The term "help mate" is often derived from the phrase "help meet" found in the account of the creation of Eve in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 2:18 , it is written, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" The Hebrew word translated as "helper" is "ezer," which implies a partner or assistant, indicating a role of support and companionship.

Biblical Context

In the creation narrative, God forms Eve from Adam's rib, signifying a unique partnership between man and woman. Genesis 2:21-22 states, "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him." This act underscores the intimate and equal relationship intended between husband and wife, as Eve is created from Adam's side, symbolizing equality and companionship.

Role and Function

The role of a help mate is not one of subordination but of complementary partnership. The term "ezer" is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe God as a helper to Israel, as seen in passages like Psalm 33:20 : "Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield." This usage highlights the strength and support inherent in the role of a help mate.

In the New Testament, the concept of partnership and mutual support in marriage is further emphasized. Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines the relationship between husbands and wives, encouraging mutual love and respect. Verse 25 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her," illustrating the sacrificial love and care that should characterize the marital relationship.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The idea of a help mate has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. In a conservative Christian context, it is often understood as a divinely ordained partnership where both husband and wife fulfill distinct yet complementary roles. The husband is typically seen as the head of the household, responsible for leadership and provision, while the wife is viewed as a supportive partner, nurturing the family and home.

However, this interpretation does not diminish the value or capabilities of the wife. Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a portrait of a virtuous woman who is industrious, wise, and respected, demonstrating that a help mate is both capable and influential within the family and community.

Conclusion

The concept of a help mate, as presented in the Bible, emphasizes a partnership characterized by mutual support, love, and respect. It reflects the divine intention for marriage as a harmonious union where both partners contribute uniquely to the relationship, embodying the unity and diversity of God's creation.Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
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Genesis 2:22
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her to the man.
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Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
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1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
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1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
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Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
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1 Timothy 2:12
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
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Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
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Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
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Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
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The Blessed Hope and Its Power
... It was a busy life"the life of a wife, a mother of many sons, a friend
of many friends, the pastor's help-mate in a poor parish. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter x the blessed hope.htm

Strengthened by Faith
... GOD did wonderfully help me, and in due time I reached Cheapside, turned into the
by ... inquiry, lest there should have been any mistake about the mate having run ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter vi strengthened by faith.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... believed, that the mother does much toward forming the character of their children,
it will be readily allowed that Martin Boehm had an able help-mate in his ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Chapter ii
... a helper," literally, "a help," '??zer, abstract for concrete (KS243 b). If a man
is to achieve his objectives in life, he needs the help of his mate in every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ii.htm

1872-1874. Letter from Rev. AMW Christopher --Letter from Gulf of ...
... would hardly recognise in the tall, slim youth, now quite a help to his ... glancing
over the books of photographs and recognising some friend or mate with whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter v 1872-1874 letter from.htm

The Morning Breaketh
... May God help us to be faithful ... I have a friend who used to use an illustration of
a sea captain, his first mate and his wife wrecked upon a rocky shore, huddled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the morning breaketh.htm

School Days
... He had treasured up stories of the Blessed Virgin's help, with which Catholic Poland ...
And from him, though simply their school mate, the boys heard these things ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter v school days.htm

The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.
... and provide abundantly for his support, and even in their flight they help him as ...
6. It is said that the turtle-dove, once separated from her mate, does not ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily viii the creation of.htm

Special Efforts
... The band was ready to start, and the Captain prayed God's help as they went out ... crys,
'O God, make me like Bill!' He had looked upon his old mate; listened to ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm

Practical Effects of Practical Truth
... rags, but as long as I stay with him, my father will not help me, not ... sorrowful at
their second parting from him, for his heart had found its mate and Lily was ...
/.../chapter ix practical effects of.htm

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