BGEA: Is it true that women are not valued very highly in the Bible?

Is it true that women are not valued very highly in the Bible?

On the contrary, women are valued very highly in the Bible's teaching. In the very beginning, God created both man and woman in His own image with the responsibilities of populating the earth and ruling over it (Genesis 1:27-28).

The gospel narratives present many insights into Christ's valuation of women, emphasizing His high regard for them as essential members of God's kingdom. He understood their concerns (John 2:1-9), met their deepest needs (John, chapter 4; Mark 7:24-30), healed them (Luke 4:38-39, Matthew 9:20-22), raised their dead (Luke 7:11-15; John, chapter 11), forgave and restored them to meaningful existence (Luke 7:36-50, John 8:3-11), defended and affirmed their acts of service (Matthew 26:6-13), and instructed them (Luke 10:39).

On the road to His crucifixion, Christ addressed the women of Jerusalem in His final word to the crowds. Then on the cross, undergoing deep agony, He entrusted His mother Mary into the care of His beloved disciple John. Following His resurrection from the dead, the first person to whom Jesus revealed Himself was Mary Magdalene, a woman He had freed from severe satanic bondage (John 20:10-18).

The New Testament church was enriched by the influence of godly women such as Dorcas, Priscilla, and Lydia, to name a few. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek [nationality, race], slave nor free [status], male nor female [gender], for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

It is true that Bible interpreters and churches vary in their understanding of the proper leadership role of women in the church and home. However, the issue is not about men's and women's equal worth to God and the church. In the eyes of God, men and women are equal.

The devaluation of women in so many ways throughout history is a result of sin in the world. Wherever the Gospel has gone the status of women has been elevated. Through Christ, women have experienced the opportunity to live creative, productive, and satisfying lives. This transformation has led to far-reaching contributions by women in areas such as social and political reform, medicine, literature, the arts and sciences, and Christian service and missions.

4 Comments

Janette says 3.31.2012, 00:02 a.m.

Mary Beth, I will try and help although I am a searching pilgrim not a teacher. If you read Ephesians 5:22, don't stop there. Yes the calling of women is high but so is the calling of men, some of which is in Ephesians 5:25 and on.

Ann says 10.19.2011, 10:35 a.m.

Dear Mary Beth, Well, I understand what you are going through. I am a divorced woman and went through lot of pain and hurt and can relate with you. I remained single for the last 15 years, for many reasons and one of the reason being to be available for God to be a blessing to many single, and hurt. And I am very happy and again it's not easy. I delight in the Lord! I can also understand you better, as God has used me to counsel and bless many women. Yes, there are times when we are rejected, lonely. and abused. Well, it's not just women and even men feel that way too. And Satan is very crafty. To your question, when you read Bible, you are less comforted, as a woman. Bible doesn't favor woman over man or either man over woman. God created man and woman equal. All differences are man-created and there are many man-created problems in this world and for which we don't get answers from Bible. Only one answer always, We are created in His image and with authority over everything and it's left to the individual, how the authority is used. God is not answerable for some body's wrong doings. Yes, He protects us, He forgives us and answers our prayers. But it's very important to be in His Will. We read in John Chapter 4, Jesus meets Samaritan Woman. Jesus revealed herself to her and used her to spread good news. This is the answer. Even if you are hurt, rejected, abused, wrong, God will still use you for His Glory. Yes, He will also turn your sorrow to joy

Lana says 1.22.2011, 10:53 a.m.

Dear Mary Beth, I am so sorry you have had bad experiences with men. I was in a very abusive relationship for nine years and even though that was a long time ago, I can feel your pain. I KNOW that Jesus loves me and comforts me and gives me peace. The Holy Spirit lives in me and guides me and coaches me through life. I have learned to make better choices by studying the Word. I am glad you are looking for answers...that's how I found that I needed God in my life. I pray that you find peace and joy and that you come to know that you are a precious child of our Father and he is waiting to do wonderful things for you.

Mary Beth says 1.22.2011, 08:55 a.m.

I read the bible every evening and say prayers. However, the more I read the bible, the less comfort I receive as a woman. It is very difficult to find anything that pertains directly to women accept subservience. I always hear that there are more than enough passages to guide women, but those that I have read just do not lend comfort. I feel as if women have been doomed since we enticed Adam to sin, and the selfish and cruel men of today and the way they treat us is proof. What can I do to believe that Jesus loves me and that there is a good man in my future who will not hurt me?