The idea
Genesis says the first humans were made 'very good' — a Hebrew phrase meaning morally good, without sin — and given the tree of life. Tellingly, the woman is named 'Eve' only after the fall; before it she is simply 'Woman.' The New Eve is likewise 'Woman,' made in that original grace.
Key verses
- Genesis 1:31 — humanity created 'very good' (tov me'od) — morally good.
- Genesis 2:23, Genesis 3:20 — 'Woman' before the fall; named 'Eve' only after the sin.
- Genesis 2:9, Genesis 3:22 — the tree of life: created with access to immortality as well as goodness (p 22).
The connection
| Old Testament root | New Testament fulfilment | |
|---|---|---|
| The first woman, sinless at creation | → | Mary the New 'Woman,' full of grace |
Genesis calls the first humans 'very good' (morally good) and names the woman 'Eve' only after the fall — before it she is simply 'Woman.' Pitre uses both details to show the New Eve fittingly restores that first sinless 'Woman.'