Genesis

Creation of Adam and Eve

My HUM1015: World Mythology course material[cite:@sbccoe2007genesis] claims that Genesis describes that man and woman were created equal, citing a supposed mistranslation of the Hebrew word "צלע" (tzela). The presenter claims that tzela refers to an entire half of Adam — emphasising that man and woman were thus created as "equals." I am highly skeptical. I cannot find a trustworthy, unbiased source supporting this claim.

Regardless of whether or not this claim is true, it's irrelevant to the lesson and comes off as unnecessary preaching, especially considering that the presentation also listed the Big Bang Theory right next to the story of Genesis.

From briefly researching the subject, there appears to be a consensus that tzela does not necessarily refer to a rib bone. We can attempt to understand the meaning here by analysing the other occurrences of the word in Genesis:[cite:@wickstrom2024adams]

1. it is used once to refer to a man's side, or his flank;

2. one usage refers to the side of a hill;

3. everywhere else, it is an architectural term.[cite:@anonymityisforchumps2023genesis]

The only sources I could find in favour of the mistranslation theory are websites dedicated to Bible study and Christianity, further feeding into my skepticism. I admit that my own counter-evidence is unsubstantial, but I hope that you'll excuse me given that I'm supposed to be doing homework right now }:P. I also hope to investigate further when I have more time.