives from 'a help to match him' that an ideal marriage unites two partners who complement each other's spiritual growth. Just as Adam needed Chava to fulfill his purpose, spouses help each other serve Hashem completely (Yevamot 63a, based on Genesis 2:20).
Q: Why is naming important in the Torah?
A: As seen with Adam, naming in Torah represents understanding something's fundamental truth. The Maharal explains that Hebrew names reveal the spiritual essence of what they describe—which is why Adam's divinely inspired names for animals remain significant (Gur Aryeh on Genesis 2:20).