I posted this already but it got deleted because apparantly I was a bit too chauvanistic. Sorry if I offended anyone. So I'll clean it up, because I'm genuinely interested.
How do women feel about being refered to as "helpers" in Genesis? It seems to imply that women were created as nothing more than man's servant. Response?
2007-06-26 02:42:40 · 18 answers · asked by Drake the Deist 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Meow, Rachel, me-ow. You still haven't gotten back to me on that marriage proposal.
2007-06-26 03:05:50 · update #1
The main thing to keep in mind is that THE BIBLE WAS NOT WRITTEN IN ENGLISH!!
Now that we've established that, it's time for a Hebrew lesson. The word translated as helper is the Hebrew "azer." For one of my translation classes I had to translate Genesis (yes the whole thing, no it was not fun) and here's my version of that verse, with azer untouched:
"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not a beneficial thing for the man to be alone. I will make for him an azer who is his complement or equal.'"
Azer is used nineteen other times in the Old Testament...to refer to God, that is.
"O Israel, trust in the Lord, for He is their azer and shield" (Psalm 115:9).
Does this mean that God is man's servant? The weaker vessel? Hardly.
Azer is a word that the Hebrews would have held in great regard, they would have been impressed by its use referring to women. It means helper as in a source of great assistance in time of need, even deliverance. It in no way implies inferiority or servitude.
People need to get their facts straight before spewing chauvinistic ignorance.
Seeking Truth: I edited it based on what you said, yes everyone needs to get their facts straight, but Drake is a Christian.
2007-06-26 02:45:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
Women were not "created as nothing more than man's servant." You might want to read beyond the book of Genesis and about some of the real women of the Bible to get an idea of how God views a woman's role.
2007-06-26 11:44:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
GOD said man should not be alone so he created eve to be a help for adan and to be his companion ,not a servant , we are to serve one another , the woman has to be submisive and respect the husband as the head of the house , but also the man has to treat the woman with respect , love and care and not like a slave ,women are not slaves , women are beautiful and intelligent and succesful , when things get tough sometimes and we as men don't have a clue of what to do nothing better than a beautiful wife to come to the rescue and come up with a solution to the problem or a wonderful idea , we are all created equal , man and woman man is not better or superior and women are not better or superior . now my question to you is if you believe that women are slaves and helpers does that mean that your mother and grandmother and your sisters and even your wife if you have one are slaves and nothing more that helpers ?
2007-06-26 10:10:42 · answer #3 · answered by beltran_36 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Remember, you're reading a translation... and things always get lost when translating from one language to another... so don't get hung up on the word 'helper' in the negative connotation.
The *concept* put forth there never meant to imply unequal... male and female have been given different roles by God but those two roles are equal.
God created male *and* female in His image... meaning the image of God is not men or women alone, but the union of both...
2007-06-26 09:58:13 · answer #4 · answered by biblicalfive 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It does not bother me. Some men think we are to be ruled by them like we are slaves. Well when God took Adams rib and placed it in us we became apart of that male. We should be in on every decision that is made. Then when you go over into the New Test. you read how the man is to love the wife as Christ loved the church. Now think on the love of Christ. The man is to love us with that same love. If the man is loving us that way then it is not hard for a woman to be a help meet. A man is not to rule over us like some think they are.
2007-06-26 09:55:27 · answer #5 · answered by iwant_u2_wantme2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought Rachel K's answer was brilliant. I had a question as to why it was 'Christians' who needed to get their facts straight before spouting chauvinistic responses? I am a Christian and hold my wife and women in general in very high regard and don't respect men who don't feel similarly. I should also point out that I didn't get the impression that this question was posted by a Christian so I was unsure where the outburst came from. Great answer otherwise though.
2007-06-26 09:59:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes Drake, I once thought this and we are all here to be helpers and women of their husbands.
I think helping is and can be an honour when we do all things unto the Lord as we should do - male or female ..whatever our hands find to do..
But did you notice the Love Jesus had for the women?
He was Soo kind, and especially in that day and culture/age, when women were really looked down upon.
Jesus, Defended them, - Mary Magdalene to His disciples, woman caught in adultery - to her accusers, woman at the well He did not condemn...
Glory be to God Alone
Le7
2007-06-26 09:59:00 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good morning Drake.
I do not believe women were to be servants, but partners..
Remember, in the old testament, rules were made up by man, not God. Same as today in other countries, women are to bow down to men, so to speak, and do their wishes. Its only mans wishes...
2007-06-26 09:56:05 · answer #8 · answered by karen_03625 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Women are a lot more than man's servants.
I am a helper, nurturer, healer, etc.
I study the Bible daily and I never feel belittled or less than a man.
2007-06-26 09:55:12 · answer #9 · answered by 1angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a perfect world, like the one that will be when GOD puts all rebellion and sin down in the not to distant future, there will be no pride or jealousy or envy or any other work of the flesh. Everyone will be content with what ever position in life that GOD assigns to them...men, women and angels alike.
2007-06-26 09:52:42 · answer #10 · answered by wordman 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋