Bible Dictionary

EVE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

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Paul refers to Eve twice in the New Testament: to explain the order of creation and the entrance of transgression, and to warn believers against being deceived as she was by the serpent.

Definition

Eve is mentioned twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul’s writings. She is presented as the first woman and as an example of human deception and transgression.

Biblical Usage

In 1 Timothy 2:12-14, Paul uses the Genesis account of Adam and Eve in discussing woman’s position and the entrance of transgression. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Eve’s deception by the serpent illustrates the danger of being led away from loyalty to Christ.

Historical Background

The supplied material states that Paul treated the Genesis account as historical and literal in these arguments.

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(Eua; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek, Heua):</p><p>"Eve" occurs twice in the New Testament and both references are in the Pauline writings. In 1Ti 2:12-14 woman's place in teaching is the subject of discussion, and the writer declares that she is a learner and not a teacher, that she is to be in quietness and not to have dominion over a man. Paul elsewhere expressed this same idea (see 1Co 14:34,35). Having stated his position in regard to woman's place, he used the Ge account of the relation of the first woman to man to substantiate his teaching. Paul used this account to illustrate woman's inferiority to man, and he undoubtedly accepted it at its face value without any question as to its historicity. He argued that woman is inferior in position, for "Adam was first formed, then Eve." She is inferior in character, for "Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled hath fallen into transgression."</p><p>See CHILD-BEARING.</p><p>In 2Co 11:3, Paul is urging loyalty to Christ, and he uses the temptation of Eve to illustrate the ease with which one is corrupted. Paul seems to have had no thought but that the account of the serpent's beguiling Eve should be taken literally.</p><p>A. W. Fortune</p>
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