ETIOLOGY AND ARCHETYPES

It is preferable to think of the fascinating and contentious tale of human origins as depicting archetypal human traits, with the earliest people standing in for all humans. Eve (awwah) is most likely derived from a root that means "to live." She is the "mother of all living," according to the folk etymology that follows the introduction of her name in Genesis (3:20). As the first woman, Eve symbolizes the crucial life-giving maternal role that women play, and her name is rife with symbolism that describes her archetypal role. She is also implying archetypal mother authority in her function as the first human child's name-giver.

In a story where the terms "food" and "eat" (from the same Hebrew root, 'khl) appear frequently, Eve also offers the first bite of food. The repeated use of these words in the origins of humanity myth illustrates the Israelites' concern for survival in the harsh Canaanite highlands. Thus, rather than being a representation of temptation or seduction, Eve's action of giving the man some fruit may have been inspired by the reality of women's involvement in food preparation. The Eden narrative also has etiological implications.

By giving them a "reason" for their challenging living conditions, it helped the ancient Israelites cope with the hard reality of daily life throughout the Iron Age (about 1200–586 BCE), especially in comparison to life in the more fertile and well-watered regions of the ancient Near East. The harsh words spoken to the first couple before they were kicked out of the garden provide a picture of the harsh realities they will experience.