4 Ways English Bibles Change Eve

In the Bible, the story of Eve in Genesis 2-3 undergoes some interesting changes when translated into English. These changes can impact our understanding of Eve's role and the consequences she faces. Let's explore four key translations that alter the original story.

Firstly, the translation of Eve being created from Adam's "rib" is widely known. However, in ancient Hebrew texts, the word used is closer to "side," suggesting a more equal and interconnected partnership between Adam and Eve.

Secondly, the term "helper" is often used to describe Eve's role. However, the original Hebrew word implies a more significant meaning of "rescuer" or "partner," highlighting a deeper sense of support and collaboration.

Thirdly, there is a difference in translations regarding Eve's desire towards her husband. Some versions say her desire will be "for" her husband, while others say it will be "contrary to" him. This distinction affects our interpretation of the power dynamics and relationship dynamics between men and women.

[nattivl]

About the second one, exactly true, while it doesn't mean "helper" it isn't close to being "rescuer", it means she will be the power to help in contrary to him, meaning she completes and equalizes him.

[omstout]

Now try pointing this out to your Southern Baptist Minister as a 16 y/o kid thinking about going to Seminary...

[exploringlife]

Your research and videos are restorative for those of us who experienced "intellectual abuse" within a religious setting. I was fortunate enough later in life to have studied under a Ph.D. minister who, like you, illuminated language, cultural, even social and political evolution to peel away the layers of folklore and find the real, relatable nuggets of how society tries to find and create love as a world community.

[GoofyAhOklahoma]

About the second one, "rescuer" is not really an apt translation. "Helper" is a closer translation, but not in the sense some people think. The Hebrew word used is _ezer._ This does mean "helper, " but not so much in a subservient sense. Rather, she is described as a helper due to her competence, ability, and intelligence, as well as her willingness to assist Adam. This is not a derogatory term in the slightest. In fact, of all the times that the word _ezer_ appears in the Hebrew Bible, the vast majority of the time, it is in reference to God.

[TheOriginalJphyper]

The priest at my local church goes into things like this in his sermons, which is something I really like. For example, he explained how Greek had several different words for various types of love, but English just has the one all-encompassing word, which naturally complicated the translation.

[justagirl]

English is the only language that I know of that considers a helper as being less than you and calls the employees "the help"
For us Eve being of help to him is actually a good thing and even the way it is formulated implies that she's like a perfect match to him

[ScarletSeas]

As an atheist, you make this kind of stuff actually interesting in a way I've never seen done before, you manage to do it without pushing your views onto other people, and for that, even as just a random person on the internet, you have my respect. Keep up the good work.

[AlbertM]

Consider that the Holy Spirit is also called a helper in the Bible.
The term helper is not meant to imply a hierarchy, but is to demonstrate that Adam simply was unable to function without Eve.
Without the woman, the human condition was fundamentally incomplete and dysfunctional.

[Doilem]

I'm Jewish, and really appreciate when Christians actually look at the legit Hebrew Bible rather than English translations

[jeremiahcomer]

This is why the best ministers, pastors, teachers, etc. always do a deep dive into the original text and include important context.

[danisraelmalta]

As an israeli who was shocked reading the bible crucked translations in various languages (english, arabic), i thank you...

[misschief]

This channel is actually helping preserve my Christianity. After years of being in churches and dealing with all the BS, this really helps me hold on to the idea of a creator that is actually as loving as Christianity claims they are.

[blgraham]

My congregation is messianic, and my rabbi tackles these mis-translations in almost every teaching. I'm glad you are not only digging deeper, but showing others.

[WiggyWamWam]

The helper doesn’t mean a maid… The Holy Spirit is also called the helper…

[AlejandroDeLaRosa]

Please post more videos, they are so well done!

[emmoriecannon]

Everett Fox, a professor and translator, has translated quite a bit of the Old Testament back to its original Hebrew. My husband and I have been reading it and it is so interesting. As a Christian, I believe it is so important to read multiple translations and go back to the original text as much as possible to get the full context. Highly recommend Everett Fox’s work!

[expertbean]

I've always somewhat avoided verbatim wording when it comes to translated bibles and I've been wanting to learn Hebrew to get closer to the original, without all the fiddling of it. Your channel has only confirmed to me that it's extremely important to do so

[ryhol]

Such huge differences. I’ve always looked at “I live word by word” with confusion. Translation is very challenging

[Mer]

As a Jew, I never understood what my Christian friends meant by “other versions of the Bible.”

[benjamindivner]

The text says “עזר כנגדו״ which if you translate literally says “aid him against himself”, the meaning of this is a balancing and opposing force which completed a half into a whole, like yin-yang. It is the flip side of a coin, just like the two sexes have their different roles and are better suited to do them than the other.