WOMAN

Woman was fashioned from flesh and bone taken from the side of man (Gen. 2:21-24). Male and female qualities were designed by God (Mt. 19:4); these characteristics are not accidental developments of an imagined "evolutionary" process. The Hebrew term for "woman" is ishsha, thought to derive from a root signifying "soft, delicate," hinting, perhaps of her "God-given gifts and sensitivities" in contributing to the emotional needs of humanity. (a) In male/female relationships, man has been appointed the role of "head" over the woman (Gen. 2:18, 20; 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:7-9; Eph. 5:22ff; 1 Tim. 2:11-12), and this limits female activity in certain environments (1 Cor. 14:34;1 Tim. 2:8; 12ff). This relationship must not be abused by man. (b) God greatly honored womankind by sending the Savior into the world by means of a woman (Lk. 1:42; Gal. 4:4; cf. 1 Tim. 2:15). In the first-century environment women were valuable assets in the service of God by means of their prayers (Acts 1:14), their good works and almsdeeds (Acts 9:36), and in providing hospitality (Acts 12:12; 16:14; 1 Tim. 5:10). In harmony with their divinely prescribed roles, women taught the gospel (Acts 18:26; 21:9; Tit. 2:3-4). They functioned as godly wives (Acts 18:2) and mothers (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15), contributing greatly to the growth -- internally and externally -- of the church of Jesus Christ.