kenegdo

Kenegdo is a Hebrew term commonly rendered in English as “a helper suitable for him” or “a counterpart for him.” It appears in the biblical book of Genesis, most notably in Genesis 2:18, where God observes that it is not good for man to be alone and says He will make a ezer kenegdo for him.

The phrase combines two Hebrew elements: ezer, meaning “helper,” and kenegdo, from neged meaning “opposite, facing, counterpart.” The exact nuance is debated; translations vary from “an helpmeet” and “a counterpart” to “a matching helper.” The term is relatively rare outside Genesis.

In the Genesis narrative, Eve is created as a partner to Adam, forming the first human pair. Kenegdo signals a relationship of complementarity or interdependence rather than a simple subordinate role, though interpreters differ on questions of equality within marriage.

Scholarly discussion often highlights different implications: some emphasize egalitarian readings that stress mutual dependence, while others discuss traditional readings about gender roles. Across Jewish and Christian thought, kenegdo has influenced discussions of marriage, companionship, and the nature of human partnership. Outside Genesis, the term’s usage is limited, but its appearance shapes how readers understand the concept of a suitable partner for humanity.

See also: Ezer (helper); Genesis 2; Adam and Eve.