…but for Adam no fitting helper was found[1].
When we look closely at the creation story in the first chapters of the book of Genesis, we can learn many profound things about God’s plan and intentions for our lives – especially, as we have just seen, from the Hebrew words that are used to describe the creation of man and woman. In Genesis 2:20 we read: but for Adam no fitting helper was found. What is the meaning of the original Hebrew words rendered as “fitting helper”?
Since English translations usually render these words as “suitable helper” or “helpmeet”, a woman has traditionally been understood as a man’s assistant, as kind of the second class creature. Most people believe that God created a man for some primary roles and responsibilities, and then he created a woman for some secondary, assisting roles. Is it really true?
The key to the answer is found in the original Hebrew word כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (kenegdo). The basic meaning of the word neged, is “opposite: thus, “the helper” (ezer) is supposed to be “opposite“ to the man. Like Victor Hamilton puts it: “[Kenegdo] suggests that what God creates for Adam will correspond to him. Thus the new creation will be neither a superior nor an inferior, but an equal”.
In these words, we can find not only the Creator’s original plan for a man and a woman, but for their union as well. God designed a marriage to be a union in which husband and wife are equal and complement each other: ezer kenegdo. I believe that, for many husbands and wives, recognition of this original design of marriage might be eye-opening, and even healing.
[1] Gen. 2:20