Genesis, Exodus, and Why Women Mattered
In a world where women were often marginalized or treated as property, the Bible consistently speaks with a different voice—a voice of dignity, equality, and worth. From the opening chapters of Genesis to the laws of Exodus and the ministries of women in the New Testament, Scripture affirms the equal value of men and women as image-bearers of God.
This truth is especially clear in passages that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Let’s take a closer look at Genesis 2:18 and Exodus 21:29–30 to see how God has been affirming women’s value from the very beginning.
Genesis 2:18 — The Real Meaning Behind “Helper”
Genesis 2:18 records God’s words: “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
For many readers, the word helper sounds like “assistant” or “subordinate.” But that interpretation misses the richness of the Hebrew word ‘ezer. Far from implying inferiority, ‘ezer is a word used most often to describe God Himself as Israel’s help and deliverer (see Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 70:5). When applied to woman in Genesis 2, it conveys strength, support, and indispensability—not weakness or subordination.
Equally important is the phrase “fit for him” (Hebrew: kenegdo). This literally means “corresponding to him” or “equal and opposite to him.” Woman is presented not as a lesser being, but as man’s counterpart—a partner who balances, complements, and completes humanity in God’s design.
Together, man and woman bear the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Humanity is not fully itself without both. The creation of woman, therefore, is not a concession but a crown—affirming her as an equal participant in God’s purposes.
Exodus 21:29–30 — Equal Worth of Men and Women
Fast forward to Exodus 21, and we encounter a section of the Mosaic Law dealing with responsibility for negligence. Specifically, if an ox that is known to be dangerous gores someone to death, the owner is held accountable. What is striking is verse 29–30:
Whether the victim is a man or a woman, the penalty is the same.
The owner’s life may be demanded, or restitution (a ransom price) must be paid.
In the ancient Near East, most law codes—including the Code of Hammurabi—placed unequal value on human life based on gender or social class. For example, the death of a nobleman’s son might carry a severe penalty, but the death of a slave or woman could be punished far less.
By contrast, the Bible levels the playing field. Exodus 21 affirms that the life of a woman carries the same worth as the life of a man. God’s law directly challenges the cultural norms of the time, embedding equality and justice into the very fabric of Israel’s covenant life.
A Thread Woven Through Scripture
These passages are not isolated. They connect to a broader biblical theme:
Women as leaders and prophets: Deborah judged Israel (Judges 4–5), Huldah prophesied God’s word (2 Kings 22).
Women as covenant bearers: Ruth, Rahab, and Tamar are included in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1).
Women as the first witnesses: The resurrection of Jesus, the central event of the gospel, was entrusted first to women (Luke 24:1–11; John 20:11–18).
At every turn, God affirms the dignity and calling of women, even when human cultures did not.
Connecting to the Bigger Picture
This theme of equal value is central to my book, Bound in Lies: The Biblical Case Against Slavery. Just as the Bible affirms the dignity of women in contrast to ancient cultures that diminished them, it also affirms the dignity of all people in contrast to systems of oppression such as slavery.
From Genesis to Revelation, the heartbeat of Scripture is clear: God values every human life equally. Male and female, slave and free, Jew and Gentile—all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
Conclusion
When we read Genesis 2 with fresh eyes, we see woman as an indispensable partner, reflecting God’s own strength. When we examine Exodus 21, we see the law protecting women with equal justice to men. These passages reveal not a book of suppression, but a revelation of liberation and equality.
The Bible’s message is timeless: in God’s eyes, every human being—male or female—is of immeasurable worth.
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