S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In Genesis 2:18, we read of the one thing that was not declared "good" in all of God's creation: "Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone.'" The same verse includes God...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jae Park Supporter

The following is my limited understanding on Gen 2:18

1) Reason for Creation for Eve [Gen 2:18]
a) God saw something that was not good. 
 Adam was not complete nor perfect without Eve. 
 God made Adam to need someone, 
 even beyond fellowship with Him! Adam needs a helper
b) I will make him a helper comparable to him 
 God made Eve for Adam (1Cor 11:9) 
 It implies woman is the glory of man (1Cor 11:7)
 Adam was not made for Eve: Eve was made for Adam
 It implies female should be under Male’s authority (1Cor 11:10) 

2) God's Purpose for Eve [Gen 2:18]
a) Eve is a Helper to Adam
 Eve was to help Adam so that He could fulfill God’s command
 Adam could not fulfill God’s command without Eve. 	
 Eve makes Adam capable of obeying God’s command [Gen 1:28]
 Reproduction and ruling over the earth
 Life of female is defined by how much she helps her husband. 
b) Eve is comparable to Adam
 To help Adam, Eve should be equal and adequate to Adam. 
 Eve was worthy of Adam; perfect fit for him. 
c) Eve is good for Adam [Adam is good for Eve]
	Helper means Adam needs Eve; Eve needs Adam. 
	Male and female both need each other: mutual dependency 
 Eve completes Adam; Adam completes Eve
	Helper does not mean woman is inferior 
	Man leadership, woman submission is good 
 (Eph 5;22; 1Tim 2:13)

November 27 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How was the woman a helper suitable for the man?

ESV, Genesis 2: 18: "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'"

In Genesis 2:18, the woman was a suitable helper because she was created as a complementary counterpart, not an inferior servant, to cure man's aloneness; she was made from his own being (rib), signifying shared humanity, equal worth, and a unique, intimate partnership designed to fulfill God's purpose for creation together, as expressed by the Hebrew ezer kenegdo (a helper corresponding to him). 

A phrase translated from the Hebrew ezer kenegdo (Helper Corresponding to Him): This Hebrew phrase means "a helper fit for him," "a helper opposite him," or "a helper like him." It signifies someone who matches and completes him, sharing his nature, not someone subordinate.

The Hebrew word ezer ("helper") is also used throughout the Old Testament to describe God as a "help" or "rescuer" to humanity. This indicates that a "helper" is not a subordinate or a servant, but rather a vital source of strength and support.

Shared Nature (Bone of His Bones): Eve was formed from Adam's rib, making her "bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh". This emphasises their essential oneness and shared humanity, unlike the animals Adam named.

Complementary Design: She was built to complement what he lacked, providing companionship and partnership in the stewardship of creation. They are meant to be a perfect fit, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Cure for Aloneness: God declared it "not good for the man to be alone." The woman's creation was God's solution to loneliness, providing the relationship Adam needed.

Equal in Worth: As both male and female were made in God's image (Genesis 1:27), woman was created as an equal human being, deserving honour, not as a lesser being or servant. 

The Bible says that a good wife is "a helper" for her husband and "a complement" to him. (Gen. 2:18) Is this a demeaning description? No! A wife's role as a helper is a dignified one. In fact, the Bible often describes Jehovah as a "helper." (Ps. 54:4; Heb. 13:6) A wife is a faithful helper to her husband when she supports him and helps him to implement decisions that affect the family. 

(Genesis 2:18) A complement is something that completes or makes perfect. Thus, God created the woman, not to be the same as the man or to compete with him, but to be his counterpart. Together, they could fulfil their divine commission to have children and fill the earth with their own kind.​—Genesis 1:28.

Example: Think of the complementary roles played by a surgeon and an anaesthetist during surgery. Can one manage without the other? Hardly! Though the surgeon performs the actual operation, is he more important? It is hard to say. 

Likewise, God created the man and the woman to work closely together, not to compete with each other.​—Genesis 2:24.

Also, think of a knife and fork - have you tried cutting a steak with a fork? It is hard, but if you use a steak knife, then the steak cuts quite easily; they complement each other, as does a man and his wife.

Afam needed "a helper." Now he had one who was just right. Eve was ideally suited to be Adam's complement—caring for their garden home and the animals, producing children, and providing the intellectual stimulus and support of a faithful companion.​—Genesis 1:26-30.

She was created from the man's rib (or side), symbolising their essential oneness. This made her "bone of his bones," establishing a profound physical and spiritual connection that forms the basis for marriage.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report