Bible Quote by Stasi Eldredge
![“When God creates Eve, he calls her an ezer kenegdo. 'It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him [an ezer kenegdo]' (Gen. 2:18 Alter). Hebrew scholar Robert Alter, who has spent years translating the book of Genesis, says that this phrase is 'notoriously difficult to translate.' The…” quote by Stasi Eldredge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/177/stasi-eldredge-10495_bible_when-god-creates-eve-he-calls-her-an-eze_657900.jpg)
““When God creates Eve, he calls her an ezer kenegdo. 'It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him [an ezer kenegdo]' (Gen. 2:18 Alter). Hebrew scholar Robert Alter, who has spent years translating the book of Genesis, says that this phrase is 'notoriously difficult to translate.' The various attempts we have in English are "helper" or "companion" or the notorious "help meet." Why are these translations so incredibly wimpy, boring, flat...disappointing? What is a help meet, anyway? What little girl dances through the house singing "One day I shall be a help meet?" Companion? A dog can be a companion. Helper? Sounds like Hamburger Helper. Alter is getting close when he translates it "sustainer beside him" The word ezer is used only twenty other places in the entire Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God himself, when you need him to come through for you desperately.””
About This Quote
The Hebrew term “ezer kenegdo” is a complex concept of a supportive partner, often mistranslated as “helper,” highlighting deep relational interdependence in creation narratives.
In simple terms: “Ezer kenegdo” means a sustaining partner, not just a helper.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper meaning in sacred texts.
Themes
religion
language
translation
gender
partnership
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
theological
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- interfaith dialogue
- biblical studies
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
theology
linguistics
cultural interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our view of partnership?
- What alternative translations could capture the original intent?
A Different Perspective
Translations may reflect cultural biases, limiting understanding.
![“When God creates Eve, he calls her an ezer kenegdo. “It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him [an ezer kenegdo]” (Gen. 2:18 Alter). Hebrew scholar Robert Alter, who has spent years translating the book of Genesis, says that this phrase is “notoriously difficult to translate.” The…” quote by John Eldredge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/932/john-eldredge-1487_bible_when-god-creates-eve-he-calls-her-an-eze_1351644.jpg)
