I look at how the word ezer is used in the Hebrew Bible, including how it is used in people’s names in the Bible. And I show that being an ezer is not an especially feminine role or obligation.
Here are a few excerpts from a chapter written by Judith Gundry that are helpful in understanding Paul’s arguments and use of creation in 1 Cor. 11:2-16.
The role of the Holy Spirit as helper (given in John’s Gospel) does not inform our understanding of Eve as helper/ ezer (in Genesis 2), and vice versa. Here’s why.
The stance of the Roman Catholic Church in regards to mutual submission in marriage is much more egalitarian than the stance of many evangelicals.
Does helping someone mean you subordinate yourself to that person? 3 men whose essays I’ve read recently answer this question with “yes”.
What did Eve do to help Adam? Here are two very different views from three top scholars about Eve’s role as helper in Genesis 2.
Here’s a paper I presented back in 2015 and which is included in the book “The Gender Conversation.”
What is the context of Jesus’ words on divorce with the Pharisees? Did he teach that all second marriages, with a former spouse still living, are adulterous? Probably not.
Does “a suitable helper for him” (ezer kenegdo) in Genesis 2:18-20 speak about a defining gender role for women? Are all women “helpers” of men?
This short post looks at the way the Hebrew word kenegdo (used in Gen. 2:18 & 20 for the creation of Eve) is translated in a respected Afrikaans version of the Bible.
Was the first man authorised by God to relay the command about the forbidden fruit to the first woman? What does the Bible say about Adam’s responsibility and authority?
What does the Hebrew word “kenegdo” mean in Gen. 2:18 & 20? Was the woman made to be subordinate, suitable, or similar to the man?
I’ve highlighted the words for human, man, and woman in the Hebrew text of Gen. 2 to help non-Hebrew readers see that the first human in Eden was not necessarily male.
Mary Kassian places a great deal of importance on the created order of man first, woman second, given in Genesis 2. Is she correct?
How does the Septuagint translate “a helper suitable/ meet for him” in Genesis 2:18 and 20? In particular, what is the Greek word translated as “helper” here?
Many people have had a narrow and lowly view of the meaning of “helper” (ezer) used for Eve in Genesis 2:18 & 20. How is ezer used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible?
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© 2022 Marg Mowczko