Eve

Role: first woman · First appears: Woman

God formed Eve from Adam’s body as his companion, then celebrated their wedding with a great bridal celebration. Adam named her Ishah and himself Ish. In the garden, the serpent pushed Eve against the tree and persuaded her that eating its fruit would not kill her. She ate, then prevailed upon Adam to eat as well, and gave the fruit to the other living beings. After they violated God’s command, they lost their covering and stood naked and ashamed.

Eve was assigned ten curses, including anguish in childbirth and continuing desire for her husband. Adam and Eve refused to repent and were expelled from Paradise, carrying spices and seeds with them. At the Tigris they began penances; after eighteen days, Satan deceived Eve into leaving the river and led her to Adam. Later, while Adam lay ill, Eve told their children and grandchildren the story of the fall. Michael told her and Seth that their petition for Adam’s life was denied and that his descendants would also die.

After the fall, Eve left Adam and journeyed westward. Satan, in the guise of the serpent, approached her, and Cain was born from their union. When Adam heard Eve’s lamentation, he hastened to her, and his prayers brought heavenly assistance during her labor. Eve later bore Hebel; after Abel’s death, Adam lived apart from her. Following a separation of one hundred and thirty years, Adam returned to Eve, and they had Seth. Eve died and was buried with Adam and Abel.