Whenever we read Genesis, people often challenge the text: “Doesn’t the Bible just call women ‘helpers’?”. When I hear that word, I imagine a woman in an apron, hands stuck in the kitchen sink doing all the housework.
Meaning of “Ezer” Mean in Hebrew?
Actually, the Hebrew word translated as helper is ezer. It is absolutely not a term of domination or subjugation.
God as Our Ezer
We know this because God uses that exact same name, ezer, to describe Himself in His relationship to us. God is our ezer; He is our helper. Because God applies this word to Himself, it cannot indicate female subordination or inferiority.
Conclusion
Therefore, the biblical concept of women as “helpers” is a powerful, strong, and amazing image. Far from being a sexist term, understanding what ezer means in Hebrew establishes a beautiful vision of equality where both male and female collectively bear the image of God.
