Genesis 2:21 - Divine surgery creates woman

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּפֵּל יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים תַּרְדֵּמָה עַל־הָאָדָם וַיִּישָׁן וַיִּקַּח אַחַת מִצַּלְעֹתָיו וַיִּסְגֹּר בָּשָׂר תַּחְתֶּנָּה׃

English Translation

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept: and He took one of his sides, and closed up the flesh in its place,

Transliteration

Vayapel Adonai Elohim tardema al-ha'adam vayishan vayikach achat mitsal'otav vayisgor basar tachtena.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּפֵּל֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֧ים ׀ תַּרְדֵּמָ֛ה עַל־הָאָדָ֖ם וַיִּישָׁ֑ן וַיִּקַּ֗ח אַחַת֙ מִצַּלְעֹתָ֔יו וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר בָּשָׂ֖ר תַּחְתֶּֽנָּה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Deep Sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה) Upon Adam

Rashi (Bereshit 2:21) explains that the תַּרְדֵּמָה was not an ordinary sleep, but a divinely induced state that allowed Adam to undergo this transformation without pain. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 17:5) compares this to a surgeon who must anesthetize a patient before operating, emphasizing Hashem's mercy in sparing Adam from suffering.

The Meaning of "צַלְעֹתָיו" (His Sides)

The term צַלְעֹתָיו is subject to multiple interpretations in traditional sources:

Rashi (based on Sanhedrin 39a) understands this literally as a "side," meaning Hashem took one of Adam's two originally created sides (male and female joined back-to-back) and separated them.
Ibn Ezra suggests this refers to a rib, as the word is sometimes used elsewhere in Tanach (e.g., Shemot 26:20 regarding the Mishkan).
Ramban offers that צלע refers to the "side" of Adam's essence or being, not necessarily a physical rib, representing the complementary nature of man and woman.

The Surgical Precision of Creation

The Talmud (Berachot 61a) notes the phrase "וַיִּסְגֹּר בָּשָׂר תַּחְתֶּנָּה" (closed up the flesh in its place) demonstrates Hashem's role as the Divine Healer, showing care in the creation process. The Sforno adds that this closure was perfect, leaving no scar or blemish, reflecting the perfection of Hashem's handiwork.

Kabbalistic Dimensions

The Zohar (Bereshit 34b) interprets this event as representing the separation of the male and female aspects of creation that were originally unified. This reflects the cosmic principle of duality (זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה) necessary for the world's continued existence and harmony.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Eruvin 18a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the creation of Eve from Adam's side, illustrating the concept of human origin and unity.

📖 Sanhedrin 39a

The verse is mentioned in a debate about the nature of divine actions and human anatomy, emphasizing God's role in the creation of woman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God put Adam into a deep sleep before creating Eve?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 17:5), God put Adam into a deep sleep (תַּרְדֵּמָה) so that he would not feel pain when his side was taken, and also so that he would not witness his own 'diminishment' when part of him was removed to create Eve. This teaches us about God's kindness in sparing Adam from suffering.

Q: What does 'one of his sides' mean in this verse?
A: The Hebrew word 'צַלְעֹתָיו' (tzelaotav) can mean 'ribs' or 'sides.' Many commentators, including Rashi, explain that God did not simply take a rib, but rather took one entire 'side' of Adam's body to form Eve. This emphasizes the deep unity and equality between man and woman, as they were originally one being.

Q: Why did God close up the flesh after taking Adam's side?
A: The Torah mentions that God 'closed up the flesh' to show that this was a miraculous act of creation, not a surgical procedure. Ramban explains that this detail emphasizes God's direct involvement in forming Eve—just as He formed Adam from the earth, He carefully shaped Eve from Adam's side, showing the divine care in creating humanity.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the creation of Eve from Adam's side?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 61a) and Midrash teach that Eve was created from Adam's side (not his head or feet) to symbolize that husband and wife should be equal partners—neither dominating the other. This also teaches that marriage is about completing one another, as Adam and Eve were originally one being.

Q: How does this verse relate to marriage in Judaism today?
A: This verse is the foundation for the Jewish concept of marriage (קידושין) as a reunification of two halves of one soul. The Kabbalists explain that husband and wife share a divine connection, as hinted by their original unity. This is why Jewish weddings often reference Adam and Eve as the first couple created by God's direct hand.