Topical Encyclopedia The term "woman" finds its origin in the biblical account of creation as recorded in the Book of Genesis. According to the Scriptures, the creation of woman is a divine act by God, intended to complement and complete man. The narrative provides both the etymological and theological basis for the name "woman."Creation of Woman In Genesis 2:18, the LORD God observes, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." This statement underscores the purpose of woman's creation as a companion and helper to man, highlighting the relational aspect of humanity as designed by God. The process of woman's creation is detailed in Genesis 2:21-22: "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 signifies the intimate and purposeful creation of woman, distinct from the rest of creation, as she is fashioned from man himself. Etymology of "Woman" The name "woman" is derived from the Hebrew word "ishshah," which is closely related to "ish," the Hebrew word for "man." This linguistic connection is explicitly noted in Genesis 2:23, where Adam declares, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for out of man she was taken." The Hebrew play on words emphasizes the intrinsic link between man and woman, reflecting their shared humanity and origin. Theological Implications The naming of woman by Adam signifies not only the recognition of her origin but also the establishment of her identity and role within the created order. The act of naming in the biblical context often implies authority and relational understanding. By naming her "woman," Adam acknowledges her as an integral part of himself, yet distinct, highlighting the unity and diversity within the human family. Furthermore, the creation of woman from man's rib symbolizes equality and partnership. As Matthew Henry famously commented, woman was "not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved." Biblical Significance The origin and naming of woman carry profound theological significance, reflecting God's intentional design for human relationships. The complementary nature of man and woman is foundational to the biblical understanding of marriage and family, as further elaborated in Genesis 2:24: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." In summary, the name "woman" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of creation, signifying both her origin from man and her role as his companion. This understanding is central to the biblical portrayal of gender, marriage, and human relationships as ordained by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 2:23And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Word Woman, Especially in Connection with Its Application ... A Short Account of the Origin of Methodism in England Manes, the Founder of the Manich??an Heresy, and on his Origin. Eve and Mary. The Empress Theodora The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... A Woman's Memorial Chrysostom's Youth and Training, AD 347-370. The Kingdom Foreshadowed Concerning the Sacrament of Penance Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |