JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Lilith, who is said by some to have been Adam's first wife.

There is no mention of anyone by the name of Lilith anywhere in the Bible. The book of Genesis records that EVE was created from Adam the same day he was created (Gen. 1:26-28). God brought Eve to Adam, and they became husband and wife before sunset that very evening (Gen. 2:18-25). Eve got her name from the fact that she was the mother of all living (Gen. 3:20). No other individuals then existed.

"Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary" says the following of LILITH: "1: a female figure who in RABBINIC LEGEND is Adam's first wife, is supplanted by Eve, and becomes an evil spirit; 2: a famous witch in medieval demonology" (emphasis ours).

We do not believe there is any validity or authority to this rabbinic legend and aspect of medieval demonology. God's inspired Word, the only inspired record of this event, says clearly that Adam's "first wife" was Eve, not a legendary "female" demon named Lilith!

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT