2:18 not good. See 1:4 and note. Man needs companionship on earth. In the Old Testament the most holy person, the high priest, marries (Lev. 21:13), and the Nazirite, uniquely set apart to God, is not celibate (Num. 6:1–4). Abstention from lawful marriage is never commanded in Scripture (cf. 1 Tim. 4:3), although some are given the gift of celibacy for service (1 Cor. 7:7).

helper. Man was first formed, giving him social priority, and the woman was later given to him as a helper (1 Cor. 11:3–12; 1 Tim. 2:10). The word “helper” entails his inadequacy, not her inferiority, for elsewhere it is often used of God.

fit for him. The expression assumes a complementary relationship; what he lacked she supplied and vice versa. Both share the image of God (1:26, 27).