Do biblical references to men, mankind, brothers, etc., include women?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

From beginning to end, the Bible presents a masculine perspective. Readers can decide if women are included in a specific passage by considering the surrounding context to determine if the intended meaning of a word is men or both men and women.

Some passages specifically address men. For example, in Acts 7:2, Stephen is speaking to the Sanhedrin and refers to them as "brothers and fathers." In this case, brothers and fathers is literal because the Sanhedrin was male-only.

On the other hand, Galatians 3:26 refers to "sons of God" or "children of God." That "sons" refers to both men and women is clarified in verse 3:28 when it says there is no distinction in the faith between male and female. Both men and women are children of God through Jesus Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 1:26-27 introduces the Hebrew word "adam" which is translated variously as "man," "mankind" or "human beings." The phrase "male and female He created them" at the end of verse 27 highlights the intentional creation of the two biological genders. So when the text says "Let us make man (or mankind) in our image," it means both men and women.
• The term "brothers" in the Old Testament primarily refers to male siblings or male relatives. For example, "brothers" is used extensively in Genesis 37-50 when referring to Joseph's actual brothers.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Greek word anthropoi, translated as "men" in Matthew 4:19 refers to both men and women. We know this because Jesus is talking about sharing the Gospel, which we know is available to men and women.
• In the New Testament "brothers" often includes women. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters. In Matthew 5:47, for example, "brothers" is translated variously as "brothers and sisters," "brethren," "friends," or "people," all referring to both men and women.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Context matters. Getting a ride from a stranger is risky. . . unless you’ve called an Uber. Sharing your bank account information could be unsafe . . . unless it’s with your employer for direct deposit. Context also matters in the Bible. Not every instance of “man,” “men,” “brother,” or other masculine reference actually refers to a man. Sometimes, in context, it means humankind.

How does this impact how we share the gospel? In our evangelism, believers should make it clear that the Gospel is for anyone who places their faith in Jesus as Savior. The apostle Paul wrote that we are all one in Christ, regardless of ethnicity, social status, gender, or by implication, any other external factor in our lives (Galatians 3:28).

When the context of a Bible passage supports it, switching from masculine words to generic words can enhance understanding. The New International Version (NIV) and New Living Translation do this. The Bible is clearly written for both men and women.

UNDERSTAND

• Because of cultural norms during Bible times, the Bible often uses masculine pronouns even when the passage applies to men and women.
• The context determines whether the masculine pronoun applies just to men or to both men and women.
• The Bible is meant for all people, men and women.

REFLECT

• Do you prefer a translation that uses gender neutral pronouns? Why or why not?
• How does it impact your faith to know that God doesn’t base your salvation on your gender nor any other external factor?
• How do you ensure that you’re understanding Bible passages in their proper context?

ENGAGE

• What are some challenges that might arise when using a traditional Bible translation with masculine pronouns versus using one with gender neutral pronouns?
• How can we best convey God’s love and care for both men and women?
• How can we communicate more clearly in our teaching and evangelism that the gospel includes both men and women equally?