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Genesis 2:23 - Divine unity in marriage

Genesis 2:23 - בראשית 2:23

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הָאָדָם זֹאת הַפַּעַם עֶצֶם מֵעֲצָמַי וּבָשָׂר מִבְּשָׂרִי לְזֹאת יִקָּרֵא אִשָּׁה כִּי מֵאִישׁ לֻקֳחָה־זֹּאת׃

English Translation

And the man 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.

Transliteration

Vayomer ha'adam zot hapa'am etzem me'atzamai uvasar mibesari lezot yikare isha ki me'ish lukacha-zot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ הָֽאָדָם֒ זֹ֣את הַפַּ֗עַם עֶ֚צֶם מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י וּבָשָׂ֖ר מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י לְזֹאת֙ יִקָּרֵ֣א אִשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֥י מֵאִ֖ישׁ לֻֽקְחָה־זֹּֽאת׃
וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ הָֽאָדָם֒ זֹ֣את הַפַּ֗עַם עֶ֚צֶם מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י וּבָשָׂ֖ר מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י לְזֹאת֙ יִקָּרֵ֣א אִשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֥י מֵאִ֖ישׁ לֻֽקְחָה־זֹּֽאת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Adam's Recognition of Chava (Eve)

The verse (Bereishit 2:23) records Adam's declaration upon seeing Chava for the first time: "זֹאת הַפַּעַם עֶצֶם מֵעֲצָמַי וּבָשָׂר מִבְּשָׂרִי" ("This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh"). Rashi explains that Adam recognized Chava as being fundamentally connected to him—not merely a separate creation, but derived from his very essence. The term "זֹאת הַפַּעַם" ("this time") suggests that Adam had previously been presented with other creatures (as described in the preceding verses), but none were suitable as a partner until Chava was formed from his own body.

The Naming of "Ishah" (Woman)

Adam continues: "לְזֹאת יִקָּרֵא אִשָּׁה כִּי מֵאִישׁ לֻקֳחָה־זֹּאת" ("she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man"). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 18:2) elaborates that the name "אִשָּׁה" (Ishah) reflects her origin from "אִישׁ" (Ish, man), emphasizing their intrinsic unity. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this naming signifies the complementary nature of man and woman—each incomplete without the other, as they share the same source.

Spiritual and Marital Implications

  • Unity in Marriage: The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) derives from this verse that a man who lacks a wife is incomplete, as Chava was created to be Adam's "עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ" ("helper corresponding to him," Bereishit 2:18). The bond between husband and wife is thus rooted in their shared origin.
  • Mutual Responsibility: The Sforno notes that Adam's declaration underscores the mutual responsibility between spouses—since they are "bone of bone and flesh of flesh," they must treat one another with the same care as they would their own bodies.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (Bereishit 35b) interprets this verse as reflecting the divine unity mirrored in marriage. Just as Adam and Chava were originally one entity before being separated, their reunion in marriage re-establishes a spiritual wholeness, symbolizing the harmony of masculine and feminine divine energies (זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה) in creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 61a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the creation of woman from man, illustrating the unity and origin of the first human couple.
📖 Eruvin 18a
Cited in the context of discussing the creation of Eve from Adam's rib, emphasizing the intimate connection between man and woman.
📖 Sanhedrin 39a
Mentioned in a debate about the nature of human creation and the relationship between Adam and Eve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 2:23 mean when it says 'bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh'?
A: This phrase expresses the deep connection and unity between man and woman. Rashi explains that Adam recognized Chava (Eve) as being intrinsically part of him - sharing the same essence and origin. The Talmud (Berachos 61a) compares this relationship to two halves of one body being reunited.
Q: Why does the verse say 'she shall be called Woman (Isha) because she was taken out of Man (Ish)'?
A: The Torah teaches us about the fundamental relationship between man and woman through these similar Hebrew names. Ramban explains that the shared root of the words Ish (man) and Isha (woman) demonstrates their equal dignity and complementary nature in creation, while Rashi notes this shows their shared origin from one source.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 2:23 about marriage?
A: The verse teaches the sacred bond of marriage. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 18:2) explains that when Adam said these words, he was establishing the concept of marriage - that husband and wife become 'one flesh.' The Rambam (Ishut 15:19) derives from this verse that a man must honor his wife more than himself, as she is literally 'bone of his bones.'
Q: How does Genesis 2:23 show the importance of relationships?
A: This verse demonstrates that human beings are fundamentally relational. The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) teaches that a man without a wife lives without joy, blessing and goodness, based on this verse. The Torah Temimah notes that the phrase 'bone of my bones' shows we find our completion through proper relationships with others.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse establishes several key Jewish values: 1) The sanctity of marriage (Kiddushin 2b), 2) The equal dignity of men and women (as both come from the same source), and 3) The concept that human relationships reflect divine wisdom. The Sforno explains that Adam's declaration shows how man and woman together form a complete human being as intended by Hashem.