Cook's helper or Partner? In Genesis 2, when God creates the woman, she is described in relation to the man. In two Hebrew words packed full of meaning, ‘ezer kenegdo,’ God describes how the two are designed to go together. They are made for each other, just hours apart. Once together, they are to be a resourceful and satisfied pair, at home together in Eden. Modern language versions of the Bible translate these two Hebrew words in confusing and contradictory ways. But there really is no cause for confusion. The two words in Genesis 2:18 are not that hard to translate. An ‘ezer kenegdo’ is someone who is equal, a counterpart, one who works together with another as they help each other through sharing their strengths.
The Eden Podcast is where we think again about the Bible on women and men. We start with a correct understanding of what happened in the Garden of Eden back in the beginning. Bruce C. E. Fleming is founder of the Tru316 Project and a former Academic Dean and Professor of Practical Theology. He presents the research of his wife, Dr. Joy Fleming, on Genesis 3:16 and how her insights help us understand the 7 Key Passages in the Bible on women and men. Visit Tru316
