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Genesis 2:18, 20 – NASB vs. HCSB vs. ESV
Genesis 2:18 NASB Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18 HCSB (2004) Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him.”
Genesis 2:18 HCSB (2010) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement.
Genesis 2:18 ESV (18) Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
The literal reading in Hebrew is, “corresponding to” with the idea of being the opposite of. Therefore the 2004 version of the HCSB is just too weak. The NASB has “suitable” which is better. The ESV “fit for him” is also adequate. But the 2010 version of the HCSB is best. The reason is not just the definition of the Hebrew, but the entire creation account. Notice how the days corresponded to each other in chapter one, and now man and women correspond to each other.
| 1 – Light & Darkness & 4 – Sun, Moon, Stars
2 – Expanse (heaven/sky) & 5 – Sea Animals and Birds 3 – Seas, Land; Vegetation, Trees & 6 – Land Animals and Man |
Just as day one set the stage for the completion of what was created on day four, the creation of man set the stage for the his own completion by the woman.
The 2010 version of the HCSB is the better translation.
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