Does the Bible really teach gender equality? Why has gender inequality been the norm?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Gender equality is when men and women are given the same social rights, responsibilities, and access to goods and opportunities. Scripture teaches that God values men and women equally. Both genders are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Though cultural norms during Bible times often did not consider women as equal to men, within that context, the Mosaic Law protected women (Exodus 22:16-17; Deuteronomy 22:28-29). Regarding salvation, Christ offers it equally to men and women. The apostle Paul noted that we are all equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28). This doesn’t mean that men and women are the same, though; God has given each gender a distinct role and function (Ephesians 5:21–33; 1 Timothy 2:12). What’s most important to know about gender equality is that men and women are loved by God and both are given the opportunity for salvation through Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God created men and women in His image, meaning they are of equal value in His eyes (Genesis 1:27). Some argue that because man was created first, men are more valuable than women. But God created Eve because He found it “not good” for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18–25), which implies that women are of equal importance.
• Passages like Deuteronomy 22:28–29 and Exodus 22:16–17 initially seem to require women rape victims to marry the rapist. The reality is more complicated. Those passages mean that if a man had sex with a single woman, making her ineligible for marriage to someone else, he must marry her upon paying the appropriate bride price and would never be allowed to divorce her (Deuteronomy 24:1–4). The woman would not be forced to marry the man, but he would still be forced to pay the bride price. These laws were to punish a man who unlawfully took advantage of a virgin and also to protect the victim of his crimes from any further exploitation.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus treated women as equals, counter to the cultural norms at the time. For example, His first miracle was done at the request of His mother (John 2:1-11). He revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:25–26). When He rose from the dead, He first showed Himself to the women who had come to His tomb (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-18).
• Gender equality isn’t equivalent to gender sameness. God created males and females and has given each different roles and complementary strengths (Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Timothy 2:12).
• Unfortunately, some societies discriminate purposefully against people of certain genders, races, religions, and social classes. The Bible condemns this and states that we are one in Christ: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
• The saving grace of Jesus Christ is equally available to all, meaning God views us all equally (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
• Our differences are not related to equality but show God's creativity, power, and wisdom. God pours out His Spirit on men and women alike (Acts 2:17). He has designed men and women to operate in this world as equals, even if some of their functions are different.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“All things being equal . . .” That phrase is usually a prelude to choosing one circumstance or thing over another. All things rarely are equal, though—especially when human beings are involved. We tend to make the straightest lines crooked. We judge others by their behavior but ourselves by our intentions. We may treat people differently in other ways too. For instance, maybe we were raised to think that men are superior to women. Maybe we feel justified in treating women as lesser because we read in the Bible that those cultures treated women as such.

But descriptions of ancient cultures shouldn’t be our guide to how to treat one another. Instead, we should pay careful attention to what Scripture says about how God views men and women. God loves both genders equally (Galatians 3:28). We are made in His image (Genesis 1:27), so we are precious in His sight (Matthew 10:29-31). Christians should understand that though men and women have distinct roles and should not attempt to act like the opposite gender (Deuteronomy 22:5), we are loved equally as God’s children. No role we strive for on earth can equal that.

UNDERSTAND

• Men and women are equally valued and offered salvation.
• Equality doesn’t mean sameness—each gender has distinct roles.
• Human sin has caused inequality, but God’s design calls for mutual respect.

REFLECT

• How do you recognize and value the equal worth of men and women?
• How have you experienced gender inequality, and what can you do to discontinue it?
• How can your understanding of distinct roles in God’s design influence the way you treat men and women?

ENGAGE

• What is God’s design for men and women regarding their equality, and what is it not?
• How can we honor God’s equal value of men and women while respecting their differences?
• What cultural or societal practices today contradict God’s design for gender equality, and how should we respond?