The Bible Describes Women as Helpers? Really?

A short excerpt from our presentation at the Prairie Community Marriage Retreat over the weekend:

Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”  Now the word “helper,” doesn’t sound very flattering, does it?  What if your husband introduced you at a party and said, “I’d like you to meet my helper?”   It sounds like an assistant, or a subordinate, or one who is of less significance. 

The Lord fashioned woman from the rib of the man (Genesis 2:22).  The Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, who died in the year 1714 and wrote long before anyone tried to convey "political correctness," explains it this way:  She was “not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected and near his heart to be beloved.”   

While the term “helper” doesn’t sound very romantic, it comes from a Hebrew term meaning, “to surround.”  The role of the helper is not a secondary one, but a vital role of surrounding a husband with support, encouragement, and comfort.  In fact, the Hebrew word for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 is the exact same word that God used to describe Himself in Psalm 33:20, saying,  “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”

In the role of "helper," wives simply make available all the godly qualities placed within us to enable our husbands to lead as directed and to help them develop into the godly men that they are called to be.  For me, it is an honor to be my husband's helper.  I cherish my involvement in his walk with Christ and equally cherish his involvement in mine.  

Have you ever thought of yourself as your husband's "helper?"  Please share your comments!