What happened when “Jehovah God proceeded to build the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man”? The man was not lost for words. He did not greet her with a bark of approval or with a growl of disapproval. Instead, he at once communicated aloud his reaction to this most wondrous and welcome gift, this ideal helper and complement. Rather than just standing there, looking at her, it seems more likely from what he said that he held her close to him as he spoke those words so rich in meaning and feeling:

“This is at last bone of my bones

And flesh of my flesh.

This one will be called Woman,

Because from man this one was taken.”

Ah! that was real poetry, true in form and economy of words, each phrase nicely matching the next, with progression of thought and perfect balance. This would doubtless be more noticeable in its original tongue. Man was indeed made in God’s image, with the fine ability to communicate.​—Gen. 2:22, 23.

13. How were the line and level of communication affected by man’s transgression?

¹³ While a good relationship was maintained by Adam and his wife with their Creator and each other, there was no problem. But as soon as that relationship was severed by willful transgression, a barrier was immediately raised across the line of communication. “The man and his wife went into hiding from the face of Jehovah God” when they heard his voice in the garden, because, as Adam said, “I was afraid.” They could not face their God and were fearful of what he would say to them. As for the level of communication between the man and his wife, it could not have been very cordial. Though no detail is given, this is indicated by Adam’s self-excusing explanation offered to Jehovah: “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me . . . from the tree and so I ate.” Additionally, Eve was told: “Your craving will be for your husband, and he will dominate you.” As we will discuss later, that word “dominate” surely points to one of the chief causes of difficulty as regards communication, especially if it is on the part of the wife.​—Gen. 3:8-16.