Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 5:2 mean when it says 'male and female He created them'?
A: This verse emphasizes that both man and woman were created by Hashem as part of the original design for humanity. According to Rashi, this reiterates the creation story from Genesis 1:27, showing that both genders are equally important in the divine plan. The Torah teaches that men and women have distinct but complementary roles in serving Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse say 'He called their name Man' if it refers to both male and female?
A: The term 'Adam' (Man) here refers to humanity as a whole, not just the male. As the Ramban explains, the name 'Adam' comes from the word 'adamah' (earth), reminding us that both men and women share the same origin from the earth. This teaches the fundamental unity of mankind despite gender differences.
Q: What is the significance of the blessing mentioned in Genesis 5:2?
A: The blessing refers to the command 'Be fruitful and multiply' given in Genesis 1:28. The Midrash explains that this blessing established the foundation for family life and the continuation of humanity. In Jewish tradition, this blessing forms the basis for the mitzvah of marriage and having children.
Q: How does Genesis 5:2 relate to marriage in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the Torah's view of marriage as the union between male and female. The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) derives from this that 'a man who has no wife lives without blessing.' Jewish law sees marriage as the ideal state where men and women fulfill their spiritual potential together, as originally intended in creation.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Genesis 5:2 about gender roles?
A: The verse teaches that while men and women have different roles (as elaborated in Jewish law and tradition), both are equally valued before Hashem. The Maharal explains that the unity of 'male and female' represents the complete human being. In Orthodox Judaism, this means honoring the unique spiritual contributions of both genders while maintaining traditional distinctions.
The Creation of Male and Female
The verse states: "זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה בְּרָאָם" ("male and female He created them"). Rashi (Bereshit 1:27) explains that this refers to the initial creation of Adam and Chava (Eve) as a single being with two faces (דּוּ פַּרְצוּפִין), later separated into distinct individuals (as detailed in Bereshit 2:21-22). This interpretation is based on the Talmud (Berachot 61a, Eruvin 18a), which describes Adam HaRishon as originally androgynous before Hashem divided him into separate entities.
The Blessing and Naming
The verse continues: "וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתָם וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמָם אָדָם" ("and blessed them, and called their name Man"). Ramban (Bereshit 1:28) notes that the blessing here refers to the command of "פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ" ("be fruitful and multiply"), which is the foundational blessing for humanity. The name "Adam" (אָדָם) is derived from "adamah" (earth), as noted by Rashi, emphasizing humanity's earthly origin, yet also alluding to their divine likeness (צלם אלוקים). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 8:1) elaborates that "Adam" signifies their shared essence despite their physical differentiation.
The Unity of Humanity
The phrase "בְּיוֹם הִבָּרְאָם" ("in the day when they were created") underscores the simultaneity of their creation. The Sforno (Bereshit 1:27) highlights that male and female were formed together to demonstrate their equal partnership in fulfilling humanity’s purpose. The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) further teaches that a man without a woman or a woman without a man is incomplete, as the verse collectively refers to them as "Adam."
Key Teachings from the Verse