Rib, side (of); Noun, F/M

Jastrow, DTTBYML, Vol. 1, p. 1b. (Jastrow)
Ringgren, TDOT, Vol. 1, p. 1. (TDOT)
Brown Driver, & Briggs  HELOT, p. 854a. (BDB)

Daniel J. Dyke
____________

    The main exegetical problem  associated with this word is the account of the creation of the woman in Genesis 2^21.22.  A popular exposition of the text is that when the rib (genetic material) was removed from Adam, but some contend that certain abstract or spiritual qualities were taken from him as well.  The appeal is made to the idea that the word "rib" could be translated "support" and that this could mean that a major consituent part (support) of man was removed.  The argument goes that when a man marries his wife this missing spiritual part is restored.  This may or may not be true, but the question is whether this text supports the idea.

    The following data is supplied in BDB concerning the use of this word:

n.f.(m. 1 K 6³⁴, and appar. Ex 26²⁶) rib, side; — abs. 'c Gen 2²² +, cstr. (alec Ex 26²⁶+, also  (fl"c 2 S 16¹³; sf. O(:lac Ex 25¹²+; pl. {yi(fl:c 1 K 6³⁴, tO(fl:c v³+; cstr. to(:lac Ez 41²⁶+; sf. wyfto(:lac Gn 2²¹+;—

1. rib of man Gn 2^21.22(J).
2. rib of hill, i.e. ridge, or terrace 2 S 16¹³ .
3. side-chambers or cells (enclosing temple like ribs) 1 K 6^5.6.  (rd. 'Cah for (wcyh, v. [a(yicfy]), 7³,so of Ezek.'s temple Ez 41⁵ + 10 t. 41 (on text v. Co Toy Krae).
4. ribs of cedar and fir, i.e. planks, boards (pl.), of temple wall 1 K 6^15.16, floor v¹⁵.
5. leaves of door v³⁴.
6. (in P) side, of ark (}OrA)) Ex 25^12.12.14=37^3.3.5; of tabern. (}fK:$im) 26²⁰ (//hf)"P v¹⁸), v^26.26.27=36²⁵ (//^'p v²³), v^31.32, 26^35.35; of altar 27⁷=38⁷, 30⁴=37²⁷.—Je 20¹⁰ Jb 18¹² v. (alec sub II.  (lc.
    The problem with this data is that only one text (Gen. 221.22) uses this word in relationship to man's person.  This text in no way demands or even remotely supports the idea that the "rib" was a spiritual component of man.