Genesis 3:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

NIV: Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

NASB: Now the man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.

CSB: The man named his wife Eve because she was the mother of all the living.

NLT: Then the man — Adam — named his wife Eve, because she would be the mother of all who live.

KJV: And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

NKJV: And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

Most people know of the first woman as "Eve." However, in the book of Genesis, it is not until this moment that the woman created from Adam's rib actually receives her name. Why Scripture chooses this particular moment to mention her name is not entirely clear. It's possible that this is meant to be part of a transition from the doom-and-gloom of the prior passage to a more positive tone. Despite all that's happened so far, this is truly a hopeful verse, especially following God's devastating curses on humanity. A future remains. God would continue to provide in some specific ways.

The name Eve is literally the word "living" in Hebrew, haw'wāh, and is actually used only twice in the Old Testament: here and in Genesis 4:1. In giving her this name, Adam is looking forward to the generation of humans to come.

The following verses will show further proof of God's merciful love for mankind. Rather than destroying them, God provides clothing, and allows them the ability to live on, though in much less ideal circumstances.

Genesis 3:8–24 describes the consequences of man's rebellion against God. After falling to temptation, humans are ashamed and foolishly attempt to hide from God. When confronted with their sin, the man and woman confess, but also attempt to shift the blame to others. Adam even blames God. In response, God issues three individual ''curses'' which affect humanity to this day. Mankind can no longer stay in the ''very good'' garden, and is banished. Even so, God continues to provide for His creation.

Genesis 3 tells the story of paradise lost by the willfulness of human sin. Humanity was originally given every perfect thing they could need or want, and virtually no restrictions. Despite that, Adam and Eve needed only a bit of prompting from a talking serpent to disobey their good Creator. Immediately overcome by shame and quickly cursed by God, the painful story of human history begins with their exit from the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 2 ended with the last glimpse of a sinless world. Adam and Eve are perfect in themselves, in their purpose, and in their relationship as husband and wife. Chapter 3 tells the story of that paradise lost; the result of the first willful human sin. The consequences: immediate shame and lifelong separation from their home with God. Chapter 4 will describe the beginning of their lives together, the beginning of the painful story of human history.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/6/2024 7:41:31 AM