Genesis 3:20 - Eve: Mother of All Life

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא הָאָדָם שֵׁם אִשְׁתּוֹ חַוָּה כִּי הִוא הָיְתָה אֵם כָּל־חָי׃

English Translation

And the man called his wife’s name Ḥavva

Transliteration

Vayikra ha'adam shem ishto Chava ki hi hayta em kol-chai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֧א הָֽאָדָ֛ם שֵׁ֥ם אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ חַוָּ֑ה כִּ֛י הִ֥וא הָֽיְתָ֖ה אֵ֥ם כׇּל־חָֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Chavah (Eve)

The verse states: "And the man called his wife’s name Chavah, because she was the mother of all living" (Bereishit 3:20). This naming carries deep significance in Jewish tradition, reflecting Chavah's role in humanity and the Divine plan for creation.

Etymology of the Name "Chavah"

Rashi explains that the name חַוָּה (Chavah) is derived from the root חַי (chai), meaning "life," as she was destined to be the mother of all humanity. The name signifies her essential role in perpetuating life.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (20:11) elaborates that Adam recognized Chavah as the source of life for all future generations, hence naming her accordingly.
Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the name also hints at her being the first to experience childbirth, as she was created from Adam’s "living" flesh (Bereishit 2:23).

Theological Significance

This naming underscores the Torah’s emphasis on the sanctity of life and the partnership between man and woman in fulfilling the Divine commandment to "be fruitful and multiply" (Bereishit 1:28). Chavah’s role as אֵם כָּל־חָי (mother of all living) highlights the foundational importance of family and continuity in Jewish thought.

Kabbalistic Perspective

The Zohar connects Chavah’s name to the concept of חַיּוּת (chiyut), the Divine life force that sustains creation. Her name reflects the spiritual energy she embodies as the progenitor of humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Adam name his wife Chava (Eve)?
A: Adam named his wife Chava (חַוָּה), which comes from the Hebrew word 'chai' (חַי), meaning 'life,' because she was destined to be 'the mother of all living' (Genesis 3:20). Rashi explains that this name reflects her role as the ancestor of all humanity.

Q: What is the significance of the name Chava (Eve) in Judaism?
A: The name Chava signifies the essential role of women in bringing life into the world. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 20:11) teaches that just as Chava was the mother of all humanity, Jewish tradition emphasizes the sacredness of motherhood and the family unit.

Q: How does the verse 'she was the mother of all living' apply today?
A: This verse reminds us of the foundational role of women in sustaining life and nurturing future generations. Jewish tradition, as seen in the Talmud (Niddah 31a), honors mothers for their vital contributions to family and society.

Q: What can we learn from Adam naming his wife Chava?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and honoring the unique roles of others. Adam gave Chava a name that reflected her purpose—teaching us to appreciate the divine mission of every individual, as discussed in Jewish ethical works like Rambam's 'Hilchos De’os.'