More than Adam’s Rib
The creation of woman is described in 6 verses in Genesis 2. Many English translations read that God took a “rib” from Adam and made the woman.
When we read the word rib we might think of something small and inconsequential. It’s a part of the human body but not a necessary or essential part. We can break a rib and survive. It’s painful- I have had one and can attest to how painful it is. But a broken rib is not a life or death situation.
Based on the use of the word rib in the translation of Genesis 2:21, we might assume that woman is secondary or small since she comes from Adam's “rib.”
But we would be so wrong. Let’s look at the Hebrew in the passage to understand more about the creation of the woman.
“So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. Then the LORD God made the rib he had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man.” (Gen 2:21-22 CSB)
The Hebrew word translated “rib” or sometimes “side” has multiple meanings. These include board, chamber, sides, walls, and supporting beams. (HALOT page 1030 Accordance Version, NAS Hebrew Dictionary page 7382 Accordance version)
This verse is the only place in Scripture where this word is translated in English as a physical human body part, because, of course, God took a part of the man away in order to craft the woman. All other meanings and uses of this words are architectural and building terms.
In architectural settings in which the word is used in it is related to the stabilizing beam of a structure. It is used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:12-14), the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:20-26) and the altar (Ex. 27:7).
The fact that the word for rib or side here is connected to architecture and a stabilizing beam becomes even more important when we consider that the Hebrew verb used here for “made” is also an architectural term generally translated “to build.” It introduces the realm of craftsmanship. It conveys the inherent beauty, stability, and durability of the thing being made. (TDOT page 169 Accordance version)
Throughout Scripture the verb used in Genesis 2:21 for “made” is also used for building sacred spaces, including the Temple. (It is also interesting to note that the word is used in connection with building structures for war. Ezer, the term that is used to describe the woman, is a word used elsewhere in Scripture in military contexts.)
What do we learn when we pull together this information and look at the creation of the woman in Genesis 2?
It is probable that a portion of Adam’s side was removed, not merely a small rib. From this God uniquely and purposely fashioned the creature that would complete His Imager species. The woman is not an add on, but the capstone of creation.
The use of words that point to building and stabilizing convey the sense that God's creation of Eve brought stability to creation. And, they emphasize the woman’s beauty and the stability and durability that her formation brings to all creation.
When God created the woman, she wasn't just something nice to have. The design and existence of the woman is an essential part of the original “structure” of the dominion mandate and of God's overall plan for creation.
The literal physical link between the man and the woman points to the intimacy between man and woman as they stand equal before God.
She is not a mere extension of man; she possesses a unique individuality in her own right. There is no indication that woman is anything less than the man.
Since her body is made from man’s, there is a consistency between the two of them. As a result, only in one another can they find a fulfilling relationship.