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.