Women
“Ishshah (singular), nashim (plural); Greek gyne”
Summary
Women in Scripture are presented from creation as equal in dignity to men, though with distinct roles, with the New Testament elevating their status and affirming their spiritual equality in Christ.
☩Creation and Status
Woman was created by God as a 'help meet' for man, taken from his side, indicating partnership and equality in essence. The judgment on Eve brought pain in childbearing and subordination to her husband, yet also the first gospel promise—her seed would crush the serpent's head. Hebrew women enjoyed more freedom and respect than women in surrounding cultures, being protected by law, able to own property in certain cases, and honored as mothers.
☩Roles and Activities
Women served in various capacities: prophetesses like Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Anna; the judge Deborah who led Israel; Queen Esther who saved her people; wise women like the woman of Tekoa. Women attended to domestic duties—cooking, spinning, weaving, and managing households. They tended flocks, worked in fields, drew water, and gleaned at harvest. Some women were singers in worship and doorkeepers at the tabernacle.
☩New Testament Teaching
Jesus elevated women's status, teaching them publicly, accepting their ministry support, and appearing first to women after His resurrection. Paul declared that in Christ there is neither male nor female—all are one in spiritual standing. Women served prominently in the early church: Phoebe as a deaconess, Priscilla as a teacher, and many women as fellow workers with Paul. The apostles gave specific instructions for women's conduct in worship and their roles in marriage and the church.
Related Verses390 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Women," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Women," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).