Woman in the bible

Reflection

A common misconception is that when God calls the woman a "helper" in Genesis, He is describing someone who is lesser than the man. In English, the word helper can suggest an assistant or subordinate. But that's not what the Hebrew says. The phrase in Genesis 2:18 is ezer kenegdo (עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ). Ezer (עֵזֶר) means help, strength, rescuer, or one who comes to save. Kenegdo (כְּנֶגְדּוֹ) means corresponding to him, equal to him, facing him, his counterpart. Together, the phrase could be understood as: "A strong helper corresponding to him." "A powerful ally equal to him." "A strength that stands face-to-face with him." This is far removed from the idea of a subordinate assistant. "Ezer" is a word God uses for Himself The most striking part is that ezer is used throughout the Old Testament to describe God as Israel's helper. For example: "God is our help..." (Psalm 33:20) "The LORD is my helper..." (Psalm 54:4) "My help comes from the LORD..." (Psalm 121:2) In these passages, God is certainly not subordinate to the people He helps. Rather, He is their protector, rescuer, defender, and source of strength.

Questions to sit with

• How does knowing the Hebrew meaning of ezer change the way you read Genesis 2?
• If God uses the same word for Himself, what does that say about the dignity and strength of women?
• Where else might familiar English translations be flattening something far richer in the original text?

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