Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the term "rib" is most notably associated with the creation of the first woman, Eve, as described in the Book of Genesis. The Hebrew word often translated as "rib" is "צֵלָע" (tsela), which can also mean "side" or "flank." This term appears in the context of God's creation of Eve from Adam's body, highlighting the intimate and purposeful design of humanity.Creation of Eve The account of Eve's creation is found in Genesis 2:21-22 : "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him." This passage underscores the unique relationship between man and woman, emphasizing their unity and equality in the eyes of God. The use of Adam's rib signifies that woman was not created from the dust of the ground, as Adam was, but from a living part of him, symbolizing companionship and partnership. Symbolism and Interpretation The creation of Eve from Adam's rib has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. Traditionally, it is seen as a symbol of the equality and complementarity between men and women. The rib, being a part of the side, suggests that woman is neither above nor below man but stands alongside him. This interpretation aligns with the biblical view of marriage as a partnership, as further elaborated in Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Theological Implications Theologically, the creation of Eve from Adam's rib is significant in understanding the nature of human relationships and the divine intention for marriage. It reflects the idea that men and women are created to be in harmonious relationship with one another, each bringing unique qualities and strengths to the union. This narrative also prefigures the New Testament teaching on the unity of believers in Christ, as seen in Ephesians 5:31-32 , where the Apostle Paul refers to the Genesis account to illustrate the mystery of Christ and the Church. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Genesis account of Eve's creation stands out for its portrayal of woman as an integral and equal partner to man. This contrasts with other ancient creation myths, where women are often depicted as secondary or inferior. The biblical narrative affirms the inherent dignity and worth of both men and women as bearers of the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Conclusion The biblical use of "rib" in the creation of Eve carries profound theological and relational significance. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical view of gender, marriage, and human relationships, emphasizing unity, equality, and mutual respect. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One of the curved bones attached to the vertebral column and supporting the lateral walls of the thorax.2. (n.) That which resembles a rib in form or use. 3. (n.) One of the timbers, or bars of iron or steel, that branch outward and upward from the keel, to support the skin or planking, and give shape and strength to the vessel. 4. (n.) A ridge, fin, or wing, as on a plate, cylinder, beam, etc., to strengthen or stiffen it. 5. (n.) One of the rods on which the cover of an umbrella is extended. 6. (n.) A prominent line or ridge, as in cloth. 7. (n.) A longitudinal strip of metal uniting the barrels of a double-barreled gun. 8. (n.) The chief nerve, or one of the chief nerves, of a leaf. 9. (n.) Any longitudinal ridge in a plant. 10. (n.) In Gothic vaulting, one of the primary members of the vault. These are strong arches, meeting and crossing one another, dividing the whole space into triangles, which are then filled by vaulted construction of lighter material. Hence, an imitation of one of these in wood, plaster, or the like. 11. (n.) A projecting mold, or group of moldings, forming with others a pattern, as on a ceiling, ornamental door, or the like. 12. (n.) Solid coal on the side of a gallery; solid ore in a vein. 13. (n.) An elongated pillar of ore or coal left as a support. 14. (n.) A wife; -- in allusion to Eve, as made out of Adam's rib. 15. (v. t.) To furnish with ribs; to form with rising lines and channels; as, to rib cloth. 16. (v. t.) To enclose, as with ribs, and protect; to shut in. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RIB(tsela`, tsal`ah; Aramaic `ala`): The Hebrew words designate the "side," "flank," thence the "ribs." They are found thus translated only in connection with the creation of Eve: "He (Yahweh) took one of his (Adam's) ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: and the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the man, made he (margin "builded he into") a woman" (Genesis 2:21, 22). The Aramaic word is only found in Daniel 7:5. Greek 5551. chronotribeo -- to spend time ... to spend time. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chronotribeo Phonetic Spelling: (khron-ot-rib-eh'-o) Short Definition: I waste time, spend time Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5551.htm - 6k 4125. pleura -- the side Strong's Hebrew 7379. rib -- strife, disputerib or rib. 7378, 7379. rib or rib. 7380 . strife, dispute. Transliteration: rib or rib Phonetic Spelling: (reeb) Short Definition: strife. ... /hebrew/7379.htm - 6k 6763. tsela -- rib, side 5967. ala -- a rib 7378. rib -- to strive, contend 7239. ribbo -- ten thousand, myriad 2570. chomesh -- belly 7240. ribbo -- myriad 7247. Riblah -- a city in Hamath, also one on NE border of Isr. 7256. ribbea -- pertaining to the fourth 7259. Ribqah -- wife of Isaac Library Whether the Woman was Fittingly Made from the Rib of Man? Why Eve was Formed of Adam's Rib. It is Written that when the Side of Jesus was Pierced "He Shed ... Whether in the State of Innocence Man Would have Been Passible? Whether the Woman was Formed Immediately by God? On Our First Parents and their Fall John Chapter iv. Jan-42 Whether Whatever in the Body Belonged to the Truth of Human Nature ... The Bones and Flesh of Wisdom; the Side Out of which the Spiritual ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Thesaurus Rib (5 Occurrences)... thorax. 2. (n.) That which resembles a rib in form or use. 3 ... 14. (n.) A wife; -- in allusion to Eve, as made out of Adam's rib. 15. (vt) To ... /r/rib.htm - 11k Fifth (65 Occurrences) Thread (32 Occurrences) Ribband (1 Occurrence) Smiteth (156 Occurrences) Dieth (192 Occurrences) Jarib (3 Occurrences) Joarib Jehoiarib (2 Occurrences) Joiarib (5 Occurrences) Resources Why did God use Adam's rib to create Eve? | GotQuestions.orgIs it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about interdependence? | GotQuestions.org Rib: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rib (5 Occurrences)Genesis 2:22 2 Samuel 2:23 2 Samuel 3:27 2 Samuel 4:6 2 Samuel 20:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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