Biblical Answers for Men About Women
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB) and Young’s Literal Translation (YLT), which are all in the Public Domain.
Please enjoy this and other free ebooks available on TorahforWomen.com and ShofarProductions.com
Published by Shofar Productions
www.shofarproductions.com
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB) and Young’s Literal Translation (YLT), which are all in the Public Domain.
Please enjoy this and other free ebooks available on TorahforWomen.com and ShofarProductions.com
Introduction
As a husband and father, God has given you a great responsibility and trusted you with the lives of your family. God has not given you this responsibility so you can be a domineering dictator, but he did call you to be a trusted steward that will guard, nurture and lead God’s treasures, which are your wife and children. God has imparted gifts, talents and special callings into your family and it’s up to you to help your wife and children reach the full potential they were created and called to be. The “Parable of the Talents” found in the “The Gospel of Matthew”, is a perfect example and also a warning for every husband and father who thinks they can rule over, control, or do whatever they want with God’s treasured possessions –Your family. Yeshua Said:
"For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two. But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
"Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.' "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
"He also who got the two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.' "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
"He also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.'
"But his lord answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow, and gather where I didn't scatter. You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest.” Matthew 25:14-27 WEB
Will you be like the servant who buried God’s treasure in the ground? Will you suppress your wife’s full potential? Will you be a stumbling block to your children’s future? Will you be so arrogant, domineering and wicked to control what God wants to do in the hearts and lives of your family? Will you insult and belittle your wife and kids to rob them of their character, motivation and pursuit of their goals?
- Who are you man to suppress what God has ordained?
- Who are you man to destroy what God has created?
- Who are you man to stop what God has started?
- Who are you man to imprison what God has set free?
Your wife and children are not your possessions to do what you want with them; you’re just a guardian, a steward watching over God’s gifts – Your wife and children.
This ebook was designed to destroy the man-made traditions and errors that men have taught and perpetuated for centuries. It’s time we know the truth and allow the truth to set us free from this error that has destroyed homes and people. It’s time men learn the truth concerning the husband and wife relationship and couples build a true scriptural relationship.
This book may challenge your current beliefs and you may struggle to accept the information, but I challenge you to study the scriptures yourself and verify whether these things are true or not. This book is written by a man to men, but women can also learn a lot about how a man should treat you, how you should treat your husband and perhaps the two of you will cooperate in becoming all God has called you to be.
May Yahweh bless the study of his word.
"For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two. But he who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
"Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.' "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
"He also who got the two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.' "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
"He also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.'
"But his lord answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow, and gather where I didn't scatter. You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest.” Matthew 25:14-27 WEB
Will you be like the servant who buried God’s treasure in the ground? Will you suppress your wife’s full potential? Will you be a stumbling block to your children’s future? Will you be so arrogant, domineering and wicked to control what God wants to do in the hearts and lives of your family? Will you insult and belittle your wife and kids to rob them of their character, motivation and pursuit of their goals?
- Who are you man to suppress what God has ordained?
- Who are you man to destroy what God has created?
- Who are you man to stop what God has started?
- Who are you man to imprison what God has set free?
Your wife and children are not your possessions to do what you want with them; you’re just a guardian, a steward watching over God’s gifts – Your wife and children.
This ebook was designed to destroy the man-made traditions and errors that men have taught and perpetuated for centuries. It’s time we know the truth and allow the truth to set us free from this error that has destroyed homes and people. It’s time men learn the truth concerning the husband and wife relationship and couples build a true scriptural relationship.
This book may challenge your current beliefs and you may struggle to accept the information, but I challenge you to study the scriptures yourself and verify whether these things are true or not. This book is written by a man to men, but women can also learn a lot about how a man should treat you, how you should treat your husband and perhaps the two of you will cooperate in becoming all God has called you to be.
May Yahweh bless the study of his word.
Why Did God Create Women?
To find the answer let’s start with the following scripture:
“And God saith, 'Let Us make man [mankind] in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over fish of the sea, and over fowl of the heavens, and over cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that is creeping on the earth.'” Genesis 1:26 YLT
Did you catch what God said in this scripture? God said: “Let Us (the trinity) make man [mankind] in our image, according to our likeness and let them (plural) rule…”
Did you take note that God did not say let “man” [singular] rule, but instead he said let “them” rule. I believe the “them” that God gave authority and rulership over the whole earth to, was both the man and the woman. I believe that God’s original design was for the man and the woman to act as one to rule over the earth together.
To prove this point, let’s first dispute a false doctrine that results from people twisting this scripture in Genesis 1:26. I think by addressing this false doctrine we will at the same time show evidence that God designed both the man and the woman to be co-rulers over the earth.
The false doctrine we will address results from people getting confused by the plural statement of “them” in Genesis 1:26. Because of their misunderstanding of Genesis 1:26, people make claims that God created multiple human beings and not just Adam and Eve alone. However, we can clearly see by several scriptures that this belief is false:
1. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12 KJV
2. “for as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners: so also through the obedience of the one, shall the many be constituted righteous.” Romans 5:19 YLT
3. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV
4. “And hath made of one blood [one man] all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” Acts 17:26 KJV
5. “And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20 KJV
6. Genesis 2 gives us details into the creation of man and woman and although Genesis 1:26 speaks in the plural about making man in “our image”, we can see in Genesis 2:5 that “There was not a man to till the ground.” Therefore, God did not already have a multiple race of men on the earth as some claim.
7. We can further confirm this in Genesis 2:18 (WEB), which says: “Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper [singular] suitable for him." So what did God do? He created one woman for the one man, by taking the one woman from the side of the one man. We never see multiple men falling in a deep sleep and God pulling multiple women out from their sides, or that God created two or more women from Adam.
8. Furthermore, in item number 6 above, we already discussed that in Genesis 2:5 God said “There was not a man to till the ground,” but did God create multiple men for that task? No. Because we can see only a single man placed in the Garden of Eden. “Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Yahweh God planted a garden eastward, in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” Genesis 2:7-8 WEB
Notice it says God formed man [singular] and he placed or “put the man” [singular] in the garden. Never do we see in the scriptures that God created multiple men and women. What we do see is only one man created and one man placed into the garden.
The sad part is that even with all this evidence from scriptures, people will still be persistent in their faulty doctrine and claim that God created multiple couples of men and women in addition to Adam and Eve. However, these people are playing in a very dangerous area by adding to God’s word and creating a mythical group of humans. Yahweh told us: “Don't you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:6 WEB
So, why then does God speak in the plural about man (mankind) in Genesis 1:26? Well I believe there is enough scriptural evidence to interpret the “them” as follows:
1. The verse could be interpreted by showing us that God was planning the birth of all mankind and foresaw every man, woman and child that would ever be born. Then in Genesis chapter 2 we actually get to see the full details of how God created our first parents Adam and Eve. This interpretation is not only a nice idea to think that God thought of us and was planning our future birth when he created the world, but the idea also has some biblical support in the following scripture verses:
“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love” Ephesians 1:4 WEB
“who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal” 2 Timothy 1:9 WEB
“and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory” Romans 9:23 WEB
With scriptural support this interpretation is very feasible as is the idea that God was planning (preparing) for the creation of all mankind in Genesis 1:26. Then on the sixth day, as detailed in Genesis 2, God actually created the first man and woman, the parents of all of mankind.
2. The other part of this interpretation to explain the plural statement about man in Genesis 1:26, is that God was speaking to Adam and Eve [the two = plural]. This is also an accurate interpretation, because in the very next verse we see: “God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:27-28 WEB
All of mankind started from our first parents Adam and Eve, who were created by God and thereafter, every man and woman was conceived from these two: “The man called his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20 WEB, so the “them” could very well be interpreted to be both Adam and Eve.
However, the important point I want you to note is that Adam and Eve were both given a charge by God to “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.” God’s design for the man and the woman was to fill the earth with children and rule over the earth together. In order to do this, they had to work together as one in the same way the trinity works as one.
The reason why we disputed that false claim that God created multiple men at the creation is because people are taught that only man had dominion over the earth. However, that teaching goes counter to what God said in Genesis 1:28 (YLT): “And God blesseth them, and God saith to them, 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over fish of the sea, and over fowl of the heavens, and over every living thing that is creeping upon the earth.”
The “them” is the man and the woman. The woman was taken from the side of man, not from his head to rule over the man and not from his foot to be trampled on by man. The woman was made to be a “helper” or counterpart for man and not his slave.
“Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18 WEB
“And Jehovah God saith, 'Not good for the man to be alone, I do make to him an helper -- as his counterpart.'” Genesis 2:18 YLT
The Hebrew word “Ezer” for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 means help, helper aid, and its root word has a deeper meaning of protecting and surrounding the man. Men often think they are the only protector of the home, but God created the woman to be a protector also. The Woman was created for the man, to surround him with help and aid.
This word, “Ezer” is often used to describe God’s shield of protection and his aid to mankind [Deuteronomy 33:26, 29; Psalms 33:20 and Hosea 13:9]. Therefore, this should give us a picture and model to see the role of the woman as man’s earthly protector ordained by God.
Eve was more than just the mother of all mankind, because Eve was given a special calling by God to be Adams counterpart, to aid him, protect him and offer him relief. The woman was called to work together with her husband to “…'Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over fish of the sea, and over fowl of the heavens, and over every living thing that is creeping upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 YLT
Therefore, to men I want to show you that God designed your wife to be your counterpart, your helper in life, and the one person you should be able trust and count on to surround you and protect you. She should be your eager co-ruler as the two of you subdue the earth for the Kingdom of God and rule over the kingdom of the enemy as the scriptures show us:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy…” Luke 10:19 KJV
“I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven." Matthew 16:19 WEB
“This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 WEB
Men, Let your wife be the queen and partner in life she was created by God to be. Work together with her and do all God called the two of you to do. The two of you should look out for each other’s back and defend one another from attacks from other people and the enemy.
You will find that your wife will often be able to see what you can’t see. Your wife should be the one person in your life that you can trust to point out your weaknesses without having the fear that she will exploit those weaknesses. Why not let her be your God given shield to guard you in those weak areas of your life? Let your wife do the job God created women to do. Let her do the mission God called her to do. Let your wife’s talent and gifts blossom and you will see God’s blessing in your home.
I have referenced a husband and wife relationship, but fathers should also let their daughters be the woman God designed her to be. Women should also look for a boyfriend and future spouse that respects what she was created to be. We need to go back to the Torah and see the pure truth about the role of women, instead of looking at the scriptures through the lens of religious tradition.
“And God saith, 'Let Us make man [mankind] in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over fish of the sea, and over fowl of the heavens, and over cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that is creeping on the earth.'” Genesis 1:26 YLT
Did you catch what God said in this scripture? God said: “Let Us (the trinity) make man [mankind] in our image, according to our likeness and let them (plural) rule…”
Did you take note that God did not say let “man” [singular] rule, but instead he said let “them” rule. I believe the “them” that God gave authority and rulership over the whole earth to, was both the man and the woman. I believe that God’s original design was for the man and the woman to act as one to rule over the earth together.
To prove this point, let’s first dispute a false doctrine that results from people twisting this scripture in Genesis 1:26. I think by addressing this false doctrine we will at the same time show evidence that God designed both the man and the woman to be co-rulers over the earth.
The false doctrine we will address results from people getting confused by the plural statement of “them” in Genesis 1:26. Because of their misunderstanding of Genesis 1:26, people make claims that God created multiple human beings and not just Adam and Eve alone. However, we can clearly see by several scriptures that this belief is false:
1. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12 KJV
2. “for as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners: so also through the obedience of the one, shall the many be constituted righteous.” Romans 5:19 YLT
3. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV
4. “And hath made of one blood [one man] all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” Acts 17:26 KJV
5. “And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20 KJV
6. Genesis 2 gives us details into the creation of man and woman and although Genesis 1:26 speaks in the plural about making man in “our image”, we can see in Genesis 2:5 that “There was not a man to till the ground.” Therefore, God did not already have a multiple race of men on the earth as some claim.
7. We can further confirm this in Genesis 2:18 (WEB), which says: “Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper [singular] suitable for him." So what did God do? He created one woman for the one man, by taking the one woman from the side of the one man. We never see multiple men falling in a deep sleep and God pulling multiple women out from their sides, or that God created two or more women from Adam.
8. Furthermore, in item number 6 above, we already discussed that in Genesis 2:5 God said “There was not a man to till the ground,” but did God create multiple men for that task? No. Because we can see only a single man placed in the Garden of Eden. “Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Yahweh God planted a garden eastward, in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” Genesis 2:7-8 WEB
Notice it says God formed man [singular] and he placed or “put the man” [singular] in the garden. Never do we see in the scriptures that God created multiple men and women. What we do see is only one man created and one man placed into the garden.
The sad part is that even with all this evidence from scriptures, people will still be persistent in their faulty doctrine and claim that God created multiple couples of men and women in addition to Adam and Eve. However, these people are playing in a very dangerous area by adding to God’s word and creating a mythical group of humans. Yahweh told us: “Don't you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:6 WEB
So, why then does God speak in the plural about man (mankind) in Genesis 1:26? Well I believe there is enough scriptural evidence to interpret the “them” as follows:
1. The verse could be interpreted by showing us that God was planning the birth of all mankind and foresaw every man, woman and child that would ever be born. Then in Genesis chapter 2 we actually get to see the full details of how God created our first parents Adam and Eve. This interpretation is not only a nice idea to think that God thought of us and was planning our future birth when he created the world, but the idea also has some biblical support in the following scripture verses:
“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love” Ephesians 1:4 WEB
“who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal” 2 Timothy 1:9 WEB
“and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory” Romans 9:23 WEB
With scriptural support this interpretation is very feasible as is the idea that God was planning (preparing) for the creation of all mankind in Genesis 1:26. Then on the sixth day, as detailed in Genesis 2, God actually created the first man and woman, the parents of all of mankind.
2. The other part of this interpretation to explain the plural statement about man in Genesis 1:26, is that God was speaking to Adam and Eve [the two = plural]. This is also an accurate interpretation, because in the very next verse we see: “God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:27-28 WEB
All of mankind started from our first parents Adam and Eve, who were created by God and thereafter, every man and woman was conceived from these two: “The man called his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20 WEB, so the “them” could very well be interpreted to be both Adam and Eve.
However, the important point I want you to note is that Adam and Eve were both given a charge by God to “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.” God’s design for the man and the woman was to fill the earth with children and rule over the earth together. In order to do this, they had to work together as one in the same way the trinity works as one.
The reason why we disputed that false claim that God created multiple men at the creation is because people are taught that only man had dominion over the earth. However, that teaching goes counter to what God said in Genesis 1:28 (YLT): “And God blesseth them, and God saith to them, 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over fish of the sea, and over fowl of the heavens, and over every living thing that is creeping upon the earth.”
The “them” is the man and the woman. The woman was taken from the side of man, not from his head to rule over the man and not from his foot to be trampled on by man. The woman was made to be a “helper” or counterpart for man and not his slave.
“Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18 WEB
“And Jehovah God saith, 'Not good for the man to be alone, I do make to him an helper -- as his counterpart.'” Genesis 2:18 YLT
The Hebrew word “Ezer” for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 means help, helper aid, and its root word has a deeper meaning of protecting and surrounding the man. Men often think they are the only protector of the home, but God created the woman to be a protector also. The Woman was created for the man, to surround him with help and aid.
This word, “Ezer” is often used to describe God’s shield of protection and his aid to mankind [Deuteronomy 33:26, 29; Psalms 33:20 and Hosea 13:9]. Therefore, this should give us a picture and model to see the role of the woman as man’s earthly protector ordained by God.
Eve was more than just the mother of all mankind, because Eve was given a special calling by God to be Adams counterpart, to aid him, protect him and offer him relief. The woman was called to work together with her husband to “…'Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over fish of the sea, and over fowl of the heavens, and over every living thing that is creeping upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 YLT
Therefore, to men I want to show you that God designed your wife to be your counterpart, your helper in life, and the one person you should be able trust and count on to surround you and protect you. She should be your eager co-ruler as the two of you subdue the earth for the Kingdom of God and rule over the kingdom of the enemy as the scriptures show us:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy…” Luke 10:19 KJV
“I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven." Matthew 16:19 WEB
“This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 WEB
Men, Let your wife be the queen and partner in life she was created by God to be. Work together with her and do all God called the two of you to do. The two of you should look out for each other’s back and defend one another from attacks from other people and the enemy.
You will find that your wife will often be able to see what you can’t see. Your wife should be the one person in your life that you can trust to point out your weaknesses without having the fear that she will exploit those weaknesses. Why not let her be your God given shield to guard you in those weak areas of your life? Let your wife do the job God created women to do. Let her do the mission God called her to do. Let your wife’s talent and gifts blossom and you will see God’s blessing in your home.
I have referenced a husband and wife relationship, but fathers should also let their daughters be the woman God designed her to be. Women should also look for a boyfriend and future spouse that respects what she was created to be. We need to go back to the Torah and see the pure truth about the role of women, instead of looking at the scriptures through the lens of religious tradition.
What about Genesis 3:16 aren’t men supposed to rule over women?
Genesis 3:16 the WEB translation, tells us the following: “To the woman he said, ‘I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. In pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.’”
Did God command the man to rule over the woman? The simple answer is no, but I am sure you want clarification and scriptural evidence for this, so let’s dig deeper to find the truth.
1. In the last chapter we already established that Adam and Eve were both assigned by God with the job of ruling over the earth (Genesis 1:28). Adam and Eve were co-rulers so to speak and were told to be fruitful, multiply and take dominion and rule.
2. We can see after the fall, that the woman was still called to fulfill her duty to bear children and multiply the earth, although more painfully.
3. In Genesis chapter 3, we also see the first promise of the Messiah given and that the woman will help fulfill this promise: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.’” Genesis 3:15 WEB. Notice it will be the offspring of the woman, not the man, since the father of Yeshua cannot be a human man. Therefore, we see that the woman may have been the first to fall into sin, but it will also be a woman that will help deliver the cure for sin – Yeshua.
“And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Romans 16:20 WEB
This is not to say that the woman is superior to the man, but it does show the mind of God. God did not look down on the woman and condemn her forever for being the first to sin, as men have done for centuries, but instead God looked forward to future redemption. God told Satan that his plan would use the woman, Satan has tricked into sin, as a vehicle for the salvation of humanity. Through the woman the Messiah would come.
4. Speaking to the woman, God said: “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Genesis 3:16 WEB
It’s this portion of Genesis 3:16 that we will explain in detail and show you something that shatters traditional thinking. Scholars from antiquity to the present interpret this passage that the woman will sexually desire the man and men will rule over woman. Scholars falsely turn this statement from God into a direct commandment from God as to how things will operate after the fall. However, that is not what the scripture is saying here.
The word for desire in this verse is the Hebrew word תְּשׁוּקַת “teshuqah” and was only used one other time in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 4:7 WEB, Yahweh spoke with Cain after Cain killed Abel and said to Cain: “If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don't do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire [“teshuqah”] is for you, but you are to rule over it." Sin’s desire was for Cain, but Cain was told to “rule over it.”
God told the woman that her desire would be for the man, but that the man would rule over her, but what does this mean?
The meaning of the word “desire”/ “teshuqah,” used in Genesis 3:16, is a little different than our modern understanding of the word desire. The woman has turned from God and is now turning to establish a new covenant with her husband to replace God.
Even the Septuagint, the Hebrew bible translated in the ancient Greek language, translates this same word for desire as “turn away to.” This means the woman turned away (from God) to her husband (replacing God) and as a result the woman would be ruled by the man.
God did not curse Eve or Adam, but only the ground and the serpent were cursed. In Genesis 3:16, God spoke directly to Eve when he said “your husband will rule over you.” God never said this to the man or suggested that man’s rulership over the woman was his will or a commandment. Eve’s turning from God to her husband, was a result of her broken covenant with God and it was her choice alone. You will never find God forcing the woman in subjection to her husband in Genesis chapter 3. Both Adam and Eve have fallen into sin, destroyed their covenant relationship with God and now God is showing them the consequences for their sins in this chapter.
Didn’t God tell women to submit to their husbands? Yes, he did, and we will explain that later in more detail, but even Peter who told women to “submit” to their husbands (1 Peter 3:1), also said: “You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB. God’s plan is to restore that cooperative relationship between the man and the woman, as it was before the fall. Man is not made to be a “master/ruler” over the woman, but the woman and the family are given to man so that he can be a guardian and steward over them.
The bottom-line is that Genesis 3:16 can never be used to suggest that God commanded the man to rule over the woman. Genesis 3:16 is merely showing what happens when people sin and get their lives messed up as a result of that sin. This verse is hardly a proof text that man can hold up claim he has the right to be a master of his wife. It’s time we refute these weak arguments and get back to the truth.
Did God command the man to rule over the woman? The simple answer is no, but I am sure you want clarification and scriptural evidence for this, so let’s dig deeper to find the truth.
1. In the last chapter we already established that Adam and Eve were both assigned by God with the job of ruling over the earth (Genesis 1:28). Adam and Eve were co-rulers so to speak and were told to be fruitful, multiply and take dominion and rule.
2. We can see after the fall, that the woman was still called to fulfill her duty to bear children and multiply the earth, although more painfully.
3. In Genesis chapter 3, we also see the first promise of the Messiah given and that the woman will help fulfill this promise: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.’” Genesis 3:15 WEB. Notice it will be the offspring of the woman, not the man, since the father of Yeshua cannot be a human man. Therefore, we see that the woman may have been the first to fall into sin, but it will also be a woman that will help deliver the cure for sin – Yeshua.
“And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Romans 16:20 WEB
This is not to say that the woman is superior to the man, but it does show the mind of God. God did not look down on the woman and condemn her forever for being the first to sin, as men have done for centuries, but instead God looked forward to future redemption. God told Satan that his plan would use the woman, Satan has tricked into sin, as a vehicle for the salvation of humanity. Through the woman the Messiah would come.
4. Speaking to the woman, God said: “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Genesis 3:16 WEB
It’s this portion of Genesis 3:16 that we will explain in detail and show you something that shatters traditional thinking. Scholars from antiquity to the present interpret this passage that the woman will sexually desire the man and men will rule over woman. Scholars falsely turn this statement from God into a direct commandment from God as to how things will operate after the fall. However, that is not what the scripture is saying here.
The word for desire in this verse is the Hebrew word תְּשׁוּקַת “teshuqah” and was only used one other time in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 4:7 WEB, Yahweh spoke with Cain after Cain killed Abel and said to Cain: “If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don't do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire [“teshuqah”] is for you, but you are to rule over it." Sin’s desire was for Cain, but Cain was told to “rule over it.”
God told the woman that her desire would be for the man, but that the man would rule over her, but what does this mean?
The meaning of the word “desire”/ “teshuqah,” used in Genesis 3:16, is a little different than our modern understanding of the word desire. The woman has turned from God and is now turning to establish a new covenant with her husband to replace God.
Even the Septuagint, the Hebrew bible translated in the ancient Greek language, translates this same word for desire as “turn away to.” This means the woman turned away (from God) to her husband (replacing God) and as a result the woman would be ruled by the man.
God did not curse Eve or Adam, but only the ground and the serpent were cursed. In Genesis 3:16, God spoke directly to Eve when he said “your husband will rule over you.” God never said this to the man or suggested that man’s rulership over the woman was his will or a commandment. Eve’s turning from God to her husband, was a result of her broken covenant with God and it was her choice alone. You will never find God forcing the woman in subjection to her husband in Genesis chapter 3. Both Adam and Eve have fallen into sin, destroyed their covenant relationship with God and now God is showing them the consequences for their sins in this chapter.
Didn’t God tell women to submit to their husbands? Yes, he did, and we will explain that later in more detail, but even Peter who told women to “submit” to their husbands (1 Peter 3:1), also said: “You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB. God’s plan is to restore that cooperative relationship between the man and the woman, as it was before the fall. Man is not made to be a “master/ruler” over the woman, but the woman and the family are given to man so that he can be a guardian and steward over them.
The bottom-line is that Genesis 3:16 can never be used to suggest that God commanded the man to rule over the woman. Genesis 3:16 is merely showing what happens when people sin and get their lives messed up as a result of that sin. This verse is hardly a proof text that man can hold up claim he has the right to be a master of his wife. It’s time we refute these weak arguments and get back to the truth.
Are women gullible and subject to falling into sin faster than men?
There’s an opinion floating among biblical believers that women need to be ruled over and taught by men, because women are weak and they easily fall into sin.
Where did this idea come from? Probably from manipulating and twisting a few handpicked verses such as:
“For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:13-15 WEB
“You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB
Men who twist these scriptures out of context claim women must be lorded over by a man and their justification is because the “scriptures state” women are spiritually weak and subject to being deceived by the enemy. Men with this mindset will also push aside and hide examples of men being deceived and living sinful lives, but only focus on the sins of women. These men will eagerly point to examples like Adam and Sampson, who were deceived by a woman to show that women are the downfall of mankind. However, the scriptures are full of examples of men being naïve, being deceived, or falling into sins without the help of women. Need a few scripture verses to prove this?
“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 WEB
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Titus 3:3 KJV
The final example is the story of the disobedient Prophet that was deceived into disobeying God:
“For it was said to me by the word of Yahweh, 'You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that you came.' He said to him, "I also am a prophet as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh, saying, 'Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.'" He lied to him. So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. It happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of Yahweh came to the prophet who brought him back; and he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Because you have been disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh, and have not kept the commandment which Yahweh your God commanded you, but came back, and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, "Eat no bread, and drink no water;" your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.'" 1 Kings 13:17-22 WEB [read the full story in 1 Kings]
We can go on and on with examples, but I am sure these three verses are sufficient to show that even men are just as susceptible to falling for deception and sin. Women are no different than men and men are no different from women when it comes to the sin, temptations and lies. If you believe that a man, because of his gender, has more power against sin than a woman, then you’re already deceived. Gender will not save you, nor will gender make you more susceptible to sin and deception.
The only power against deception, sin and temptation for a man, woman or child is the grace of God that empowers us to live holy. We must yield to God’s Holy Spirit so he can impart wisdom and spiritual gifts in us to overpower the works of the enemy. All of us can live holy because of the salvation and sanctification we have through God. Therefore, no one should ever elevate gender as being superior above God’s power, as that would be idolatry.
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27-28 WEB
“Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism” Acts 10:34 WEB
Where did this idea come from? Probably from manipulating and twisting a few handpicked verses such as:
“For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:13-15 WEB
“You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB
Men who twist these scriptures out of context claim women must be lorded over by a man and their justification is because the “scriptures state” women are spiritually weak and subject to being deceived by the enemy. Men with this mindset will also push aside and hide examples of men being deceived and living sinful lives, but only focus on the sins of women. These men will eagerly point to examples like Adam and Sampson, who were deceived by a woman to show that women are the downfall of mankind. However, the scriptures are full of examples of men being naïve, being deceived, or falling into sins without the help of women. Need a few scripture verses to prove this?
“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 WEB
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Titus 3:3 KJV
The final example is the story of the disobedient Prophet that was deceived into disobeying God:
“For it was said to me by the word of Yahweh, 'You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that you came.' He said to him, "I also am a prophet as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh, saying, 'Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.'" He lied to him. So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. It happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of Yahweh came to the prophet who brought him back; and he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Because you have been disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh, and have not kept the commandment which Yahweh your God commanded you, but came back, and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, "Eat no bread, and drink no water;" your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.'" 1 Kings 13:17-22 WEB [read the full story in 1 Kings]
We can go on and on with examples, but I am sure these three verses are sufficient to show that even men are just as susceptible to falling for deception and sin. Women are no different than men and men are no different from women when it comes to the sin, temptations and lies. If you believe that a man, because of his gender, has more power against sin than a woman, then you’re already deceived. Gender will not save you, nor will gender make you more susceptible to sin and deception.
The only power against deception, sin and temptation for a man, woman or child is the grace of God that empowers us to live holy. We must yield to God’s Holy Spirit so he can impart wisdom and spiritual gifts in us to overpower the works of the enemy. All of us can live holy because of the salvation and sanctification we have through God. Therefore, no one should ever elevate gender as being superior above God’s power, as that would be idolatry.
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27-28 WEB
“Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism” Acts 10:34 WEB
Do women need men to teach them?
hhh No. Women have the same abilities as men do. Women are very capable of researching, and getting revelation from God just as a man can. The scriptures show us that women are qualified to teach not only children and other women, but women can also teach men.
People will find this concept I just mentioned hard to swallow and probably can’t flip to 1Timothy 2:12 fast enough to prove me wrong. Therefore, let’s deal with this verse head on, in context, and in proper translation of the words in the verse.
“Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:11-15 WEB
Reading 1st Timothy, it should be clear that the context of the epistle is all about false teachers, people departing from the faith, and how to instruct people to properly conduct their lives.
Every reader should study the history and culture of this church and region around Ephesus, which was filled with challenges from paganism, goddess worship and gnostic beliefs that elevated Eve. Timothy had the task of leading believers away from these false beliefs and wicked influences. It appears that too many believers in this church had problems with renewing their thinking and giving up their past beliefs. Timothy and the elders of the church had to lead new believers away from the cultural mindset and into the ways of holiness.
Pagan goddess worship was the influences and lifestyle of the people who lived in this area, but let’s take a closer look at Timothy 2:11-15 and breakdown the words Paul used so we can get greater clarity.
“Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:11-15 WEB
1. Let a woman – The Greek word for woman in this verse [Strongs #1135] can be translated as either woman or wife. However, wife is more accurate.
2. I don’t permit a woman to teach – Again the word for woman can also be woman or wife, but wife is more accurate.
3. Nor to exercise authority- The Greek word for authority is “authentein” [G831]. This word is only used in 1 Timothy 2:12 and cannot be found in any other book of the bible, making it what theologians call a “hapax legomena”, which is a fancy theological term for a word that is only used once in the entire bible. Therefore, the only way to see examples of how this word is used would only come from secular sources. Not only is this word very unique, but the etymology (study of a words history) is also uncertain, so this passage of scripture alone is not a good choice to build a doctrine about what women can or cannot do in the church. However, men throughout history have done just that –Built a doctrine around this single passage of scripture concerning the role of women.
4. Over man – The Greek word for man is “aner/andros” [Strongs #435], which could mean man, but also husband such as in: Luke 2:36, 16:18, Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:10 and in context husband would be more accurate in my opinion.
To confirm my opinion, I find it hard that Paul would deny a woman the opportunity to teach and hold authority, considering he endorsed and worked with woman that taught and held authority over men:
1. Paul endorsed a woman who was also an apostle – There were more than just the 12 apostles, but about 23 that operated in the office of apostle listed in the scriptures, such as: Barnabas, Apollos, Timothy and Silvanus and also a woman named Junia. The scriptures prove this: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable [outstanding] among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16:7 WEB
2. Paul also endorsed women who worked with him preaching and teaching the Gospel – “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3 KJV
3. Paul worked with a woman Pricilla and she taught Apollos – “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:24-26 WEB
4. Paul told the church to support a woman deacon and to give her whatever she needed and that she was a leader of many including himself – “And I commend you to Phebe our sister -- being a ministrant [“diakonos” deacon] of the assembly that is in Cenchrea -- that ye may receive her in the Lord, as doth become saints, and may assist her in whatever matter she may have need of you -- for she also became a leader of many, and of myself.” Romans 16:1-2 YLT
However, even with these examples showing Paul working with women who held leadership positions and taught both men and women, people will still misinterpreted Pauls writings. People will still turn from the evidence and use faulty interpretation to deny women the opportunity to work in ministry, lead believers, and exercise their God given gifts.
When we look at the real meaning behind the word “authentein” (authority) we will see it’s not what people think it says. This rare Greek word (authentein) has a very dark tone compared to other Greek words for authority that Paul could have used. Some have said the word authentein, has been used to describe murder, and infant sacrifice, but a more accurate use of the word, which Paul probably intended to get across in 1st Timothy chapter 2, and is more likely to describe: a tyrant that is overbearing, destructive, usurping authority and domineering. Therefore, this word would describe a woman who wants to reverse the roles between men and women and dominate a man in all areas of life (ie; sex-life, work, money, raising children and managing the home). This is a woman who is verbally or physically abusive, a woman who is a rebel, quick tempered and argumentative.
Therefore, this passage of scripture should more accurately be translated:
“Let a wife learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don't permit a wife to teach, nor to usurp authority and dominion over a husband, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:11-15 WEB
By saying this, Paul corrected the mindset of this region who favored goddess worship, the superiority of women over men, Gnostics beliefs and “Eve cults” of the day. Although, Paul was addressing this ancient feminist mindset, does not give license for the church to swing the pendulum to the other extreme and advocate that a man should have rule and dominion over his wife.
The conclusion is simple, 1st Timothy 2:11-15, is a very weak proof text to deny Godly women the opportunity to minister, preach and teach in the churches. Paul’s own life, as recorded in the scriptures, proves he allowed Godly women to teach and hold positions of authority over men and women. No one has the right to twist scriptures, or ignore the entire context of scripture to fit their man-made agenda. This is even more ridicules when your agenda is based on a single text, or a single word that appears nowhere else in scripture.
Combine these textual issues with the lack of understanding regarding scriptural and historic context and you now have a formula for serious error. The misinterpretation of 1st Timothy 2:11-15 is one more error we need to bring down, so we don’t hinder women from fulfilling their role in ministry. Hopefully, the clarification in this book will help men and women take off the shackles this error has held them in.
People will find this concept I just mentioned hard to swallow and probably can’t flip to 1Timothy 2:12 fast enough to prove me wrong. Therefore, let’s deal with this verse head on, in context, and in proper translation of the words in the verse.
“Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:11-15 WEB
Reading 1st Timothy, it should be clear that the context of the epistle is all about false teachers, people departing from the faith, and how to instruct people to properly conduct their lives.
Every reader should study the history and culture of this church and region around Ephesus, which was filled with challenges from paganism, goddess worship and gnostic beliefs that elevated Eve. Timothy had the task of leading believers away from these false beliefs and wicked influences. It appears that too many believers in this church had problems with renewing their thinking and giving up their past beliefs. Timothy and the elders of the church had to lead new believers away from the cultural mindset and into the ways of holiness.
Pagan goddess worship was the influences and lifestyle of the people who lived in this area, but let’s take a closer look at Timothy 2:11-15 and breakdown the words Paul used so we can get greater clarity.
“Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:11-15 WEB
1. Let a woman – The Greek word for woman in this verse [Strongs #1135] can be translated as either woman or wife. However, wife is more accurate.
2. I don’t permit a woman to teach – Again the word for woman can also be woman or wife, but wife is more accurate.
3. Nor to exercise authority- The Greek word for authority is “authentein” [G831]. This word is only used in 1 Timothy 2:12 and cannot be found in any other book of the bible, making it what theologians call a “hapax legomena”, which is a fancy theological term for a word that is only used once in the entire bible. Therefore, the only way to see examples of how this word is used would only come from secular sources. Not only is this word very unique, but the etymology (study of a words history) is also uncertain, so this passage of scripture alone is not a good choice to build a doctrine about what women can or cannot do in the church. However, men throughout history have done just that –Built a doctrine around this single passage of scripture concerning the role of women.
4. Over man – The Greek word for man is “aner/andros” [Strongs #435], which could mean man, but also husband such as in: Luke 2:36, 16:18, Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:10 and in context husband would be more accurate in my opinion.
To confirm my opinion, I find it hard that Paul would deny a woman the opportunity to teach and hold authority, considering he endorsed and worked with woman that taught and held authority over men:
1. Paul endorsed a woman who was also an apostle – There were more than just the 12 apostles, but about 23 that operated in the office of apostle listed in the scriptures, such as: Barnabas, Apollos, Timothy and Silvanus and also a woman named Junia. The scriptures prove this: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable [outstanding] among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16:7 WEB
2. Paul also endorsed women who worked with him preaching and teaching the Gospel – “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3 KJV
3. Paul worked with a woman Pricilla and she taught Apollos – “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:24-26 WEB
4. Paul told the church to support a woman deacon and to give her whatever she needed and that she was a leader of many including himself – “And I commend you to Phebe our sister -- being a ministrant [“diakonos” deacon] of the assembly that is in Cenchrea -- that ye may receive her in the Lord, as doth become saints, and may assist her in whatever matter she may have need of you -- for she also became a leader of many, and of myself.” Romans 16:1-2 YLT
However, even with these examples showing Paul working with women who held leadership positions and taught both men and women, people will still misinterpreted Pauls writings. People will still turn from the evidence and use faulty interpretation to deny women the opportunity to work in ministry, lead believers, and exercise their God given gifts.
When we look at the real meaning behind the word “authentein” (authority) we will see it’s not what people think it says. This rare Greek word (authentein) has a very dark tone compared to other Greek words for authority that Paul could have used. Some have said the word authentein, has been used to describe murder, and infant sacrifice, but a more accurate use of the word, which Paul probably intended to get across in 1st Timothy chapter 2, and is more likely to describe: a tyrant that is overbearing, destructive, usurping authority and domineering. Therefore, this word would describe a woman who wants to reverse the roles between men and women and dominate a man in all areas of life (ie; sex-life, work, money, raising children and managing the home). This is a woman who is verbally or physically abusive, a woman who is a rebel, quick tempered and argumentative.
Therefore, this passage of scripture should more accurately be translated:
“Let a wife learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don't permit a wife to teach, nor to usurp authority and dominion over a husband, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:11-15 WEB
By saying this, Paul corrected the mindset of this region who favored goddess worship, the superiority of women over men, Gnostics beliefs and “Eve cults” of the day. Although, Paul was addressing this ancient feminist mindset, does not give license for the church to swing the pendulum to the other extreme and advocate that a man should have rule and dominion over his wife.
The conclusion is simple, 1st Timothy 2:11-15, is a very weak proof text to deny Godly women the opportunity to minister, preach and teach in the churches. Paul’s own life, as recorded in the scriptures, proves he allowed Godly women to teach and hold positions of authority over men and women. No one has the right to twist scriptures, or ignore the entire context of scripture to fit their man-made agenda. This is even more ridicules when your agenda is based on a single text, or a single word that appears nowhere else in scripture.
Combine these textual issues with the lack of understanding regarding scriptural and historic context and you now have a formula for serious error. The misinterpretation of 1st Timothy 2:11-15 is one more error we need to bring down, so we don’t hinder women from fulfilling their role in ministry. Hopefully, the clarification in this book will help men and women take off the shackles this error has held them in.
Must women always be under a man’s authority?
Religion has given us many false traditions, false images and false teachings about women. Many of us have been taught that since ancient times God designed women to be the property and slaves to men. Even the world looks at the Torah with disdain and falsely state it’s a book that suppresses women. Of course, this is just the world parroting things they incorrectly heard, saw in movies, or lies and errors they may have actually heard from false teachers in their synagogues, churches or colleges.
God has designed a system of stewardship, which is available for the protection of women just as he provides for men. However, these relational-stewardships, for the most part, require that both men and women to voluntarily submit to them. For women, these human relational-stewardships are parents and husbands. If because of circumstances, a woman is outside of these relational-stewardships, then she is often afforded the same rights as a man.
Here is one example found in the Torah:
“Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. They stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, at the door of the Tent of Meeting, saying, ‘Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against Yahweh in the company of Korah: but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be taken away from among his family, because he had no son? Give to us a possession among the brothers of our father.’ Moses brought their cause before Yahweh.
Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, ‘The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: you shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers; and you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If a man dies, and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter’.” Numbers 27:1-8 WEB
Here we can see that women were not under their father, since he died. Instead of passing over the daughters and giving their fathers inheritance to another male kin in the family, the women were treated just like men and were granted the inheritance directly from God himself. In fact, Yahweh even stated that these women were right for requesting their father’s inheritance. Yahweh even went so far as mandating that Moses make it a law throughout Israel, to care for women in similar circumstance to these daughters.
Widows are another example to consider. The scriptures tell us:
“For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband.” Romans 7:2 WEB
“I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.” 1 Timothy 5:14 WEB
“But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am [celibate].” 1 Corinthians 7:8 WEB
“Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead [husband], and with me. Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her [another] husband." Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept. They said to her, ‘No, but we will return with you to your people.’ Naomi said, "Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Go back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband…” Ruth 1:8-12 WEB
Paul made three statements about widows. First, he stated that widows are no longer bound or under the authority of a husband if the husband dies. Second, he desired (wished) younger windows would marry, but he never commanded that they must marry, which means it was optional to the woman to place themselves under a husband or not. Third and finally, Paul said he preferred that the unmarried and widows not marry, but instead live a life like he lived, which is celibate. We also see in the book of Ruth, that after Naomi lost her two sons, she told her daughter-in-law’s to return back to the home of their mothers, but they refused and wished to stay with Naomi. This shows the daughter-in-law’s had the option to remain single or place themselves under a relational-stewardship of another man, or their parents. Naomi also did not come under a man’s authority.
Paul made it clear that women are not under a man’s authority if their husbands die and he also suggested, but never demanded younger widows to remarry, because women had the right to remain independent or place themselves under the stewardship and care of a husband.
However, it should be noted that if a woman makes the choice to remain single and come under a relationship with Yeshua (Jesus), then she must be under submission to Yeshua, just as a man must do. Also, if a woman decides to join an assembly (church), she must also expect to yield her submission to those who are leading that assembly (church) just as a man must do. With that said, an assembly should not put more requirements on a woman to submit to their authority than what they demand from a man. The leaders of a church are also limited in their authority and should never be a micro-managing dictator in all aspects of a man or woman’s life.
Men who say women must always be under the authority of a man need to provide scriptural proof and explain why the scriptures provided above show women did have the option of remaining single and not coming under a man’s authority. Yahweh’s daughters do have rights and options in his kingdom.
God has designed a system of stewardship, which is available for the protection of women just as he provides for men. However, these relational-stewardships, for the most part, require that both men and women to voluntarily submit to them. For women, these human relational-stewardships are parents and husbands. If because of circumstances, a woman is outside of these relational-stewardships, then she is often afforded the same rights as a man.
Here is one example found in the Torah:
“Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. They stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, at the door of the Tent of Meeting, saying, ‘Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against Yahweh in the company of Korah: but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be taken away from among his family, because he had no son? Give to us a possession among the brothers of our father.’ Moses brought their cause before Yahweh.
Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, ‘The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: you shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers; and you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If a man dies, and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter’.” Numbers 27:1-8 WEB
Here we can see that women were not under their father, since he died. Instead of passing over the daughters and giving their fathers inheritance to another male kin in the family, the women were treated just like men and were granted the inheritance directly from God himself. In fact, Yahweh even stated that these women were right for requesting their father’s inheritance. Yahweh even went so far as mandating that Moses make it a law throughout Israel, to care for women in similar circumstance to these daughters.
Widows are another example to consider. The scriptures tell us:
“For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband.” Romans 7:2 WEB
“I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.” 1 Timothy 5:14 WEB
“But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am [celibate].” 1 Corinthians 7:8 WEB
“Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead [husband], and with me. Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her [another] husband." Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept. They said to her, ‘No, but we will return with you to your people.’ Naomi said, "Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Go back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband…” Ruth 1:8-12 WEB
Paul made three statements about widows. First, he stated that widows are no longer bound or under the authority of a husband if the husband dies. Second, he desired (wished) younger windows would marry, but he never commanded that they must marry, which means it was optional to the woman to place themselves under a husband or not. Third and finally, Paul said he preferred that the unmarried and widows not marry, but instead live a life like he lived, which is celibate. We also see in the book of Ruth, that after Naomi lost her two sons, she told her daughter-in-law’s to return back to the home of their mothers, but they refused and wished to stay with Naomi. This shows the daughter-in-law’s had the option to remain single or place themselves under a relational-stewardship of another man, or their parents. Naomi also did not come under a man’s authority.
Paul made it clear that women are not under a man’s authority if their husbands die and he also suggested, but never demanded younger widows to remarry, because women had the right to remain independent or place themselves under the stewardship and care of a husband.
However, it should be noted that if a woman makes the choice to remain single and come under a relationship with Yeshua (Jesus), then she must be under submission to Yeshua, just as a man must do. Also, if a woman decides to join an assembly (church), she must also expect to yield her submission to those who are leading that assembly (church) just as a man must do. With that said, an assembly should not put more requirements on a woman to submit to their authority than what they demand from a man. The leaders of a church are also limited in their authority and should never be a micro-managing dictator in all aspects of a man or woman’s life.
Men who say women must always be under the authority of a man need to provide scriptural proof and explain why the scriptures provided above show women did have the option of remaining single and not coming under a man’s authority. Yahweh’s daughters do have rights and options in his kingdom.
What does it mean to “Submit”?
In regards to biblical submission, the scriptures tell us the following:
The Son (Yeshua) submitted to the will of the Father (Abba) –
1. “For, "He put all things in subjection under his feet." But when he says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 WEB
2. “He said, "’Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.’" Mark14:36 WEB
3. “Jesus therefore answered them, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.” John 5:19 WEB
All of us should submit to God –
1. “Be subject therefore to God.” James 4:7 WEB
2. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…” 1 Peter 5:6 WEB
3. “He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:8 WEB
4. “far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:21-23 WEB
5. “Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?” Hebrews 12:9 WEB
We should always submit to the instructions of God –
1. “For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace; because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be. Those who are in the flesh can't please God.” Romans 8:6-8 WEB
2. “Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7 WEB
3. “Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.” 119:33 WEB
4. “But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.” James 1:22 WEB
We should submit to Godly leaders that God called to watch over us –
1. “Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 WEB
2. “Be obedient to those leading you, and be subject, for these do watch for your souls, as about to give account, that with joy they may do this, and not sighing, for this is unprofitable to you.” Hebrews 13:17 WEB
3. “Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints) that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.” 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 WEB
4. “But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 WEB
Believers should submit to one another –
1. “subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 WEB
2. “doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself” Philippians 2:3 WEB
3. “Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5 WEB
4. “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” Romans 12:10 KJV
Children should submit to their father and mother –
1. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise” Ephesians 6:1-2 WEB
2. “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20 WEB
3. “'Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father.” Leviticus 19:3 WEB
4. “Listen to your father who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22 WEB.
The Younger should submit to the elder –
1. “you younger ones, be subject to the elder.” 1 Peter 5:5 WEB
2. "'You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.” Leviticus 19:32 WEB
3. “Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; the elder women as mothers…” 1 Timothy 5:1-2 WEB
Wives should submit to their own husbands –
1. “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 WEB
2. “Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18 WEB
3. “…Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don't obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word” 1 Peter 3:1 WEB.
As we can see, all believers are encouraged to be in submission to something or someone. Since we have our own will, we can’t be forced to be in submission to God, to his word, his laws, nor can we be forced to be in submission to people he placed in our lives to watch over us. However, what are the consequences of our refusal to submit to God, or those he places in our lives to watch over us?
God wants us to submit to him, but what does it mean to submit to God?
- 1 Peter 5:6 - tells us we need to humble ourselves under God’s hand
- Hebrews 12:9 - tells us to respect God
- Mark 14:36 - shows us we need to follow his will, desires and plans
- John 5:19 – follow God’s example
- Romans 8:6-8 – is an invitation to get to know the mind of his Spirit
- Joshua 1:7 – Shows us if we follow his words we will have good success
All throughout the scriptures we can see God’s love for us, the multiple promises he has given us and examples of how he blessed people that submitted to his ways, his instructions, and offered him respect.
When it comes to people, we must also submit to them with humility, love and respect.
- To church leadership we must imitate their faith example, respect them because they are sent by God to instruct us and build us up. We are to give them honor and support.
- Children are to respect their mother and father and obey their instructions, since God placed parents in their life to watch over them.
- Younger people should respect older people, because elders have wisdom the younger can learn from. In fact, Titus 2:4 tells the older women to train the younger women.
- Finally, the scriptures tell us to submit ourselves to one another, but how do we do that? We need to remove pride, arrogance, eliminate rivalry and conceit. The Corinthian church suffered from these types of issues and it caused strife among the believers in the church. However, we’re encouraged to look out for the interest of others, to be kind, affectionate and give honor to one another. Think about it this way, if you attend a congregation of 200 people and you showed love, kindness and honor to 200 people, then you should then have the same 200 people treating you the same way or even better.
So let’s ask again, what is submission? The answer is, it’s basically following the two greatest commandments which Yeshua taught us:
"’Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.’" Matthew 22:36-39 WEB
Submission to God, to those he sent to teach us, to our parents, to our elders and to our spouses is basically defined as love.
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 WEB
One example of how we express love to others is this, you might have saved money for a brand new bedroom set, but then you find out the home of a member of your church just burnt down, what do you do? You’re looking to upgrade your bedroom, but this family doesn’t have a place to sleep tonight.
The scriptures tell us: “But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?” 1 John 3:17
True submission to one another may compel you to live a little longer with your existing bedroom set, so that you can help the family in need. If the body of Yeshua had this attitude of submission for one another, God would bless us more so we can be a continued blessing for the needs of others and others would be blessed, so they can be a blessing to us in our needs. Therefore, Submission is really just humbling ourselves, so that we allow love to takeover.
As believers, submission should not be a bad thing, but a reciprocal act of love. For example, when we submit to Godly leadership placed in the church, these same leaders should also serve us in love and respect: “But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nation’s lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 20:25-26 WEB
Even Yeshua, who we submit to, said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve us: “even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 WEB
This is the type of submission that the world does not understand. They think it’s strange that people submit to a church leader, but they don’t understand that we respect the leader, because they are God’s steward over us to guard us and serve us. This is the example Yeshua gave us when he washed the feet of the apostles: “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you [apostles] also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 WEB. This is a reciprocal relationship. Leaders are due our respect and submission, but at the same time these leaders are not called to lord over us, but to serve us.
This same reciprocal relationship is also true between a husband and wife. Submission is not a one way street. However, all we hear from preachers, who lack the knowledge of biblical submission, is talk about the woman’s role in submission. What about the husband’s responsibility and servitude to the family? You rarely hear about the husband’s responsibilities, his required acts of submission and his duty of servitude to the family. Husbands are required to submit to Christ who is the head of the church, husbands are also required to submit to church leaders, submit to his parents, submit to the wife’s parents [as elders] and the husband also owes certain things to the wife.
The husband is never to be a ruler over the wife as this is not scriptural. The husband is more of a steward over the wife and family. A steward is much different than a ruler/dictator. A Godly steward recognizes that the wife is not his “property,” but that she belongs to God in the same way he [the husband] belongs to God. The husband is a steward God has placed in the life of the wife to help her grow in faith and to help her experience and exercise her gifts and callings and not to suppress her.
The wife can’t be forced to submit to the husband, because forced submission is nothing more than legalism. Therefore, a wife’s submission to her husband has to come from her willing heart. This is no different from the husband submitting to Christ with a pure and willing heart. If a husband was forced to submit and love Christ is that true submission or legalistic hypocrisy?
Husbands should show their wives by example how they submit to Yeshua and other believers. Husbands should encourage their wives to submit and trust their God appointed stewardship, by showing their wives the love and respect due them.
What do husbands owe their wives –
1. “Let the husband render to his wife the affection owed her… Likewise also the husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 WEB
2. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it” Ephesians 5:25 WEB
3. “Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly” Ephesians 5:28-29 WEB
4. “Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 WEB
5. “You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB
6. “Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.” Colossians 3:19 WEB, “Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life…” Ecclesiastes 9:9 WEB
7. “rejoice because of the wife of thy youth” Proverbs 5:18 WEB, “cheer up his wife which he hath taken.” Deuteronomy 24:5 WEB
8. “But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 WEB
9. “…there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 WEB
The Son (Yeshua) submitted to the will of the Father (Abba) –
1. “For, "He put all things in subjection under his feet." But when he says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 WEB
2. “He said, "’Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.’" Mark14:36 WEB
3. “Jesus therefore answered them, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.” John 5:19 WEB
All of us should submit to God –
1. “Be subject therefore to God.” James 4:7 WEB
2. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…” 1 Peter 5:6 WEB
3. “He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:8 WEB
4. “far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:21-23 WEB
5. “Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?” Hebrews 12:9 WEB
We should always submit to the instructions of God –
1. “For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace; because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be. Those who are in the flesh can't please God.” Romans 8:6-8 WEB
2. “Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7 WEB
3. “Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.” 119:33 WEB
4. “But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.” James 1:22 WEB
We should submit to Godly leaders that God called to watch over us –
1. “Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 WEB
2. “Be obedient to those leading you, and be subject, for these do watch for your souls, as about to give account, that with joy they may do this, and not sighing, for this is unprofitable to you.” Hebrews 13:17 WEB
3. “Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints) that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.” 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 WEB
4. “But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 WEB
Believers should submit to one another –
1. “subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 WEB
2. “doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself” Philippians 2:3 WEB
3. “Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5 WEB
4. “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” Romans 12:10 KJV
Children should submit to their father and mother –
1. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise” Ephesians 6:1-2 WEB
2. “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20 WEB
3. “'Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father.” Leviticus 19:3 WEB
4. “Listen to your father who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22 WEB.
The Younger should submit to the elder –
1. “you younger ones, be subject to the elder.” 1 Peter 5:5 WEB
2. "'You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.” Leviticus 19:32 WEB
3. “Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; the elder women as mothers…” 1 Timothy 5:1-2 WEB
Wives should submit to their own husbands –
1. “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 WEB
2. “Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18 WEB
3. “…Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don't obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word” 1 Peter 3:1 WEB.
As we can see, all believers are encouraged to be in submission to something or someone. Since we have our own will, we can’t be forced to be in submission to God, to his word, his laws, nor can we be forced to be in submission to people he placed in our lives to watch over us. However, what are the consequences of our refusal to submit to God, or those he places in our lives to watch over us?
God wants us to submit to him, but what does it mean to submit to God?
- 1 Peter 5:6 - tells us we need to humble ourselves under God’s hand
- Hebrews 12:9 - tells us to respect God
- Mark 14:36 - shows us we need to follow his will, desires and plans
- John 5:19 – follow God’s example
- Romans 8:6-8 – is an invitation to get to know the mind of his Spirit
- Joshua 1:7 – Shows us if we follow his words we will have good success
All throughout the scriptures we can see God’s love for us, the multiple promises he has given us and examples of how he blessed people that submitted to his ways, his instructions, and offered him respect.
When it comes to people, we must also submit to them with humility, love and respect.
- To church leadership we must imitate their faith example, respect them because they are sent by God to instruct us and build us up. We are to give them honor and support.
- Children are to respect their mother and father and obey their instructions, since God placed parents in their life to watch over them.
- Younger people should respect older people, because elders have wisdom the younger can learn from. In fact, Titus 2:4 tells the older women to train the younger women.
- Finally, the scriptures tell us to submit ourselves to one another, but how do we do that? We need to remove pride, arrogance, eliminate rivalry and conceit. The Corinthian church suffered from these types of issues and it caused strife among the believers in the church. However, we’re encouraged to look out for the interest of others, to be kind, affectionate and give honor to one another. Think about it this way, if you attend a congregation of 200 people and you showed love, kindness and honor to 200 people, then you should then have the same 200 people treating you the same way or even better.
So let’s ask again, what is submission? The answer is, it’s basically following the two greatest commandments which Yeshua taught us:
"’Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.’" Matthew 22:36-39 WEB
Submission to God, to those he sent to teach us, to our parents, to our elders and to our spouses is basically defined as love.
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 WEB
One example of how we express love to others is this, you might have saved money for a brand new bedroom set, but then you find out the home of a member of your church just burnt down, what do you do? You’re looking to upgrade your bedroom, but this family doesn’t have a place to sleep tonight.
The scriptures tell us: “But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?” 1 John 3:17
True submission to one another may compel you to live a little longer with your existing bedroom set, so that you can help the family in need. If the body of Yeshua had this attitude of submission for one another, God would bless us more so we can be a continued blessing for the needs of others and others would be blessed, so they can be a blessing to us in our needs. Therefore, Submission is really just humbling ourselves, so that we allow love to takeover.
As believers, submission should not be a bad thing, but a reciprocal act of love. For example, when we submit to Godly leadership placed in the church, these same leaders should also serve us in love and respect: “But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nation’s lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 20:25-26 WEB
Even Yeshua, who we submit to, said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve us: “even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 WEB
This is the type of submission that the world does not understand. They think it’s strange that people submit to a church leader, but they don’t understand that we respect the leader, because they are God’s steward over us to guard us and serve us. This is the example Yeshua gave us when he washed the feet of the apostles: “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you [apostles] also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 WEB. This is a reciprocal relationship. Leaders are due our respect and submission, but at the same time these leaders are not called to lord over us, but to serve us.
This same reciprocal relationship is also true between a husband and wife. Submission is not a one way street. However, all we hear from preachers, who lack the knowledge of biblical submission, is talk about the woman’s role in submission. What about the husband’s responsibility and servitude to the family? You rarely hear about the husband’s responsibilities, his required acts of submission and his duty of servitude to the family. Husbands are required to submit to Christ who is the head of the church, husbands are also required to submit to church leaders, submit to his parents, submit to the wife’s parents [as elders] and the husband also owes certain things to the wife.
The husband is never to be a ruler over the wife as this is not scriptural. The husband is more of a steward over the wife and family. A steward is much different than a ruler/dictator. A Godly steward recognizes that the wife is not his “property,” but that she belongs to God in the same way he [the husband] belongs to God. The husband is a steward God has placed in the life of the wife to help her grow in faith and to help her experience and exercise her gifts and callings and not to suppress her.
The wife can’t be forced to submit to the husband, because forced submission is nothing more than legalism. Therefore, a wife’s submission to her husband has to come from her willing heart. This is no different from the husband submitting to Christ with a pure and willing heart. If a husband was forced to submit and love Christ is that true submission or legalistic hypocrisy?
Husbands should show their wives by example how they submit to Yeshua and other believers. Husbands should encourage their wives to submit and trust their God appointed stewardship, by showing their wives the love and respect due them.
What do husbands owe their wives –
1. “Let the husband render to his wife the affection owed her… Likewise also the husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 WEB
2. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it” Ephesians 5:25 WEB
3. “Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly” Ephesians 5:28-29 WEB
4. “Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 WEB
5. “You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB
6. “Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.” Colossians 3:19 WEB, “Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life…” Ecclesiastes 9:9 WEB
7. “rejoice because of the wife of thy youth” Proverbs 5:18 WEB, “cheer up his wife which he hath taken.” Deuteronomy 24:5 WEB
8. “But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 WEB
9. “…there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 WEB
Conclusion
Husband’s you have been granted an awesome responsibility and calling by God. You have found a woman you love and willingly accepted the responsibility to be her husband. Some of you may even be blessed to be a father. This does not mean you have been granted rulership to make people your personal slaves. In addition, you are not the sole determining factor in what your wife and kids can do, or what they can become, as God has a lot to say about their lives and he might decide to overrule your actions and decisions.
Your calling is to be your wife’s steward, which means you are called to help her excel in the Lord. Your job as a father is to help your children excel in the Lord. In the same way, you need to realize that one of your wife’s missions is to protect and assist you in life. Often you will find your wife will receive wisdom and knowledge from Yahweh to support you, protect you, to help guide you and to be a “second witness” or confirmation (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16 & 19 and 1 Corinthians 14:29) in the things God may be speaking to you about. If you and your wife are in agreement, then the two of you can accomplish some amazing things for the Kingdom of God:
“'Again, I say to you, that, if two of you may agree on the earth concerning anything, whatever they may ask -- it shall be done to them from my Father who is in the heavens” Matthew 18:19 YLT
But, if a husband is in conflict, disrespectful and unloving towards his wife then he may find his prayers will be hindered.
“You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.” Mark 11:25 WEB
Therefore, husband’s this short book may not contain all the answers you need, but I pray it will be a starting point. I pray that you will continue to study the scriptures and not man-made doctrines that only advocate enslavement of women. If you dump all the false tradition and error and decide to pursue after the pure scripture without dogma, I believe Yahweh will reveal the truth to you.
Your role as a steward and guardian over your wife and family is too important to take casually or to perform in error – Remember the slothful servant in the introduction of this book who buried the master’s treasure. Don’t be that steward who buries God’s treasure, by burying your wife’s potential in the ground and never letting her talents, intellect and ministry flourish and bear fruit for the Kingdom of our God.
Just remember that submission is nothing more than having a humble, respectful and loving attitude. Wives display this attitude to their husbands, children to their parents and all of us to our fellow believers and to God.
Your calling is to be your wife’s steward, which means you are called to help her excel in the Lord. Your job as a father is to help your children excel in the Lord. In the same way, you need to realize that one of your wife’s missions is to protect and assist you in life. Often you will find your wife will receive wisdom and knowledge from Yahweh to support you, protect you, to help guide you and to be a “second witness” or confirmation (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16 & 19 and 1 Corinthians 14:29) in the things God may be speaking to you about. If you and your wife are in agreement, then the two of you can accomplish some amazing things for the Kingdom of God:
“'Again, I say to you, that, if two of you may agree on the earth concerning anything, whatever they may ask -- it shall be done to them from my Father who is in the heavens” Matthew 18:19 YLT
But, if a husband is in conflict, disrespectful and unloving towards his wife then he may find his prayers will be hindered.
“You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 WEB
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.” Mark 11:25 WEB
Therefore, husband’s this short book may not contain all the answers you need, but I pray it will be a starting point. I pray that you will continue to study the scriptures and not man-made doctrines that only advocate enslavement of women. If you dump all the false tradition and error and decide to pursue after the pure scripture without dogma, I believe Yahweh will reveal the truth to you.
Your role as a steward and guardian over your wife and family is too important to take casually or to perform in error – Remember the slothful servant in the introduction of this book who buried the master’s treasure. Don’t be that steward who buries God’s treasure, by burying your wife’s potential in the ground and never letting her talents, intellect and ministry flourish and bear fruit for the Kingdom of our God.
Just remember that submission is nothing more than having a humble, respectful and loving attitude. Wives display this attitude to their husbands, children to their parents and all of us to our fellow believers and to God.