Etymology Map
Back to all words

Helpmeet

3 stages from Hebrew to English.

Today it means a helpful companion or partner, especially a wife

Where does the word "helpmeet" come from? It comes from Hebrew ʿēzer kənegdô, passing through English before entering English (1670s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
ʿēzer kənegdô
Hebrew · ancient
"a fitting helper"
Genesis 2:18, God's promise to make Adam 'a helper corresponding to him'
2
Stage 2 of 3
an help meet for him
English · 1611
"a suitable helper"
the King James Bible's wording, where 'meet' is an adjective meaning 'suitable'
3
Stage 3 of 3
helpmeet
English · 1670s
"helper, spouse"
readers ran 'help meet' together into one noun meaning 'wife', and it was then altered to 'helpmate'
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Helpmeet’s story begins in Hebrew: ʿēzer kənegdô meant “a fitting helper.” Genesis 2:18, God's promise to make Adam 'a helper corresponding to him'. By 1611, the word had taken hold in English as an help meet for him. The King James Bible's wording, where 'meet' is an adjective meaning 'suitable'. It reached English by 1670s as helpmeet. Readers ran 'help meet' together into one noun meaning 'wife', and it was then altered to 'helpmate'. Today, helpmeet means a helpful companion or partner, especially a wife.