In the ancient world, to name something or someone was to have a sense of authority over it. Naming the animals implied Adam’s God-ordained authority over God’s creatures and his responsibility to them. But he is to name the animals and the animals alone. Thus, the woman is given no name in Genesis 1 and 2 when she is created. She is simply called “woman.” The implication is profound: Adam had authority over the animals. But with the woman, who was his helper, he was to walk side by side.
