How Genesis Describes the Creation of Man and Woman
The opening chapters of the Book of Genesis present two complementary accounts of the creation of humanity. These accounts—found in Genesis 1:26–31 and Genesis 2:4–25—are often called the first creation account and the second creation account. Together they form a foundational biblical understanding of human origins, identity, and purpose.
1. The Creation of Humanity in Genesis 1 (The “Priestly” Account)
Humanity Created in God’s Image
In Genesis 1, the creation of human beings is the climax of the six-day creation sequence:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.’”
— Genesis 1:26
Several key themes arise from this passage:
a. Both male and female created simultaneously
Genesis 1:27 states:
“Male and female He created them.”
This verse emphasizes:
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Human beings were created together in God’s image.
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Both sexes equally reflect God’s likeness—there is no hierarchy implied in this account.
b. Humans given dominion over creation
God grants humanity authority over the rest of creation:
“…and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens…”
This stewardship role positions humans as caretakers and governors, responsible for the earth and its creatures.
c. Command to be fruitful and multiply
God blesses the man and woman with fertility and purpose:
“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.”
The command establishes:
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The importance of family and continuation of life
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Humanity’s role in shaping and cultivating the world
d. Created “very good”
The creation of humans completes the creation sequence, after which God sees everything as “very good.” Humanity is portrayed positively, harmoniously integrated into the order of creation.
2. The Creation of Humanity in Genesis 2 (The “Yahwist” Account)
While Genesis 1 provides a cosmic overview, Genesis 2 offers a more intimate, narrative-driven description of how man and woman came into being.
a. Man formed from dust
Genesis 2:7 describes the creation of the first man:
“Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…”
Here, humanity’s creation is:
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physical—from the earth
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spiritual—through God’s breath
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personal—God acts directly and intimately
The Hebrew word adam (“man”) is related to adamah (“ground”), emphasizing humanity’s connection to the earth.
b. The Garden of Eden as humanity’s dwelling
God places the man in Eden to:
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“work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15)
This highlights a responsibility of care, similar to the dominion theme in Genesis 1, but more agricultural and relational in tone.
c. Woman created as a partner
Genesis 2 introduces a problem not mentioned in the first account:
“It is not good that the man should be alone…”
— Genesis 2:18
God forms animals first, but none are suitable partners. Then comes the creation of woman:
d. Woman created from man’s rib
God causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep and forms a woman from one of his ribs (or “side,” depending on the translation).
This imagery suggests:
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shared nature (“bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”)
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equality, not hierarchy—she comes from his side, not his head or feet
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companionship—a partner “fit for him”
e. The institution of marriage
The chapter concludes with the foundational biblical statement on marriage:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
— Genesis 2:24
This portrays marriage as:
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A unifying bond
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A covenantal partnership
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Rooted in the origin of woman from man
3. Relationship Between the Two Accounts
Scholars and theologians often view the two stories as complementary rather than contradictory:
Genesis 1 emphasizes:
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Equality of male and female
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Humanity’s shared divine image
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Cosmic order
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Humanity’s role in creation as a whole
Genesis 2 emphasizes:
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The interpersonal relationship between man and woman
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Human dependence on God
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Partnership, companionship, and intimacy
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The personal, earthy origin of humanity
Together, the accounts provide a dual portrait:
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Human beings are dignified (made in God’s image)
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Human beings are humble (formed from dust)
4. Theological Themes
Human dignity
Being made in God’s image confers inherent worth and moral responsibility.
Relational nature of humanity
Genesis 2 highlights a deep need for relationship—with God, with creation, and with one another.
Complementarity of man and woman
Not in terms of hierarchy, but as two parts of one humanity meant for mutual support.
Divine intentionality
Both accounts emphasize that human life is purposeful, not accidental.
Conclusion
Genesis describes the creation of man and woman through two interwoven narratives. The first presents humanity as the pinnacle of creation, made in God’s image and charged with stewardship over the world. The second zooms in on the intimate formation of man and woman, emphasizing relationship, partnership, and the origin of human community. Together, these chapters offer one of the most influential portrayals of human nature in the history of religious thought.