Description:
The man falls into a deep sleep. Then God takes a piece from his side and from that part forms the woman. When He awakens him, He presents her to him as his companion, and the man recognizes in her his counterpart: bone of his bones, flesh of his flesh.
Technique: digital painting.
Dimensions: 3.508 x 4.961 px.
The Creation of Eve: According to conventional translations, Eve was created from one of Adam's ribs. However, the original term צֵלָע (Heb. TselaThe word literally means "side" and – with the exception of the interpretative choice in Genesis 2 – is never translated as rib in its occurrences in the Bible.1. Thus, translating this term as "side" in Genesis 2 also better reflects the original meaning, highlighting that the woman was formed from the same components as the man, as his counterpart and equal – "[...] this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh [...]" (Genesis 2:23, NIV).
Just as man (Heb. Adam) is created from the earth (Heb. Adamah) and both have a vocational connection, the woman (Heb. Ishah) is made from man (Heb. Ish) and establishes a profound relationship of care among those of the same species. To Cain's question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9b, KJV), the answer is yes. In Eden, three types of relationships are established for people: between God and humanity, between humanity and creation, and between humanity itself.2.
Leveling the term "helper": The word "helper" associated with Eve (Genesis 2:20, ARA) carries for many the idea of the inferiority of women in relation to men. However, when we analyze this term within the biblical context, the conclusion goes in a different direction. This is because the term "helper" comes from the Hebrew word עֵזֶר (Heb. EzerThis occurs twenty-one times in the Bible: sixteen times related to God, three times to a leader, and twice to Eve. In all contexts in which ezer It is used for God and these leaders, the help comes from someone superior and not the other way around. Example: “Our hope is in the Lord; he is our help [Heb. Ezer"And our shield" (Psalm 33:20, NIV).
From this perspective, the idea is reversed, since the woman would appear to be superior to the man. However, Genesis 2:18 says: “a suitable helper.” The woman is created from a piece of the man’s side (or rib) (Gen. 2:22), a part that comes from the middle of his body—neither above nor below. Both woman and man are seen as having the same value in God’s eyes and share the same callings established by Him (See visual commentaries on Gen 2a).
- Biblical Archaeology Society Staff. The Adam and Eve Story: Eve Came From Where? Biblical Archaeology Society , Apr. 17, 2025. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/bible-interpretation/the-adam-and-eve-story-eve-came-from-where/. Oct. 31, 2025.
- BIBLE. Bíblia de estudo Thomas Nelson. 1. ed. São Paulo: Thomas Nelson Brasil, 2021, p. 59, nota de rodapé 2:25.
