Male and Female He Created Them
I see a lot of stuff written about traditional gender roles, who we are as men and women and how those roles and responsibilities fit within a biblical marriage. Some of it, I agree with. A lot of it, I don’t. This short commentary will take a look at the intended roles for male and female from a biblical perspective. This commentary is meant to be a blessing to both husband and wife, male and female. Let me start by saying I am not a misogynist, I do not believe women are meant to be slaves in the home. I despise those men who abuse women - mentally, physically or spiritually. I say all this as a prelude because some of what the Bible says may be a bit difficult for the ladies if you miss the glory in the purpose for the female.
For those of you that have a problem with God (for whatever reason), Christians in general, or if the Bible is a show stopper for you then here’s your fair warning to jump off this train. I can’t help you with any of your problems. I didn’t write the Bible and I definitely am not God.
So let’s start in Genesis on the sixth day of creation where God creates man. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 (ESV) This passage tells us that God created man in His image. Men bear God’s image.
It also says, “male and female He created them.” This part of the verse does NOT say that God created female in His image, rather, it merely says God created male and female. There is a very important reason why there is this difference between male and female. Ladies, please bear with me. The good part for you is coming later on.
The following verse states the purpose of the woman is as a helper to the man.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” – Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
The concept is supported by the Apostle Paul:
“3But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 7For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.” 1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-9 (ESV)
The above verses also give us some understanding of the glory of the woman. Verse three tells us the ‘head’ or authority of man is Christ, the authority of a wife is her husband and the authority of Christ is God. Let me reiterate that the husband is the head of the household, not the wife. This concept is supported in the following very well know verses.
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” Ephesians 5:22-24 (ESV)
And also:
“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and [a] respectful behavior.” 1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV)
Are women to be doormats? The commentator Matthew Henry says about Eve: “This companion was taken from his side to signify that she was to be dear unto him as his own flesh. Not from his head, lest she should rule over him; nor from his feet, lest he should tyrannize over her; but from his side, to denote that species of equality which is to subsist in the marriage state.” And again, “That wife that is of God’s making by special grace, and of God’s bringing by special providence, is likely to prove a helpmeet to her husband.”
Peter says wives are to be honored!
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7
Are women without value? Of course not! Scriptures tell us that a virtuous woman is her husband’s crown: “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” Proverbs 12:4 (ESV)
Proverbs also tells us that a virtuous woman is worth more than rubies: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” Proverbs 31:10 (ESV)
Are husbands allowed to mistreat their wives. The answer is an emphatic, “No!!” On the contrary, the Bible has this command for husbands:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
The love referred to above is a sacrificial love. Christ sacrificed His live for mankind. Men are commanded to love their wives with this same sacrificial love.
In the above verse is another hint as to the glory of women. Ephesians goes on to say:
“26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body.” Ephesians 5:26-30
Marriage between a man and woman is a picture of the Covenant God made with Abraham. Genesis tells of humanity’s tragic fall into sin and death, and of God’s unfolding plan of redemption through His Covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
1When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4“Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” Genesis 17:1-7
Marriage is a representation of God’s love for mankind and His covenant is His plan of redemption through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Marriage between a man and a woman is meant to be a model of the relationship between God and His people. Marriage is also a picture of the marriage between the Messiah and his Bride, the church.
Women represent His sanctified people in the model of marriage. Women represent the Messiah’s Bride, the Church. That is their glory. Jesus is the Groom. By embracing their husband’s authority and their role as their husband’s helper as defined in Scripture, wives are helping their husbands walk in their role as head of the household and modeling the relationship between God and His people.
Let me end with this: Men who do not love and cherish their wives do violence to that same model. Something to think about, guys.
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