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Genesis 15:12
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

1 Samuel 26:12
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man sawit, nor knewit, neither awaked: for theywere all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

Job 4:13
In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

and while he slept
The state of sleep here is not just physical rest but a divine anesthesia, allowing God to perform a creative act without Adam's awareness or participation. This can be seen as a precursor to the concept of rest in the Sabbath, where God completes His work and humanity benefits from it. It also foreshadows the idea of spiritual rest found in Christ, as mentioned inHebrews 4:9-10.

He took one of the man’s ribs
The choice of a rib is significant, symbolizing equality and partnership. The rib, being from the side, suggests that woman is neither above nor below man but alongside him. This act of taking a rib can be seen as a type of Christ, who was pierced in His side on the cross (John 19:34), symbolizing the birth of the Church, His bride. The rib's removal and subsequent creation of woman highlight the intimate and purposeful design of human relationships.

and closed up the area with flesh
This phrase indicates God's meticulous care in creation, ensuring that Adam was made whole again. It reflects the completeness and perfection of God's work, as seen throughout the creation narrative. The closing up with flesh also signifies healing and restoration, themes prevalent in the redemptive work of Christ, who heals and restores humanity through His sacrifice. This act of closing up can be seen as a precursor to the resurrection, where what is broken or incomplete is made whole.

• The action begins with “the LORD God,” underscoring that creation, including marriage, is His sovereign work (Genesis 1:26;Isaiah 64:8;Acts 17:24–25).

• Man does not initiate the formation of woman; God does. This highlights both divine authority and loving intention.

• From the outset, the text affirms that humanity’s design is purposeful, not accidental (Psalm 139:13–16).

• God provides the first “anesthetic.” The deep sleep (tardemah) appears elsewhere when God establishes covenants or protects His servants (Genesis 15:12;1 Samuel 26:12).

• Sleep signals trust. Adam’s contributions cease while God works, mirroring salvation by grace—God acts while humanity rests (Ephesians 2:8–9;Psalm 127:2).

• It also protects Adam from pain or fear, revealing divine mercy in the creative process (James 1:17).

• God’s timing often unfolds when we are still (Exodus 14:13–14).

• The phrase reminds us that God is never idle; He works on our behalf even when we are unaware (Mark 4:27;Psalm 121:3–4).

• Adam’s unconscious state precludes boasting; all credit belongs to God (1 Corinthians 1:31).

• Literally “a side,” indicating close proximity to Adam’s heart. Woman is neither from his head to rule over him nor from his feet to be trampled, but from his side to be cherished (Ephesians 5:28–29).

• The biblical record presents this as a historical, physical event, establishing the unity and sameness of man and woman—both bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27;1 Corinthians 11:8).

• The singular rib points to exclusivity: one man, one woman, one flesh (Matthew 19:4–6).

• God completes the first surgery, instantly healing Adam—an act of perfect provision and care (Psalm 147:3).

• The closure demonstrates that nothing is lost in God’s design; what is removed to bless another is restored by His hand (Philippians 4:19).

• Adam’s scar would forever remind him of the cost and value of his companion, anticipating Christ’s scars that purchase His bride, the Church (John 20:27;Ephesians 5:25).

Genesis 2:21 records a literal, historical moment when God personally fashioned woman out of man. Every detail spotlights God’s sovereignty, humanity’s dependence, and the covenant nature of marriage. The deep sleep reveals trust, the rib signifies unity and intimacy, and the healing closure showcases divine care. Taken together, the verse teaches that marriage is God-initiated, life-giving, and designed for mutual blessing—an enduring pattern still upheld and celebrated throughout Scripture.

One of his ribs.--The word is never translatedribexcept in this place, but alwaysside, flank.This is the true meaning also of the Latin word by which it is rendered in the Vulgate,costa,as shown in the Frenchcote,and ourcoastBoth the Greek and Syriac also translate by words which primarily signify theside,but derivatively therib.Woman was not formed out of one of man's many ribs, of which he would not feel the loss. She is one side of man; and though he may have several sides to his nature and character, yet without woman one integral portion of him is wanting.

Closed up the flesh instead thereof.--Literally,closed up flesh under it,that is, in its place. This does not mean that man now has flesh where before he had thisside,but that a cavity was prevented by drawing the flesh on the two edges close together. Metaphysically it means that man has no compensation for what was abstracted from him, except in the woman, who is the one side of his nature which he has lost.