With a growing feminist movement in the modern world, many Christians and non-Christians alike have turned against the Bible, or at least certain passages due to its portrayal of women. A prominent example is the citing of verses about the woman submitting to her husband like those in Ephesians (Ephesians 5:22-23) and Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:3). Because of this, some readers are led to believe that the Bible teaches women are inferior to men.
This is a misinterpretation. As it is described in the Bible, the roles of men and women are different, but that does not mean they are unequal.
Beginning with the first book in the Bible, Genesis provides rich details about the creation and respective roles of men and women. Importantly, Genesis describes both sexes as being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). There is no differentiation here. Even though God himself was male, all people are created in God’s likeness. Genesis later describes woman to be created as a “helper” suitable for man (Genesis 2:18). Although this term “helper” may mistakenly be read as subservient, helper is synonymous with teammate, supporter, and partner.
Similarly, in 1 Peter 3:7, God describes wives as the “weaker partner,” but it’s important to note that this term “weaker” does not mean that women are less valuable than men. Rather, it’s a statement of fact that the physical makeup of men is different from women. Since men and women are dissimilar biologically, it is only natural for them to have different roles. In a family, the husband is meant to be the protector and provider. On the contrary, the wife has the essential role of supporting her husband. These roles are described in the scripture, but they are also undeniable realities of creation. From reproductive systems and chromosomes to hormones and physiology, men and women are not the same, but it is these differences that allow our species to exist.
Although the man holds the role of leader in the home, God explicitly says that if a man does not treat his wife with the respect described in 1 Peter 3:7, his prayers will be hindered. Women are not expected to endure disrespect from their partner, and in fact, a prevailing theme in the Bible is marriage and the mutual respect that should exist within a marriage. For example, Ephesians 5:25 tells husbands to love their wives “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Believers, do you realize the power of this? Christ’s love for the church was so great it is indescribable, and in this passage, Paul tells husbands that they must love their wives in the same boundless way. Moreover, Matthew 19:5-6 describes man and woman as becoming one flesh when they are brought together in marriage. Therefore, it is impossible for a husband or wife to have superiority over the other because they are united as one.
Another cause for controversy within the Bible is in 1 Timothy 2. This is the passage where God makes it clear that men are meant to lead the church rather than women, as Paul states “I do not permit a woman to teach or assume authority over a man.” While men are meant to hold the role of priest and pastor, women are given their own unique roles. Can a man bear a child? No, this is the woman’s role and an essential one at that. Mary of Nazareth, for instance, gave birth to Jesus, the savior within Christianity. Therefore, so much of the religion’s foundation is attributable to Mary.
Within 1 Timothy 2 Paul also claims that a woman should learn in quietness and full submission, blaming Eve, a woman, as the first sinner. However, it is important to note that just as women should submit to men, men should submit to the Lord, so everyone is ultimately under the power of the Lord. Paul’s statement is also situational. Take Deuteronomy 5:16 as one example. In this verse, the fifth commandment is presented: honor your father and your mother. Thus, it is assumed that a mother can exercise her authority over a male child.
Furthermore, one of the strongest arguments against claims of women’s inferiority can be found in 1 Corinthians 11:11-12: “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.” These two verses emphasize how men and women are both indispensable in achieving God’s purpose. There cannot be one without the other.
Galatians 3:28 also highlights this point, as Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Paul is not saying in a literal sense that these groups are nonexistent because, of course, there are Jews and Gentiles and males and females. Instead, Paul is using the juxtaposition of various groups to suggest that God does not choose favorites. He has no preference for men over women, and consequently, all people have the potential to receive equal blessings. Paul makes it clear that everyone, whether man or woman, is equal in their salvation.
Although today’s modern, twisted interpretation of Christianity is that the Bible tells us women are inferior to men, this is a misunderstanding. Women and men are unique in their spiritual roles, but one should not be held in higher regard than the other, as they are equally necessary for humanity’s survival and fulfilling God’s purpose. At the end of the day, to achieve salvation, all believers ultimately must submit himself or herself, to God.
