Havah (Hebrew For Eve)

[Maidservant]

I have long known that Havah or Chavah is Hebrew for "Eve". But I was re-looking at this today and was blown away by what Havah means . . . to live and to breathe.

To breathe!

Genesis 2:7 "And 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."

So does this verse read "and breathed into his nostrils EVE?" Or did everyone already know this, and I'm the one who never noticed?

And if so, what does it mean or imply?

[David T]

I don't believe Genesis 2:7 uses chavah ("Eve") for either of those words.

[Ron Beron]

I don't believe Genesis 2:7 uses chavah ("Eve") for either of those words.

Right...the word is shamah. It is specifically used for life imparted from God to humanity. Its conveyance gives spiritual understanding (Job 32:8) and a working conscience (Prov 20:27).

[volgadon]

I believe you mean nishmat hayyim, or breath of life, which made Adam a nefesh hayya- a living soul.

Hava does share the same root, but in a more archaic form.

[Maidservant]

Thanks, everyone, for the insights .

[Ron Beron]

I believe you mean nishmat hayyim, or breath of life, which made Adam a nefesh hayya- a living soul.

Hava does share the same root, but in a more archaic form.

Missed the ni in the reading. Thanks.