Read: Genesis 2:15-25
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner” (Genesis 2:18).
What on earth does it mean for woman to be created as man’s “helper? Even if you don’t take the creation stories literally, this is an important question.
For years Genesis 2:18 has been used to put women “in their place.” By this people (read: some men) generally mean that they interpret the verse as a divine mandate that women are created to be in a subservient role to men. It will surprise no one that this is not a view I favor either as a woman or a biblical scholar.
Again, I ask: What does it mean to be a “helper”? And why do so many interpreters assume that it implies subservience?
Translation is important here, although it doesn’t tell the whole story. In Hebrew, the word ezer can indeed mean “helper.” Yet, there are a couple of things we ought to consider before we draw too many conclusions from this.
First, the full phrase in Hebrew means “a helper as his partner” (NRSV). Another possibility would be, “a helper as his counterpart” (my translation). When we consider the full phrase, it’s much harder to come away with the impression that the woman is created as some kind of second-class citizen.
The other consideration is how the word ezer is used elsewhere in the Old Testament. Most often, this is a word that used to describe God. Yes—God!
Psalm 33:20 says, “Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.” In Psalm 121:1-2, the psalmist lifts up his eyes to the hills and asks, “from where will my help come?” Then he answers his own question: “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
So, why are we assuming that being a “helper” is a subservient thing?
I think it says something less than flattering about us when we try to downgrade the role of helpers. I call as my witness Fred Rogers, who once said:
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.
Can I get an “amen,” anyone?
Helpers are not only sent from God, they are imitators of God. If we can’t get that through our heads, then—well—God help us.
Ponder: Why do you think so many interpreters have read Genesis 2:18 to imply that women should be subservient to men? How does the reminder that God is a helper change your view of this verse? How does it change your view of your calling?
Pray: Help me to be a helper, O God.