2.4-6

 

 

2.7

 

 

2.8-9

 

 

2.15-17

 

 

2.18-20

 

 

2.21-22

 

 


Note the ways Genesis 2.18 is translated in the following versions.

KJV an help meet for him. NASB: a helper suitable for him
Darby: a helpmate, his like. NRSV: a helper as his partner.
RSV: a helper fit for him. TEV: a suitable companion to help him

Literally, the Hebrew says, "I will make for him a help (or helper) kenegdo." Kenegdo means "in front of" but it can have both the sense of "opposite" or "corresponding to." According to rabbinic reflections, a worthy man will have a wife who is against him in all the right ways; an unworthy man will have one who is for him in all the wrong ways.


FYI - That we have two creation stories is usually acknowledged to be the result of two different traditions that have been brought together later. The story in Genesis 1 is attributed to a Priestly or P Source. You can usually recognize this source because it uses "God" to refer to God. This source is interested in God's ordering and regulating of human existence. The story in Genesis 2 is by a Yahwist or J Source. You can recognize this source because it uses "Lord" to refer to God. (Yahweh or Jahweh is the Hebrew word for "Lord.") The J source is especially interested in describing God's relationships with humans.