When God Made Woman
There seems to be some debate about what exactly makes a woman a woman. Some say gender is fluid, but the Bible says otherwise. God created every human being so that their gender is innately tied to their God-given biological sex - something that cannot be changed. The DNA says XX or XY, no matter what mutilation takes place.
““Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female...?”
In the Garden of Eden, God created mankind in His image (Genesis 1:27). Male and female He created them. Mankind reflects the image of God - man and woman bearing equally important parts of that purpose.
Weaker or “Softer” Vessel
There, in the beginning, we see a fundamental difference. Two parts of the same kind, but different, complementing sexes. The Hebrew word used here for “man” is “ish” which means strength. The Hebrew word for “woman” is “ishah” which means soft strength. Yes, the woman is the weaker vessel.
Women and Marriage
“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.”
“Weaker vessel” does not at all imply less honor or dignity as we may at first be inclined to project. It means, at least in part, that she is to be protected by and cared for by the men in her life, especially her husband if she has one. As seen in the above passage, if he chooses to dishonor her, the Lord will not hear his prayers. God cares deeply about women and their place in the world. So many people are turned off by the concept of biblical submission, but it’s actually a protective measure.
Women and the Womb
Women possess the unique capacity to carry life into the world through their wombs. Never have I felt more soft but strong than while pregnant. Carrying a child is an incredible feat of strength, but I also found myself more dependent on others’ help during that time. The “soft strength” from Genesis became more apparent in my life. The miracle of life kept me in awe of my Creator. It was through a woman that the Savior came to earth, born of a virgin (Galatians 4:4). It was her seed (Jesus) that finally crushed the serpent’s head, fulfilling the protoevangelium, or first mention of the gospel, from Genesis 3:15.
Women and the Kingdom
Throughout the Scriptures, we see God using women to accomplish His purposes the unfolding plan of redemption. Not only through the high calling of motherhood, of which Sarah, Leah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary are examples, but also in society and the church.
We see Deborah, a prophetess who God raised up as a judge to lead Israel (Judges 2:16,18; 4:4). We see Ruth, a widow who God used to bridge the gap in the lineage of Jesus (Ruth 4:13-14). We see Esther, a young woman God used to preserve the nation of Israel from mass genocide (Esther 4:14). We see the Proverbs 31 woman working hard at home and in the marketplace as an asset to her husband and community (Proverbs 31:15-16).
In the New Testament, we see Priscilla correcting doctrinal errors and co-laboring in the gospel alongside her husband (Acts 18:26, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19). We see Phillip’s 4 unmarried daughters who prophesied for the edification of the church (Acts 21:9).
God’s Design for Womanhood is Good
Women were created, distinct from men, by God and for His glory. As the Creator, He assigns sex. His design is good and beautiful. If someone is wrestling with gender dysphoria or identity, they need to look no further than their God-given biological sex to determine who they really are. When we embrace who God created us to be and stop trying to be someone we’re not, then we can find true fulfillment.
