Topical Encyclopedia The concept of woman being created as subordinate to man is rooted in the biblical account of creation and the subsequent roles assigned to men and women. This entry explores the scriptural basis for this understanding, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible and traditional interpretations.Creation Account The creation narrative in Genesis provides the foundational text for understanding the role of women in relation to men. Genesis 2:18 states, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" This verse introduces the idea of woman as a "helper" to man, indicating a role that complements and supports. Further, Genesis 2:21-22 describes the creation of woman: "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." The manner of woman's creation from man's rib has been interpreted to signify her derivation from and connection to man, reinforcing a complementary and supportive role. The Fall and Its Consequences The narrative of the Fall in Genesis 3 further elaborates on the dynamics between man and woman. After the disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God pronounces specific consequences for both Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:16 states, "To the woman He said: 'I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.'" This passage has been traditionally understood to indicate a divinely instituted order where the man holds a position of authority over the woman. New Testament Affirmations The New Testament writings affirm and expand upon the roles established in Genesis. In 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 , Paul writes, "For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man." This passage reiterates the creation order and purpose, emphasizing the woman's role in relation to man. Additionally, Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This analogy between the marital relationship and Christ's relationship with the church underscores the concept of male headship and female submission within the Christian household. Role in the Church The role of women in the church is also addressed in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 2:11-13 , Paul writes, "A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, and then Eve." This directive is often cited in discussions about the roles of women in church leadership and teaching, reflecting the creation order as a basis for ecclesiastical structure. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of woman as originally made subordinate to man is deeply rooted in the creation narrative and is reinforced throughout Scripture. This understanding has shaped traditional Christian views on gender roles within the family, church, and society. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 11:3But 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel Cambyses. Chapter xii Exposition of the Moral Law. An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. The Object of Theology Chapter xxiv Sources of the Pentateuch. The Stage as it was Once. Resources Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood? | 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) |
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