Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 3:20

"And the man called his wife`s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." — Genesis 3:20 (ASV)

Adam called his wife’s name Eve. — Heb., Chavvah; in Greek, Zoë. It has been debated whether this name is a substantive, Life (Septuagint), or a participle, Life-producer (Symmachus).

Adam’s condition was now one of death, but his wife, as a result, attained a higher value to him. Through her alone could human life be continued, and the woman’s seed be obtained who would lift humanity from its fall.

Therefore, while woman’s punishment consists in the multiplication of her sorrow and conception, she, as a result, becomes only more precious to man. And while her desire is to her husband, Adam turns from his own punishment to look upon her with more tender love.

He has no word of reproach for her, and we therefore see that the common interpretation of Genesis 3:12 is more than doubtful.

Adam throws no blame either on Eve or on his Maker, because he does not feel himself to blame. He rather means, “How could I err in following one so noble, and in whom I recognize Your best and choicest gift?”

This is consistent with Genesis 3:6, where Adam eats the fruit without hesitation or thought of resistance. And so, in this context, he turns to her and calls her Chavvah, his life, his compensation for his loss, and the antidote for the sentence of death.