Genesis 2:18

Context

The verse belongs to the second creation account in Genesis 2. After God forms the man from the dust and places him in the Garden of Eden (2:7–17), He says for the first time, "It is not good," in contrast to the refrain "it was good" repeated throughout chapter 1. God then brings the animals to the man to be named, but "for Adam there was not found an help meet for him" (2:20), and God makes the woman from the man's rib (2:21–22).

"Help meet" renders the Hebrew ezer kenegdo. Ezer is understood to mean "helper," and kenegdo "corresponding to him" or "suitable for him."

Interpretations

• Complementarian reading: Men and women are equal in dignity and worth but have different roles within the order of creation. From the fact that the woman was created after the man in order to help him, this view derives male leadership in the home and the church. It appeals to 1 Corinthians 11:8–9 and 1 Timothy 2:13 in the New Testament. Some conservative Presbyterians and Baptists hold this position.
• Egalitarian reading: Noting that ezer is frequently used in the Old Testament of God Himself (Exodus 18:4; Psalm 121:1–2; and elsewhere), this view holds that the word carries no connotation of lower status. It likewise reads kenegdo as denoting an equal partner and holds that the verse speaks not of hierarchy but of a partnership in which each supplies what the other lacks. This reading is widely accepted in denominations that practice women's ordination, such as the Methodist and Holiness churches.
• Communal reading: This view holds that the focus of the verse lies less in marriage itself than in the fact that human beings are created to live in relationship, and it therefore applies the verse to single people and to the community as a whole.

Questions of Application

Some observe that the Korean word for "helping" (dongneun) tends to evoke an assistant or aide, so that the term is easily read as implying a lower status than the original intends. Others counter that even when the meaning of the original language is emphasized, the significance of the order of creation must still be weighed separately. Concerns have also been raised that the verse is used to pressure single believers toward marriage.

In the Korean Church

The verse is the most common sermon text at wedding services, and the expression "help meet" (dongneun baepil) is used within the church almost as an everyday term for a spouse. It is also frequently cited in young adult ministries when members pray for a future spouse.

Related Passages

• Genesis 2:20–24
• Psalm 121:1–2
• 1 Corinthians 11:11–12
• Ephesians 5:21–33