What is the definition of a woman in the Bible?

Answer

God made all of humanity—both men and women—in His image: “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, see also Genesis 2:20-24; 5:2). A woman is a person of the female gender, and a man is a person of the male gender. Spiritually, men and women are equal in God’s eyes “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”, (Galatians 3:28). Both reflect God’s nature and character, yet the two genders each possess separate, distinct, God-designed identities.

It is impossible to consider the definition of a woman in the Bible without also contemplating the substance of a man, since the woman was created from the man: “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’ . . . So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:18-22; NLT).

As God carried out the task of creation, He observed only one thing that was “not good,” and it was “for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 11:11-12). Thus, God “made”Be a Woman” «And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. », (Genesis 2:22). The Hebrew word banah, translated as “made” in this verse, literally means “built.” The woman is the only created being described this way, as “built” by God.

When God constructed the woman, He supplied what was lacking and necessary for a man’s fulfillment or completion. Eve was custom-made to be Adam’s corresponding opposite (Genesis 2:21-24). Only with God’s unique gift of Eve could Adam become not merely a solo male of his species but a legitimate model of the human race. Intrinsic in the biblical definition of a woman is this quality—this gift. Woman is man’s cooperative complement or reciprocal; she is not merely a helpful assistant or an add-on accessory (1 Corinthians 11:11;1 Peter 3:7). Fitted together as woman and man, the two become symbiotic humanity created in God’s image. Only as such do man and woman find their sexual counterparts and necessary procreative match.

Since the ancient world was a patriarchal society, most written records of that time, including Scripture, present a predominantly male perspective. Nevertheless, throughout the Bible, women play significant roles in the community, home, and church. Different biblical words are used to refer to a woman in relation to these roles. The most general Hebrew term for “woman” is ʾiššâ, but it can also mean “wife.” The Greek counterpart is gynē. Many other Hebrew and Greek words are used to describe women at different ages and stages of life.

The foremost role of a woman in the Bible is that of a wife. She is a companion who supports her husband (Genesis 2:18,20;Proverbs 12:4).

Genesis 2:18, and Proverbs 12:4, enriches his life: “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, So that he shall have no need of spoil.” (Proverbs 31:11), and brings him joy and pleasure (Genesis 2:23; Song of Songs 4:1-15). An equally defining role of women in the Bible is child-bearer or mother (Psalm 113:9; Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 31:28).

The ideal Old Testament woman resembles many women of strength and character today. She is dignified and virtuous, works productively not only at home but is capable of running a profitable business, supervising people with kindness and wisdom, making investments, and planning for the future, all while managing her household, building a solid family, and caring for the needy in her community (Proverbs 31:10-31; 14:1).

In the early church, women ministered alongside the apostles and supported the work of the church (Acts 16:14-15; Romans 16:6,12; Philippians 4:2-3), hosted church meetings (Acts 16:15; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15), prophesied (Acts 21:8-9; see also Acts 2:17-18), mentored, and taught (Titus 2:3-5).

In God’s perfect design for the home, He intends for a woman to be submitted to the leadership of her husband.(Ephesians 5:22-25;1 Peter 3:1,5). A wife’s submission and obedience should be met with the husband’s love and self-sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25,28-29, 33). In this manner, the woman’s relationship with her husband reflects the church’s relationship with Jesus Christ “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”, (Revelation 21:9).

Jonathan Parnell writes, “What defines men and women is intricately linked to the magnificence of God in our creation. We each exist as we are to manifest that glory” (Good: The Joy of Christian Manhood and Womanhood, Strachan, O., and Parnell, J., eds., Desiring God, 2014, p. 4). God fashioned woman to complement and fulfill man, thus becoming a representation of His nature and character that brings glory to God. When a woman embraces her divinely appointed role, she brings honor to the Lord in the church and reveals God’s glory to the world.