Genesis 2:23

This is now, &c. The exclamation of joy and wonder is expressed in the rhythmical language of poetry. It is as if the man, after passing in review the animals, recognizes instantaneously in woman the fulfilment of his hope. "This is now" is equivalent to "here at last"; the German "Diese endlich."

bone of my bones A strong metaphorical phrase to denote that the woman is different from all the animals, and is absolutely one with the man. For similar expressions used of near relationship, compare Genesis 29:14; Genesis 37:27; Judges 9:2; 2 Samuel 5:1; 2Sa 19:12-13; 1 Chronicles 11:1. This proverbial expression may have furnished the symbolism of the story.

she shall be called, &c. The marg. by pointing out that the Hebrew for "woman" is Isshah, and for "man" Ish, shews the resemblance in the sound of the two words. This is fairly reproduced in the English words "Woman" and "Man"; and in Luther's rendering "Männin" and "Mann." The LXX is unable to reproduce it. The Latin attempts it with questionable success, haec vocabitur virago, quoniam de viro sumpta est.

Instead of "from man." mê-ish. LXX and Targ. read "from her husband" = mê-ishâh, which adds to the resemblance in sound.

As a matter of philology the derivation is inaccurate. Probably Isshahis derived from a different root, anash. But nearly all these popular derivations of words prove to be inaccurate when judged by scientific etymology. They are based upon the assonance, or obvious resemblance in sound; and this, while it cannot fail to catch the ear and cling to the recollection of the people, is notoriously to be distrusted for supplying the real derivation.