Topical Bible: Man: Not Good For, to be Alone

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept that it is not good for man to be alone is rooted in the creation narrative found in the Book of Genesis. This principle underscores the importance of companionship and community in human life, as ordained by God.

Biblical Foundation

The foundational scripture for this topic is Genesis 2:18, where the LORD God observes, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." . This declaration comes after God has created Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden. Despite the perfection of the environment and Adam's direct relationship with God, there is a recognition of an inherent need for human companionship.

Creation of Woman

Following this declaration, God creates Eve from Adam's rib, establishing the first human relationship and instituting the divine ordinance of marriage. Genesis 2:21-24 describes this process, culminating in the profound statement, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." . This union is not merely a social contract but a divinely instituted covenant that reflects God's design for human relationships.

Theological Implications

The statement that it is not good for man to be alone has significant theological implications. It highlights the relational nature of humanity, created in the image of a relational God (Genesis 1:27). Human beings are designed for relationships, not only with God but also with one another. This need for companionship is not limited to marriage but extends to the broader community, emphasizing the importance of family, friendship, and fellowship within the body of Christ.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament further elaborates on the importance of community and relationships. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church, emphasizing that believers are interconnected and interdependent. Each member has a role to play, and the absence of one affects the whole. This reinforces the idea that isolation is contrary to God's design for humanity.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the principle that it is not good for man to be alone encourages believers to seek and nurture relationships. This includes the pursuit of marriage for those called to it, as well as active participation in the life of the church and community. It calls for intentional efforts to build and maintain relationships that reflect the love and unity found in the Trinity.

Cultural Reflections

In contemporary society, where individualism is often celebrated, the biblical teaching that it is not good for man to be alone serves as a countercultural reminder of the value of community. It challenges believers to resist the temptation of isolation and to engage in meaningful relationships that honor God and fulfill His purpose for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Does the Body Cause the Soul to Sin?
... flesh that is the sinner, then on its account alone did the ... that part; and this is
not the act of a good man. For not even when a man does good to his children ...
/.../chapter viii does the body cause.htm

Saved by Grace Alone.
... your prayers, or your fastings, or your trials, or your good resolutions, or ... But
Paul tells us plainly that it is "not of works, lest any man should boast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter ii saved by grace.htm

Man's Place in the World.
... aspects of the relation. "It is not good for man to be alone" were the
significant words of Jehovah. Hence animals, birds, and, last ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study i mans place in.htm

Its Evidence
... all exhortations and reproofs by saying, "We are not justified by ... professing to be
a believer, when a man is devoid ... I am unable to appeal to any good works and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/9 its evidence.htm

writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy
... Chapter 35. --The Tree Was Forbidden to Adam Not Because It Was Evil, But Because
It Was Good for Man to Be Subject to God. Chapter 36. ...
/.../augustine/writings in connection with the manichaean controversy /

Why we Believe the Bible.
... They are for the good of others. ... 10. Its Spiritual Character. It is evident that
man alone could not have conceived the lofty ideas of the scripture. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter i why we believe.htm

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... to be permanent, it will drive to many other good works, to ... do no more than overcome
unchastity, and not pervert nature ... that when evil lust stirs, a man flee to ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm

Entering into the Infinite
... his selfish gratifications, and who practices not good-will and ... compassion, for such
a one hath not wisdom, vain ... Let a man abandon self, let him overcome the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/entering into the infinite.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... to those who already believe, it briefly adds, "What man is he ... devotees of good,
we who eagerly desire good things ... ye who are near: the word has not been hidden ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... of every good work so deal with us, man can have ... pride, and in the meantime, however,
neglected not to keep ... God by separating what He of His good pleasure has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm