The Hebrew name of Eve
The sound of "i" in “Eve” obscures the true meaning of Eve's Hebrew given name. The Hebrew name חַוָּה (chava) has a root connection to the verb לִחְיוֹת (lichyot) “to live” and to words such as חַי (chai) and חַיִּים (chayim) communicating the idea of “life”. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to call Adam’s woman חַוָּה (chava), because one day she will become the mother of “all the living” כָּל־חָי (kol chai).
Eve's second name, אִשָּׁה (isha) (Gen. 2:23), means "woman" in Hebrew. Generally, it is considered to be the feminine form of the Hebrew word for "man", אִיש (ish). However, the real root which אִשָּׁה (isha) derives from is different from its male counterpart. The root comes from A.N.SH. (א.נ.ש) and means fragileness and delicacy. Interestingly, the word "fire", אֵשׁ (esh) also resonates in this beautifully complex name for "woman" in the Bible.
The ancient Hebrew language hides within it the secret meanings of the most fundamental principles of the western culture. The most influential stories have been written, using Hebrew words. Today, you have the opportunity to learn how to write, read and even speak Hebrew from the comfort of your home. Enroll today to eTecaher's online Hebrew course and discover one of the world's most ancient languages!
