The original Hebrew name for Eve is חַוָּה (Chavah/Havah). This name is derived from the Hebrew root חָוָה (chavah), which means “to live” or “to breathe.” In the context of the Genesis narrative, her name is explained with reference to her role as the mother of all living.

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” (Genesis 3:20, KJV)

The choice of the name Eve (Chavah) in the biblical account is thus deeply symbolic, reflecting her integral role in the biblical story of creation and the origins of humanity.

Adam’s original Hebrew name is אָדָם (Adam), derived from the Hebrew word אֲדָמָה (adamah), which means “ground” or “earth.” This reflects the biblical account of Adam’s creation from the dust of the ground.

“Then the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7, KJV)

The name Adam thus not only identifies the first man but also signifies his origin and connection to the earth, underscoring the relationship between humanity and the material world from which God created Adam.

The Hebrew word אָדָם (Adam) can refer both to the specific individual Adam, the first man created according to the Genesis narrative, and more generally to humankind or mankind. The dual use of the term in the Hebrew Bible reflects the theological concept that Adam is both a historical figure and a representative of humanity as a whole.

For instance, in the creation narrative:

“So God created man (אָדָם, adam) in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27, KJV)

Here, אָדָם (adam) is used in a more general sense to refer to humanity, indicating that all human beings are created in the image of God, not just the individual Adam. This dual use of the term emphasizes the unity and shared identity of all human beings.