Bone of my bones: A refute on claims that the creation narrative is a colossal mistranslation.
Examining linguistic evidence and theological context to restore meaning to ancient texts
Preface: This article is written to refute the claims in the article "Curious Truth About Adam’s Rib — How We Got It All Wrong" by Tanner the Humanist, published on Medium.
Introduction
The article suggests that the Genesis account of Eve being formed from Adam’s rib is a colossal mistranslation, and further argues from biology that man is a derivative form of woman. While it might sound intellectually intriguing, it collapses under the weight of both linguistic integrity and theological clarity. The truth is, the Genesis narrative is not a mythological fable misinterpreted through the lens of ancient ignorance—it is divine revelation, inspired and preserved by God, revealing deep spiritual truths about identity, origin, and covenantal purpose.
Claim 1: The Word “Rib” is a Mistranslation of the Hebrew “Tsela.”
Yes, the Hebrew word tsela can mean "side"—but this doesn't diminish the accuracy or theological weight of the traditional understanding. The word is often used in architectural contexts, referring to the side of a structure, but in Genesis 2:21-22, it is used in a unique, human-formation context. God is not building a temple here—He is forming a woman. When Scripture says God took one of Adam’s tsela and “closed up the flesh,” it describes a literal, bodily removal—contextually understood as a rib or part of Adam’s physical being. The point isn’t just what God took—it’s why He did it. He did not form Eve from Adam’s head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be beneath him, but from his side—to be of equal value and close in relational covenant (Genesis 2:23.
Claim 2: Biology Proves That the Male Body Derives from the Female.
This argument confuses embryological development with the order of divine creation. The presence of nipples or vestigial structures in the male body has no bearing on the Genesis account. These features do not reverse the ontological order of creation laid out in Genesis. The creation narrative is not meant to reflect embryology—it reveals God's design, intention, and relational order between man and woman. Genesis 1:27 declares, "male and female He created them". The human body, in all its biology, is not the source of truth—God’s Word is.
Claim 3: The Creation Order Seems Illogical.
From a secular humanist standpoint, perhaps. But from a theological perspective, God’s creation order is intentional and revelatory. Adam is formed first, not because he is superior, but because he typifies Christ—the "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45). Eve comes from his side just as the Church is birthed from Christ's wounded side. This is not arbitrary—this is prophetic. The order reflects divine purpose, not patriarchal hierarchy. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 5:31-32, calling it a "great mystery" that refers to Christ and the Church.
Claim 4: “Side” Means Eve Was a Half, an Equal in Substance, Not From a Rib.
This is a half-truth. Yes, Eve is of the same substance as Adam—"bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23). But that doesn't require redefining tsela to make Eve a symmetrical half in a biological or philosophical sense. She is equal in value, distinct in role, and purposefully formed. The rib, or “side,” reveals not just sameness but proximity—covenant closeness, intimacy, and shared authority under God.
Relational Christianity and Identity in Christ
The Genesis account affirms the sacred, equal, and complementary identity of male and female. Eve wasn't created as an afterthought—she was drawn from Adam to reveal God's relational design. This points us to our new identity in Christ, where we are neither inferior nor redundant but co-heirs in the Kingdom (Romans 8:17). When we understand our origins through God's lens, we stop striving for worth and start living from our divine value.
Apologetics and the Defense of Faith
Mischaracterizing Genesis as a mistranslated fable undermines biblical authority and opens the door to relativism. But the Word of God is not open to reinterpretation based on shifting scientific or cultural trends. The Scriptures are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14), and we must defend them not with mere intellect but with Spirit-empowered conviction. Truth is not up for debate—it's revealed and alive.
Humanity’s Cosmic Role and Redemption
The article misses the prophetic framework of Genesis—Adam and Eve are not just figures in history; they're templates pointing to Christ and His bride, the Church. Eve being formed from Adam's side foreshadows the Church being born from Christ's pierced side (John 19:34). That's cosmic design, not cultural myth. When we see Genesis through a redemptive lens, everything comes alive.
Biblical Theology and the Supernatural Worldview
Genesis is not a primitive tale—it’s a supernatural account of divine order. God forms man from dust and breathes into him. That’s not poetry—it’s power. The creation of Eve is not just anthropology; it’s theology. It reveals a God who is intentional, relational, and wise beyond human reasoning. To reduce it to biological musings is to strip Scripture of its transcendence.
The Call to Action
Beloved, don't buy into modern narratives that seek to dilute, reinterpret, or deconstruct God’s Word to fit the mold of cultural comfort. You were made in the image of a supernatural God—redeemed through the blood of Christ and filled with the Spirit of truth. Let the Word of God shape your worldview, not the reasoning of men.
Walk in the revelation of your new creation identity. You were made with purpose. You were called to reign with Him. Don’t settle for a faith built on partial truths—press in for the fullness of the gospel. And if you want to go deeper—into the supernatural narrative of Scripture, the mystery of Christ and His bride, and the cosmic calling of humanity—upgrade now for exclusive teachings, biblical insights, and tools to strengthen your walk with God.
Truth doesn’t evolve. Truth is a Person. His name is Jesus. And He’s still the Word made flesh.
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