Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:21

What does Genesis 2:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:21 means

To create a suitable companion for Adam, God caused a "deep sleep" to fall upon him, a divinely induced slumber signifying a sacred, surgical act. During this sleep, God meticulously took "one of his ribs" and then "closed up the flesh instead thereof." This precise operation illustrates God's gentle yet powerful surgical skill. The rib, being from Adam’s side, signifies woman's close connection and equality to man, rather than superiority or inferiority, setting the groundwork for their interdependent relationship. This unique creation underscores God's personal involvement in forming humanity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord God sent a deep sleep on the man, and took one of the bones from his side while he was sleeping, joining up the flesh again in its place:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jehovah God causeth a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he sleepeth, and He taketh one of his ribs, and closeth up flesh in its stead.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then the Lord God cast a deep sleep upon Adam: and when he was fast asleep, he took one of his ribs, and filled up flesh for it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah Elohim caused a deep sleep to fall upon Man; and he slept. And he took one of his ribs and closed up flesh in its stead.

Context

Following the realization that no animal was a suitable partner for Adam (verse 20), this verse describes God's direct, surgical intervention to create such a helper. It marks the beginning of the creation of woman, forming the immediate context for all subsequent verses describing her formation, presentation to man, and the institution of marriage. This act is central to understanding the nature of male and female relationship.

v.20And the man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the heavens, and to every beast of the field; but for man there was not found a help meet for him.

v.21This passage

v.22and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 33:15

    In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;

  • 1 Samuel 26:12

    So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.

  • Daniel 8:18

    Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright.

  • Job 4:13

    In thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falleth on men,

  • Genesis 15:12

    And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.

  • Proverbs 19:15

    Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

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