As a helper/sustainer, Eve was not just similar to, corresponding to, or equal to Adam she was the perfect counterpart to Adam. She was not inferior or lesser to him in any way. The two words together, ezer kenegdo, could be translated as “a helper/sustainer equivalent to him.” Verse 2:18b could therefore read as “I will make him a helper/sustainer who is equivalent (or equal) to him.” From Adam’s side, God built the female counterpart of/to Adam. However, it is interesting to note the differences, and similarities God designed into men and women. You can quickly look up studies on the physiological differences, and I don’t want to get into all of the differences and nuances between men and women in this article. The differences between men and women, males and females, have been well documented by many scientific studies. God made Eve to be Adam’s counterpart, to complete him. It is important to remember that even though Eve was equal to Adam, she was still very different. The wording places the woman in a relationship with the man of equality and mutuality. The English word “equivalent” (equal in value, measure, force, effect, significance, etc.:) sums up the term kenegdo nicely. Kenegdo means “similar to him,” or “corresponding to him,” or equal to him.” 4 I think that a combination of the terms presents an accurate description of Eve. Putting them together gives you the word kenegdo (ודגנו). The term neged has attached to it the prefix ke (בּ) (this preposition connotates “having the same nature as,” or “consisting of” 3) and the suffix o (ו) (a third person singular pronoun typically is translated as “of him”).
The Hebrew term kenegdo (translated as “fit” in the ESV) comes from the root word “neged” is defined as “in the presence of, or in front of.” 2 However, the word used isn’t simply “neged ” the word has a prefix at the beginning and a suffix at the end. I think the word “sustainer” – one who strengthens and supports physically or mentally – would be a better choice than “helper.” Our English word “helper” does not adequately render the richness of ezer. Nothing in the term ezer suggests that there is a subservient status of the helper. The “helper” is in a position of strength coming to “help” or aid the one in need. In Exodus 18:4, Deut 33:7, Psalm 20:2 (and 13 other verses), the term ezer demonstrates God as Israel’s helper. For example, in Isaiah 30:5, Ezekiel 12:14, and Daniel 11:34, ezer is used to show military support by other nations to “help” or defend Israel from other countries. 1 The Old Testament tends to use this word in military terms. The Hebrew term “ezer” is generally defined as “help or support,” but in Genesis 2:18, it denotes mutual assistance. “I will make him a helper (רזע / ezer) fit (דגנ / neged) for him.” (Genesis 2:18b) It wasn’t until Adam realized that he was alone, that God stepped in to fill the need. There was no other human in the garden for Adam to interact with. Through the process of naming the animals, Adam realized that he was alone. Genesis 2:20 notes that there was no suitable helper for Adam. Adam discovered that every creature had a mate except himself during the naming process.
After God created Adam, he brought the animals to see what names Adam would give them. Genesis chapter two, verses 7-20, provide the account of Adam’s creation and life in the Garden of Eden. Wickstrom all Scriptures quoted from the ESVīefore we look at “Adam’s rib,” we need to understand why God created Eve.
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