Woman: Originally Made for Man
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The creation of woman is a foundational narrative in the Bible, illustrating the divine intention and purpose behind her existence. According to the Genesis account, woman was created by God as a companion and helper for man, highlighting the complementary nature of the genders within the divine order.

Creation of Woman

The creation of woman is detailed in Genesis 2:18-24. After forming man from the dust of the ground, God recognized that "it is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). To address this, God decided to make "a suitable helper for him." This indicates that woman was created to fulfill a specific role that was lacking in man's solitary existence.

God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, and from his rib, He fashioned a woman. Upon presenting her to Adam, he declared, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for out of man she was taken" (Genesis 2:23). This passage underscores the intimate connection and unity between man and woman, as she was made from his very being.

Purpose and Role

The term "helper" used in Genesis 2:18 is derived from the Hebrew word "ezer," which implies a supportive and complementary role. This does not suggest inferiority but rather a partnership where both man and woman contribute uniquely to the fulfillment of God's purposes. The narrative emphasizes that woman was created to be a companion who corresponds to man, providing mutual support and completing the divine image in humanity.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament reaffirms the creation order and the purpose of woman. 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 reflects the Genesis account and reiterates the complementary design established by God.

Furthermore, Ephesians 5:22-33 elaborates on the relationship between husband and wife, drawing a parallel to Christ and the Church. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, while husbands are instructed to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church. This mutual relationship is rooted in love and respect, reflecting the divine order and purpose for marriage.

Significance in Biblical Theology

The creation of woman as a helper for man is significant in biblical theology as it establishes the framework for understanding gender roles and relationships. It highlights the intentional design of God in creating two distinct yet complementary genders, each with unique roles and responsibilities. This divine order is foundational for understanding marriage, family, and community within a biblical worldview.

The narrative of woman being made for man serves as a reminder of the harmonious and purposeful design of God in creation, where both man and woman are valued and essential in fulfilling His divine plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 11:9
Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Son of God is not a Created Being is Proved by the ...
... of a body""made of a woman," then, by ... Paul originally wrote genomenon, rendered
"born" in the AV ... the man, the human person was made--"made man" (Nicene Creed ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv that the son.htm

God did not Make Evil, nor is He at all in any Way the Author of ...
... flesh of my flesh." And again: She shall be called Woman, because she ... Wherefore it
was because He intended man to be man, that He originally made him so. ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/part i god did not.htm

Of the Conjugal Union as it was Originally Instituted and Blessed ...
... Of the Conjugal Union as It Was Originally Instituted and ... He which made them at the
beginning made them male ... or on account of the origin of the woman, who was ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the conjugal union.htm

The Earthy Material of which Flesh is Created Wonderfully Improved ...
... flesh" [7334] ), and the very taking of the woman out of ... 7336] he refers to man,
who was originally clay ... the vessel is the flesh, because this was made of clay ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter vii the earthy material of.htm

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ...
... at the beginning [4922] [from the first, originally, {hebrew}] [4923 ... a somewhat similar
concession had been made [4924] by ... as implying that a woman divorced for ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii on the journey.htm

Further Use Made of the System of the Phrygians; Mode of ...
... as if they were emasculated, from intercourse with a woman. ... [440] The passage following
obviously was in verse originally. ... The allusion is made again in chap. ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter iv further use made of.htm

The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... Adam and Eve had but one name originally, "God made man ... that covenant, who is that
man or woman that could ... Well, my friends, God made man in this condition; the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm

That More Might be Given and Gotten.
... a leaderless people, for the true Leader as originally planned has ... She was a
gentle-spoken, thoughtful woman, with a ... out of whom leaders might be made, no men ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/that more might be given.htm

Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
... trace it through sixty centuries, to one man and one woman. ... dwellers in Europe, Asia,
Africa, and America originally sprang from ... We were all "made of one blood ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter vi acts 17 26 one.htm

The Gospel According to St. Mark
... discuss how they may arrest Jesus, the woman with the ... Jerome made the Vulgate
translation, about AD384. ... present section except k, and perhaps originally A. The ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter iv the gospel according.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org

Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Woman

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: (Wise) Saints

Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David

Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War

Woman: Curse Pronounced On

Woman: Deceived by Satan

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: Led Man to Disobey God

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: Timid

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: Weaker than Man

Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours

Woman: Young: Called Damsels

Woman: Young: Called Maids

Woman: Young: Called Virgins

Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents

Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments

Woman: Young: Gay and Merry

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

Womanizer

Related Terms

Woman's (20 Occurrences)

Woman-servant (12 Occurrences)

Servant-woman (7 Occurrences)

Bond-woman (6 Occurrences)

Free-woman (4 Occurrences)

Waiting-woman (2 Occurrences)

Free-woman's (1 Occurrence)

Childbirth (24 Occurrences)

Cushite (15 Occurrences)

Adventuress (5 Occurrences)

Adulteress (12 Occurrences)

Sex (51 Occurrences)

Alabaster (6 Occurrences)

Snake (43 Occurrences)

Slept (74 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Sexual (59 Occurrences)

Committing (30 Occurrences)

Contentions (20 Occurrences)

Allows (7 Occurrences)

Acquitted (24 Occurrences)

Approaches (8 Occurrences)

Abdomen (4 Occurrences)

Shameful (27 Occurrences)

Shunem (3 Occurrences)

Suckling (19 Occurrences)

Slave-girl (6 Occurrences)

Servant-girl (18 Occurrences)

Shrink (10 Occurrences)

Virginity (12 Occurrences)

Seest (52 Occurrences)

Separation (50 Occurrences)

Swell (9 Occurrences)

Sarah (38 Occurrences)

Apparel (38 Occurrences)

Anguish (75 Occurrences)

Causeth (209 Occurrences)

Sinning (59 Occurrences)

Cured (62 Occurrences)

Stoned (38 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Covered (325 Occurrences)

Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)

Veiled (23 Occurrences)

Virtuous (5 Occurrences)

Zipporah (3 Occurrences)

Caused (468 Occurrences)

Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)

Conceived (66 Occurrences)

Spreadeth (37 Occurrences)

Conceive (23 Occurrences)

Conceiveth (27 Occurrences)

Childbearing (5 Occurrences)

Canaanitish (4 Occurrences)

Contentious (13 Occurrences)

Copulation (11 Occurrences)

Conscious (93 Occurrences)

Attire (11 Occurrences)

Adjure (16 Occurrences)

Afflicted (171 Occurrences)

Adulterous (12 Occurrences)

Abigail (18 Occurrences)

Syrophoenician (1 Occurrence)

Samar'ia (4 Occurrences)

Shaven (7 Occurrences)

Shaved (23 Occurrences)

Sweep (34 Occurrences)

Shaul (10 Occurrences)

Sorrows (37 Occurrences)

Cover (254 Occurrences)

Veil (67 Occurrences)

Ah (43 Occurrences)

Smooth (39 Occurrences)

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Concubine (21 Occurrences)

Commits (39 Occurrences)

Countenance (67 Occurrences)

Answereth (144 Occurrences)

Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image
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