The term "helpmeet" originates from the King James Version of the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis, where it describes the role of Eve in relation to Adam. The Berean Standard Bible translates this concept with clarity, emphasizing the complementary nature of the relationship between man and woman as ordained by God.

Biblical Origin and Meaning

The concept of "helpmeet" is derived from Genesis 2:18, where God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." In the BSB, the term "suitable helper" is used, which aligns with the original Hebrew phrase "ezer kenegdo." This phrase can be understood as a helper who is both suitable and complementary, indicating a partnership where the woman is an essential counterpart to the man.

Role and Function

In the biblical context, the role of a helpmeet is not one of subordination but of partnership and mutual support. The woman is created to be a companion and helper to the man, reflecting the divine intention for human relationships to be harmonious and cooperative. This partnership is evident in Genesis 2:23-24 , where Adam recognizes Eve as "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh," signifying unity and equality in their relationship.

Theological Implications

The creation of Eve as a helpmeet underscores the importance of companionship and mutual assistance in marriage. It highlights the belief that men and women are designed to work together, each bringing unique strengths and qualities to the relationship. This partnership is foundational to the biblical understanding of marriage, where both husband and wife are called to support and love one another, as reflected in Ephesians 5:22-33 , which speaks to the mutual submission and love required in a Christian marriage.

Cultural and Historical Context

Historically, the term "helpmeet" has been interpreted in various ways, often influenced by cultural norms and societal roles. However, a careful examination of the biblical text reveals that the role of a helpmeet is not limited to domestic duties or secondary status. Instead, it encompasses a broader scope of partnership, where both individuals contribute to the well-being and purpose of the family unit.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christian thought, the concept of a helpmeet continues to be relevant as it emphasizes the importance of partnership and mutual respect in marriage. It challenges modern couples to view their relationship as a collaborative effort, where both partners are valued and their contributions recognized. This understanding encourages a balanced and equitable approach to marriage, rooted in biblical principles of love, respect, and unity.(Hebrews `ezer ke-negdo; i.e., "a help as his counterpart" = a help suitable to him), a wife (Genesis 2:18-20). (n.) A wife; a helpmate.HELPMEET

help'-met.

See HELP.

The Scriptural Account of Paradise.
... And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; let Us make
him an helpmeet for him. ... But for Adam there was not found an helpmeet for him. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xx the scriptural account of.htm

How He Fled to a Monastery when his Wife Would not Consent.
... For I acknowledge and honour my helpmeet assigned to me by the word of the Lord,
and I do not refuse to be joined to her in an unbroken tie of love in Christ ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter ix how he fled.htm

For Eight Years Gregory Has Given up the Practice Of
... truth, most contrary to each other. For silence is indeed the friend and helpmeet
of thought and invention. But if one aims at readiness ...
/.../argument i for eight years gregory.htm

Of what is to be Believed on the Subject of the Creation of Man ...
... comes to know even his Creator and worships Him, might preside over all the living
creatures of earth: Whereas, too, he made the woman to be an helpmeet for him ...
/.../augustine/on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 18 of what is to.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... God saw after he had created man that it was not good for him to be alone.
Such was his constitution. So he made a helpmeet for him. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

The Exercises Suited to a Good Life.
... Nor is it a reproach to a wife"housekeeper and helpmeet"to occupy herself
in cooking, so that it may be palatable to her husband. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter x the exercises suited to.htm

A Community Rests Upon Justice and Good-Will. ...
... for the sake of man we find stated also in the books of Moses, when the Lord says:
"It is not good that man should be alone, let us make him an helpmeet for him ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxviii a community rests.htm

June the Eighth the New Birth
... up unto eternal life." When we are born again, ritual becomes helpful trellis for
the spiritual flowers; the outward form becomes the helpmeet of redeeming ...
/.../jowett/my daily meditation for the circling year/june the eighth the new.htm

January the Twentieth the Passing of the Beast
... Nature sides with the man who sides with God. Our very garden becomes our
helpmeet when we are cultivating the fruits of the Spirit. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/january the twentieth the passing.htm

No Compromise
... of man! Who shall declare his generation? Where shall be found a helpmeet
for him? a soul fit to be espoused unto him? Isaac had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/no compromise.htm

Helpmeet
... Genesis 2:18-20). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A wife; a helpmate. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELPMEET. help'-met. See HELP. ...
/h/helpmeet.htm - 6k

Eve (5 Occurrences)
... state." And again, "That wife that is of God's making by special grace, and of God's
bringing by special providence, is likely to prove a helpmeet to her ...
/e/eve.htm - 16k

Polygamy
... We have now no longer the "helpmeet" originally destined for man-"bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh"-for whom he would "leave his father and his mother ...
/p/polygamy.htm - 19k

Helpmate (2 Occurrences)

/h/helpmate.htm - 7k

Help-meet
Help-meet. Helpmeet, Help-meet. Helps . Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews ...
20). Helpmeet, Help-meet. Helps . Reference Bible.
/h/help-meet.htm - 6k

Fall (522 Occurrences)
... For according to Genesis, man was created full-grown, received a wife immediately
as helpmeet, and at the same time saw himself allotted the task of ...
/f/fall.htm - 62k

Family (438 Occurrences)
... One of woman's greatest blessings to man is helpfulness. Eve, the mother of all
living, came as a helpmeet for Adam. Sarah is mistress of domestic operations. ...
/f/family.htm - 87k

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)
... tendencies, yet answering to each other. She is the helpmeet for him (ezer
keneghdo, "a help answering to him"). 3. Her Part in the ...
/t/tabeel.htm - 101k

Old (3966 Occurrences)

/o/old.htm - 101k

What does it mean that a wife is supposed to be a helpmeet / help meet? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Genesis | GotQuestions.org

Marital Unity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Helpmeet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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