I love those (figuratively speaking) Lightbulb moments when what seemed like an impossible problem is suddenly resolved with a beautiful solution. I believe Adam saw the first “Aha!” moment in life when God created Eve.
In Genesis 2 God decides to create Eve; “a helper suitable for him (Adam).” After each day of creation, God declared, “It was good,” except the day God created Adam. On this day, God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make a partner for him (Gen. 2:18-20).
The word “helper” as found in most English translations implies a tone of subordination. But to view Eve from the aspect of Adam’s assistant or helper is an inadequate understanding of the Hebrew. In Hebrew the phrase is ezer kenegdo; better translated, as “a saving strength corresponding to him.” Of the 19 times ezer is used in the Bible, 16 of those times specifically refer to God himself as the strength or the one who saves Israel. Ezer describes either the strength of God saving Israel, or an ally army with the strength to give Israel success. Ezer is never used to describe an assistant or subordinate helper.
The word kenegdo is a compound word of three parts meaning, “as + in front of + him”. The middle word “negd,” in noun form is “nagid,” which is used to describe God’s appointed leaders of Israel, specifically of Saul, David, and Solomon. So Eve, as Adam’s ezer kenegdo, is God’s provision of saving strength given to Adam as a partner in stewardship, governance, and companionship in life. Nothing in this passage subordinates Eve, instead it emphasizes both are made in the image of God, both rule over the animals of the earth, and both are blessed to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. Eve is Adam’s saving strength, without whom Adam cannot experience all of God’s intended blessings.
The first three chapters of Genesis are often referenced as a biblical perspective on marriage, family, or gender hierarchy. Not only are these chapters often misrepresented to subjugate women; they are often not seen broadly enough to honor the gift God has given humanity in his creation of man and woman beyond marriage. Single people are blessed through the opportunity to work with and serve alongside members of the opposite sex. God’s gift to men and women is each other. Eve was a great gift to Adam precisely because she was not inferior or subordinate but an equal peer with real ability to help Adam with the hardest issues of life.
I’ve had the opportunity to experience the “saving strength” found in the partnership I have with my wife many times during our marriage of almost 30 years, but most profoundly during the four deployments, overseas assignments, and while traveling worldwide for almost two years as an instructor. These challenging seasons were a master class in learning to respect, work together, and learn from each other in ways we had not before. We learned that we didn’t need each other to survive, but we thrived when we worked together. We learned we are better together even when we are apart.
Jaisen Fuson
Elder