Genèse 2:18

18 Et l'Éternel Dieu dit: Il n'est pas bon que l'homme soit seul; je lui ferai une aide semblable à lui.

Genèse 2:18 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 2:18

And the Lord God said
Not at the same time he gave the above direction and instruction to man, how to behave according to his will, but before that, even at the time of the formation of Adam and which he said either to him, or with himself: it was a purpose or determination in his own mind, and may be rendered, as it is by many, he "had said" ^F2, on the sixth day, on which man was created, [it is] not good that man should be alone;
not pleasant and comfortable to himself, nor agreeable to his nature, being a social creature; nor useful to his species, not being able to propagate it; nor so much for the glory of his Creator: I will made him an help meet for him;
one to help him in all the affairs of life, not only for the propagation of his species, but to provide things useful and comfortable for him; to dress his food, and take care of the affairs of the family; one "like himself" ^F3, in nature, temper, and disposition, in form and shape; or one "as before him" ^F4, that would be pleasing to his sight, and with whom he might delightfully converse, and be in all respects agreeable to him, and entirely answerable to his case and circumstances, his wants and wishes.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (rmayw) "dixerat", Vatablus, Drusius, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
F3 (wdgnk) "simile sibi", V. L. Sam. Syr.
F4 "Tanquam coram eo", Montanus.

Genèse 2:18 In-Context

16 Et l'Éternel Dieu commanda à l'homme, en disant: Tu peux manger librement de tout arbre du jardin.

17 Mais, quant à l'arbre de la connaissance du bien et du mal, tu n'en mangeras point; car au jour où tu en mangeras, certainement tu mourras.

18 Et l'Éternel Dieu dit: Il n'est pas bon que l'homme soit seul; je lui ferai une aide semblable à lui.

19 Et l'Éternel Dieu forma de la terre tous les animaux des champs, et tous les oiseaux des cieux; et il les fit venir vers Adam, pour voir comment il les nommerait, et que tout nom qu'Adam donnerait à chacun des êtres vivants, fût son nom.

20 Et Adam donna des noms à toutes les bêtes, et aux oiseaux des cieux, et à tous les animaux des champs; mais, pour l'homme, il ne trouva point d'aide semblable à lui.