Topical Bible: Man: Created: Male and Female

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The creation of man as male and female is a foundational concept in the biblical narrative, reflecting the intentional design and purpose of God. This entry explores the biblical account of the creation of man, emphasizing the distinctiveness and complementarity of male and female as presented in the Scriptures.

Creation Account

The creation of man is detailed in the Book of Genesis, where God forms man as the pinnacle of His creative work. Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

This passage highlights several key aspects:

1. Image of God: Both male and female are created in the image of God, signifying their unique status in creation. This image-bearing quality endows them with inherent dignity, worth, and the capacity for relationship with God and one another.

2. Dominion and Stewardship: Man is given the responsibility to rule over and steward the earth, a task that requires the cooperation and partnership of both male and female.

3. Complementarity: The creation of male and female underscores their complementary roles. Genesis 2:18 further elaborates, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" The term "helper" (Hebrew: ezer) does not imply inferiority but rather denotes a complementary partner essential for fulfilling God's mandate.

Distinct Roles and Unity

The distinctiveness of male and female is further illustrated in Genesis 2:21-24 , where God creates woman from man: "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. And the man said: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for out of man she was taken.' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

This passage emphasizes:

1. Unity in Diversity: The creation of woman from man signifies their unity and shared essence, while also highlighting their distinct roles and functions.

2. Marriage as a Divine Institution: The union of male and female in marriage is established as a divine institution, reflecting the complementary nature of their relationship and serving as a foundational social unit.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament reaffirms the creation of man as male and female, emphasizing the continuity of this divine design. Jesus references this creation order in Matthew 19:4-6 : "Jesus answered, 'Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.'"

The Apostle Paul also affirms the distinct roles of male and female within the context of the church and family, as seen in passages such as Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Corinthians 11:3.

Theological Implications

The creation of man as male and female carries significant theological implications:

1. Equality and Dignity: Both male and female are equal in value and dignity, being created in the image of God.

2. Role Distinctions: While equal in essence, male and female have distinct roles that complement each other, reflecting the order and purpose established by God.

3. Reflecting the Divine Nature: The unity and diversity of male and female reflect the relational nature of the Triune God, who exists in perfect unity and diversity.

In summary, the biblical account of the creation of man as male and female presents a profound understanding of human identity, purpose, and relationship, rooted in the divine design and intention of the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 5:2
Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

444. anthropos -- a man, human, mankind
... 444 () relates to genders (male and female) as both are created in the ... Accordingly,
the Bible uses 444 () of a specific man, woman, or class (type, group ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/444.htm - 8k

Library

How Man is the Image of God. Whether the Woman is not Also the ...
... is the image of God, is not contrary to that which is written in Genesis, "God created
man: in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 7 how man is the.htm

Whether the Image of God is in Man as Regards the Mind Only?
... Objection 2: Further, it is written (Gn.1:27): "God created man to His own image;
to the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." But the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the image of god 5.htm

A Contemplation of the Divine Utterance which Said --"Let us Make ...
... what purposes it was said "Let us make him," it adds this saying:""and God created
man; in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xvi a contemplation of the.htm

Of the Conjugal Union as it was Originally Instituted and Blessed ...
... of the blessing of God, is a gift of marriage as God instituted it from the beginning
before man sinned, when He created them male and female,"in other words ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the conjugal union.htm

Whether Woman Should have Been Made from Man?
... the contrary, It is written (Ecclus.17:5): "He created of him ... suitable for the woman
to be made from man that (for the female to be from the male) in other ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether woman should have been.htm

Male and Female.
... "But a companion was created along with him ... [967] But the other, as the son of man,
being a male, prophesies better things to the world to come as a male. ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxii male and female.htm

Faustus Explains the Manich??an Denial that Man was Made by God as ...
... body shall rise a spiritual body, the outer man too shall ... that all that has been
created may be created anew, and ... it is in the body that some are male and some ...
/.../faustus explains the manichaean denial.htm

Why this Opinion is to be Rejected.
... Why then, when Scripture had said, "God made man after the image of God," did it
go on to say, "God created him; male and female created He them: and God ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 6 name this opinion.htm

Concerning the Pharisees and Scribes Tempting Jesus (By Asking) ...
... dogmas; for they said, "Is it lawful for a man to put ... and said, "Have ye not read
that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/16 concerning the pharisees and.htm

Man's Place in the World.
... Brit. or Inter. Ency., or any standard encyclopedia. God created man in his own
image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study i mans place in.htm