Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the role of a woman as submissive and respectful to her husband is a theme that is addressed in several passages throughout the Scriptures. This concept is rooted in the order of creation and the relationship dynamics established by God.Creation and Order The foundation for the role of women in marriage is laid in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:18, 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 woman as a "helper" to the man, indicating a complementary role within the marital relationship. The term "helper" (Hebrew: ezer) does not imply inferiority but rather denotes a supportive and essential partnership. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further elaborates on the role of women in marriage, emphasizing submission and respect. Ephesians 5:22-24 states, "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 passage draws a parallel between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church, highlighting the importance of order and respect. Colossians 3:18 echoes this sentiment: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." The phrase "as is fitting in the Lord" suggests that this submission is not merely cultural but is aligned with divine order and purpose. Respect and Honor Respect is a crucial component of the marital relationship. In 1 Peter 3:1-2 , wives are encouraged to be respectful and pure in their conduct: "Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands so that, even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see your pure and reverent demeanor." This passage underscores the power of respectful behavior in influencing and nurturing a godly household. Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Woman The description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 provides a comprehensive picture of a woman who embodies strength, dignity, and respect within her household. Proverbs 31:10-12 states, "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life." This passage highlights the trust and respect that a virtuous woman commands from her husband, reinforcing the idea that submission and respect are intertwined with strength and honor. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of a woman's role as submissive and respectful to her husband is deeply rooted in the order of creation and the teachings of the New Testament. This role is not indicative of inferiority but rather reflects a divinely ordained partnership that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church. Through submission and respect, women are called to contribute to a harmonious and godly marital relationship. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 3:6Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:12 Library The First Epistle of St. Peter Introduction to Oration ii. 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) |