Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "woman" finds its origin in the biblical account of creation as recorded in the Book of Genesis. According to the Scriptures, the creation of woman is a divine act by God, intended to complement and complete man. The narrative provides both the etymological and theological basis for the name "woman."

Creation of Woman

In Genesis 2:18, the LORD God observes, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." This statement underscores the purpose of woman's creation as a companion and helper to man, highlighting the relational aspect of humanity as designed by God.

The process of woman's creation is detailed in Genesis 2:21-22: "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him." This act signifies the intimate and purposeful creation of woman, distinct from the rest of creation, as she is fashioned from man himself.

Etymology of "Woman"

The name "woman" is derived from the Hebrew word "ishshah," which is closely related to "ish," the Hebrew word for "man." This linguistic connection is explicitly noted in Genesis 2:23, where Adam declares, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for out of man she was taken." The Hebrew play on words emphasizes the intrinsic link between man and woman, reflecting their shared humanity and origin.

Theological Implications

The naming of woman by Adam signifies not only the recognition of her origin but also the establishment of her identity and role within the created order. The act of naming in the biblical context often implies authority and relational understanding. By naming her "woman," Adam acknowledges her as an integral part of himself, yet distinct, highlighting the unity and diversity within the human family.

Furthermore, the creation of woman from man's rib symbolizes equality and partnership. As Matthew Henry famously commented, woman was "not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved."

Biblical Significance

The origin and naming of woman carry profound theological significance, reflecting God's intentional design for human relationships. The complementary nature of man and woman is foundational to the biblical understanding of marriage and family, as further elaborated in Genesis 2:24: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

In summary, the name "woman" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of creation, signifying both her origin from man and her role as his companion. This understanding is central to the biblical portrayal of gender, marriage, and human relationships as ordained by God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 2:23
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Word Woman, Especially in Connection with Its Application ...
... her virginity; since he added withal: "For this cause shall a ... show to derive from
the Scriptures the origin of their ... too, who use the name of woman more (than ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter v of the word woman.htm

A Short Account of the Origin of Methodism in England
... seems proper that we should trace its origin in England ... of instruction from his mother,
a woman admirably qualified ... Of his fidelity in the cause of his Master ...
/.../chapter 1 a short account.htm

Manes, the Founder of the Manich??an Heresy, and on his Origin.
... the Founder of the Manich??an Heresy, and on his Origin. ... A certain woman at whose
house he had lodged buried ... itself with faith; or for what other cause, is, at ...
/.../chapter xxii manes the founder of.htm

Eve and Mary.
... is the lesson or examples of a woman, whose poisoned ... so the holy and faithful generation
traces its origin to mothers ... you will be either a cause of temptation ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter v eve and mary.htm

The Empress Theodora
... it have been possible for a woman of such ... Theodora was of obscure and lowly origin,
that she ... for the pious empress who espoused their cause, these Monophysites ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xi the empress theodora.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... writings; but these are of too late origin and contain ... her a formal bill of divorcement
for cause, as in ... the circumcision of Jesus an old Hebrew woman took the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

A Woman's Memorial
... This woman did an extraordinary thing for Christ ... I believe that the origin of Sabbath
schools is to be ... be fifty schemes for the promotion of the cause of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a womans memorial.htm

Chrysostom's Youth and Training, AD 347-370.
... of Christianity on the character of woman, and through ... making the worse cause appear
the better cause, seemed to ... The precise origin of this prayer is uncertain ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter ii chrysostoms youth and training.htm

The Kingdom Foreshadowed
... the curses pronounced upon the serpent, upon the woman, upon the ... 8. Name the cause
of the flood and the number of ... Give origin, meaning and location of Mizpah. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/i the kingdom foreshadowed.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
... and perverse doctrine, because they do not first teach the origin and cause of
contrition ... Christ goes for nothing; who, when he absolved the woman taken in ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of penance.htm

Resources
Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org

Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org

Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Woman

Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful

Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments

Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment

Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls

Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun

Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law

Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security

Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints

Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel

Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors

Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity

Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ

Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy

Woman: (Wise) Saints

Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David

Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War

Woman: Curse Pronounced On

Woman: Deceived by Satan

Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity

Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence

Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error

Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful

Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry

Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent

Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex

Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described

Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them

Woman: Led Man to Disobey God

Woman: Loving and Affectionate

Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture

Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners

Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation

Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments

Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water

Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery

Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn

Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning

Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep

Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War

Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name

Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image

Woman: Originally Made for Man

Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs

Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man

Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man

Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man

Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child

Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy

Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of

Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands

Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring

Woman: Timid

Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews

Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace

Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering

Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of

Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation

Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband

Woman: Weaker than Man

Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours

Woman: Young: Called Damsels

Woman: Young: Called Maids

Woman: Young: Called Virgins

Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents

Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments

Woman: Young: Gay and Merry

Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir

Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers

Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity

Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive

Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War

Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed

Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed

Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders

Womanizer

Related Terms

Woman's (20 Occurrences)

Woman-servant (12 Occurrences)

Servant-woman (7 Occurrences)

Bond-woman (6 Occurrences)

Free-woman (4 Occurrences)

Waiting-woman (2 Occurrences)

Free-woman's (1 Occurrence)

Childbirth (24 Occurrences)

Cushite (15 Occurrences)

Adventuress (5 Occurrences)

Adulteress (12 Occurrences)

Sex (51 Occurrences)

Alabaster (6 Occurrences)

Snake (43 Occurrences)

Slept (74 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Sexual (59 Occurrences)

Committing (30 Occurrences)

Contentions (20 Occurrences)

Allows (7 Occurrences)

Acquitted (24 Occurrences)

Approaches (8 Occurrences)

Abdomen (4 Occurrences)

Shameful (27 Occurrences)

Shunem (3 Occurrences)

Suckling (19 Occurrences)

Slave-girl (6 Occurrences)

Servant-girl (18 Occurrences)

Shrink (10 Occurrences)

Virginity (12 Occurrences)

Seest (52 Occurrences)

Separation (50 Occurrences)

Swell (9 Occurrences)

Sarah (38 Occurrences)

Apparel (38 Occurrences)

Anguish (75 Occurrences)

Causeth (209 Occurrences)

Sinning (59 Occurrences)

Cured (62 Occurrences)

Stoned (38 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Covered (325 Occurrences)

Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)

Veiled (23 Occurrences)

Virtuous (5 Occurrences)

Zipporah (3 Occurrences)

Caused (468 Occurrences)

Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)

Conceived (66 Occurrences)

Spreadeth (37 Occurrences)

Conceive (23 Occurrences)

Conceiveth (27 Occurrences)

Childbearing (5 Occurrences)

Canaanitish (4 Occurrences)

Contentious (13 Occurrences)

Copulation (11 Occurrences)

Conscious (93 Occurrences)

Attire (11 Occurrences)

Adjure (16 Occurrences)

Afflicted (171 Occurrences)

Adulterous (12 Occurrences)

Abigail (18 Occurrences)

Syrophoenician (1 Occurrence)

Samar'ia (4 Occurrences)

Shaven (7 Occurrences)

Shaved (23 Occurrences)

Sweep (34 Occurrences)

Shaul (10 Occurrences)

Sorrows (37 Occurrences)

Cover (254 Occurrences)

Veil (67 Occurrences)

Ah (43 Occurrences)

Smooth (39 Occurrences)

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Concubine (21 Occurrences)

Commits (39 Occurrences)

Countenance (67 Occurrences)

Answereth (144 Occurrences)

Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War
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