I Would Like To Learn Series #3

IslandWoman

This is the third in a limited series of questions I have for those who know the Bible and may have an answer for me. I will not make further comment on any posts to this thread. My only intent is to understand what those who study the Bible believe and to encourage discussion between them.

Question #3

Why did Adam which I believe means "man" give his wife who he named "woman" the additional name of Eve meaning "living"? Wasn't Adam also the father of "all living"?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies,

IW

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IslandWoman

In the hope of getting some input on this subject: I would like to add that "Eve" whose name is related to the word "living" was of the two (Adam and Eve) the only one recorded as using God's name.

It is interesting that the Man (Adam) gave the Woman a second name but took none for himself. Why, since he too was the father of all living?

Hoping for some input on this. Again, I will not comment on any replies to this thread.

Thanks,

IW

fjtoth

IslandWoman,

This is what seems reasonable to me:

God is the true father of all the living. All mankind would have become his children through descent from Adam, but Adam lost the privilege of being the earthly father of all the living. Our only hope for life is through faith in Christ. This explanation is given in John 1:12, 13, according to the Non-Ecclesiastical New Testament: "But to as many as did receive him, he gave them authority to become the children of God--to those who trust in his name, who were born not of blood, nor out of sexual desire, nor of a man's wishes, but from God."

Adam was "a type of him who was to come." (Romans 5:14) Jesus has taken Adam's place. He is "the last Adam," as stated at 1 Corinthians 15:45: "So also it is written, 'The first man, Adam, became a living soul.' The last Adam became a life-giving spirit." Once a person receives a new birth - being "born again" - that person is no longer a child of Adam. The person becomes a child of God through faith in Christ. "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22)

On the other hand, no woman will ever replace Eve as the mother or ancestress of us all. Even Jesus is called "the seed of the woman [Eve]." (Genesis 3:15)

I hope this is helpful.

fjtoth

LoneWolf

My understanding is similar to fjtoth's, although his answer wouldn't really address why that should be the case in Adam's day.

My thought is strictly speculative, but sometimes things become clearer if we put ourselves in their places. Those people, such as Adam and Eve, were just as human and with the same feelings as you and I.

In this case, Adam did the naming and the recording of those events, if for no other reason that it was his descriptions of those things that were recorded.

If I was in his place, and saw for the first time this exquisite creature that was created to be my mate, I would be enthralled by both her beauty and unique capabilities, while not being anywhere near as preoccupied with my own qualities. I know them fairly well and am used to them.

Perhaps --- just perhaps --- her two names may be a reflection of how valuable she was in his eyes.

LoneWolf

fjtoth

LoneWolf,

Adam gave Eve her new name shortly after they sinned and were cursed. Another speculation to add to yours is that he named her Eve out of his great remorse. The consequences to him were in a sense much worse than hers. He lost his immense honour and privilege of being the founder of the human race. Eve apparently understood that too. Later she said regarding the birth of Cain: "I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD." (Genesis 4:1) She gave no credit to Adam.

Later, after the death of Abel and the curse upon Cain, she seemed to see her world starting all over again with the birth of Seth. She said, "God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, for Cain killed him." Again, no mention of Adam. It seems she sees only God and herself in the picture.

Down until our day, the nurturing of children is done predominantly by their mothers. Even in the story of Jesus' birth, Mary receives far more attention than Joseph.

A new Adam has come into the picture, namely, Christ. Our re-birth through faith in his name brings us back into a relationship with God the Father as his sons and daughters.

Only those born of a woman can receive that special adoption by God. Perhaps to emphasize John the Baptist's unique relationship with God, Jesus said "Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!" (Matthew 11:11) Jesus could have meant just as much in the context if he had merely said "among those born," but he added "of women" possibly for a profound reason.

In the Kingdom, Adam will have been forgotten. He will not be considered the father of all the living. Eve, however, will continue to be known as our first ancestress and mother.

Just some thoughts to add to yours.

fjtoth

LoneWolf

That is indeed something to meditate on....

Never heard that about Eve being named after the fall. How is that calculated?

LoneWolf

P.S. As to her not giving Adam any of the credit --- are you sure you haven't been reading too much of Jean M. Auel's series on "The Clan of the Cave Bear"? Her characters weren't sure what caused it either.

Edited by - LoneWolf on 30 November 2002 10:1:3

fjtoth

LoneWolf,

You asked,

Never heard that about Eve being named after the fall. How is that calculated?

The answer is in Genesis 3:17-20:

"To Adam he said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, "You must not eat of it," Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.' Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living."

Did you hear why Eve got upset with Adam? He stayed out late for a few nights. Eve said, "You're running around with other women." But Adam told her "You're being unreasonable. You know you're the only woman on earth." Well, they argued and argued and finally Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by someone poking him the chest. It was Eve. Adam asked her "What do you think you're doing?" She said, "Counting your ribs."

fjtoth

LoneWolf

ROTFLOL!!! That IS a good one!

And on the other point --- I've been in or around this organization for over 60 years and totally missed that point. LOL. That's a good one on me.

LoneWolf

I Would Like To Learn Series #3

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