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Haamek Davar (to verses 18–20) explains that the naming itself led to Adam's realization that he was partnerless: The nature of the human species is not uniform: all the character traits and all t...
Answer
#1: Initial revision
by
msh210
·
2020-10-20T18:37:14Z (about 4 years ago)
[_Haamek Davar_ (to verses 18–20)](//www.sefaria.org.il/Haamek_Davar_on_Genesis.2.18) explains that the naming itself led to Adam's realization that he was partnerless: > The nature of the human species is not uniform: all the character traits and all the species are included in him. One man's nature may tend one way, and another's the opposite way. So the helpmeet should be made so as to be fit for whatever sort of man. That's the meaning of _k'negdo_ [a help "opposite him"]: whatever help he always needs, according to his makeup.… > > That which Adam understood about the living spirit of a creature, i.e. its spiritual force, [became] the name of the creature, even when it didn't use that power. Because all is dependent on the stored power: it was made for that purpose when needed.… > > By that which he assigned names, Adam realized that it was hard to find himself a helpmeet. The explanation is: Adam did not at first realize about himself that he had all the types of character traits. After all, he never angered, so how would he know he has anger? and likewise for pity and so on. But when he considered all the creatures and understood their natures, he understood about himself that he has all the character traits that are included in all the creatures. For otherwise he would not be able to understand their powers, for someone who cannot anger cannot understand anger or believe such a thing exists. And once he understood that, he understood also that he needs a helpmeet _k'negdo_, as we explained.…