חַוָּה
Chavah / Eve
“Life/living”
Eve (חַוָּה, Chavah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “life/living,” pronounced “kha-VAH.” From the Hebrew root ח-ו-ה (chet-vav-heh) or ח-י-ה (chayah) meaning 'to live, to give life.' Adam named her Chavah 'because she would become the mother of all the living' (Genesis 3:20). The name is directly related to 'chai' (חַי, 'life/living').
| Hebrew | חַוָּה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Chavah |
| English Name | Eve |
| Meaning | Life/living |
| Pronunciation | kha-VAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Chavah, Hava, Eva, Ewa, Evie |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 3:20 |
Eve's name is the most universal title ever given — she is Chavah, 'the mother of all living' (Genesis 3:20). Adam named her not after her failure in the garden but after her destiny as the source of all human life. The Hebrew name Chavah comes from the root meaning 'to live,' making her name a declaration that life would continue despite the curse of death that had just entered the world. In the very moment when everything seemed lost, Adam looked at his wife and named her Life. It is one of the most hopeful acts in all of Scripture — a husband choosing to define his wife not by her worst moment but by her greatest purpose.
Key Scripture: Genesis 3:20
“Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.”
What Does Eve Mean in Hebrew?
The name חַוָּה (Chavah) is connected to the root ח-י-ה (chet-yod-heh) meaning 'to live.' The form Chavah is an intensive/causative: 'life-giver' or 'she who gives life.' It is closely related to חַי (chai, 'living'), חַיִּים (chayyim, 'life'), and the verb חָיָה (chayah, 'to live'). The name is thus a theological statement about the triumph of life over death.
Eve in the Bible
Eve was the first woman, created from Adam's side as his 'ezer kenegdo' (helper corresponding to him). She was deceived by the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree, sharing the fruit with Adam. Despite the fall, God promised that her offspring would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15) — the first messianic prophecy, called the 'protoevangelium.'
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
In Jewish tradition, the name Chavah emphasizes Eve's role as life-giver rather than focusing on the fall. The connection to 'chai' (life) — the most beloved symbol in Jewish culture — elevates the name. In Christianity, Eve is often paralleled with Mary as the 'new Eve' who reverses the first Eve's disobedience through obedient faith.
Eve and its variants (Eva, Evie) have been gaining popularity significantly in recent years. Eve ranks in the top 500 in the US, while Eva is in the top 100. The short, elegant form and powerful meaning appeal to modern parents seeking simplicity with depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eve
What does Eve mean in Hebrew?
Eve (חַוָּה, Chavah) means “Life/living” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root ח-ו-ה (chet-vav-heh) or ח-י-ה (chayah) meaning 'to live, to give life.' Adam named her Chavah 'because she would become the mother of all the living' (Genesis 3:20). The name is directly related to 'chai' (חַי, 'life/living').
How do you pronounce Eve in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Eve is “kha-VAH.” The name is written חַוָּה in Hebrew script.
What does Eve mean in Hebrew?
Eve (חַוָּה, Chavah) means 'life' or 'life-giver' in Hebrew, from the root related to 'chayah' (to live). Adam named her this 'because she would become the mother of all the living' (Genesis 3:20). The name is directly connected to 'chai' (חַי, living) — the most celebrated concept in Jewish culture.
Why did Adam name Eve after the fall?
It's significant that Adam named Eve 'Life' (Chavah) immediately after God pronounced the curse of death in Genesis 3. Rather than naming her for her failure, Adam named her for her future — she would be the mother of all living, and through her offspring would come the one who would crush the serpent's head. The naming is an act of faith in God's redemptive promise.
What is the Hebrew pronunciation of Eve?
Eve's Hebrew name is Chavah (חַוָּה), pronounced 'kha-VAH.' The opening sound is the guttural Hebrew 'chet' (like clearing your throat), and the stress falls on the second syllable. The English 'Eve' comes through the Greek 'Eua' and Latin 'Eva,' which lost the original Semitic sounds.
Sources & Further Study
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