Does the Bible say that men and women are equal?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God sees men and women as spiritually equal, according to the Bible. Both are made in His image (Genesis 1:27), were separated from Him by sin, and need a Savior (Romans 3:23). Both may be redeemed through Christ and receive the Holy Spirit making them heirs of God (Galatians 3:27-29). Though men and women differ physically, they are equal spiritually. Scripture shows that God has given men and women different roles in some circumstances (1 Timothy 2:11-15). But all who belong to Christ are equally loved by God and equally His children and heirs (Galatians 3:28). We should all seek to fulfill the unique purpose God has in store for us and do so in a way that communicates love and respect to others and brings glory to God (Ephesians 2:10; 5:21; John 13:34-35; Colossians 3:17, 23).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• After God created Adam, He said that it was "not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." God made Eve from Adam's rib. Man and woman complement each other, and the two become one at marriage. They are different, but both are God’s unique creations whom He views as equally valuable (Genesis 2:18-24).
• Some distinctions between the genders come from the original curse caused by the fall. Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God caused a rift in their relationship with Him and with each other. God told Eve in Genesis 3:16 that childbearing would be more painful and “Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In 1 Timothy 2:11–12 Paul wrote, "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet." Paul goes on to say that it is because man was created first that men are to lead in the church. This does not imply that men are somehow superior in God's view, but that He assigns a role to men that women are not granted. In the same passage, verse 15, women have a role that men are not granted: childbirth. These are differences, not ranks.
• Galatians 3:28 makes it clear that in God’s eyes, “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.”
• Ephesians 5:21-33 instructs husbands and wives to submit themselves to the other. Some people are uncomfortable with the passage because wives are specifically told, "submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). It seems inferior. Yet, that passage tells husbands to treat their wives as Christ treated the church—that is, to die for her. Which is the higher calling? The lesser role?
• The word “submit” in Ephesians 5:22 is from the Greek word that means “to line up under.” It is a military term which does not lessen anyone’s worth but provides an efficient and effective way of getting a job done. If people compete for the role of general they will fight against each other rather than working together.
• First Peter 3:7 states, "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." “Weaker vessel" most likely describes physical ability; men are physically stronger, in general, than women. But also notice that husbands and wives are both "heirs." Husbands don't come before or supersede wives.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“Favorite” can apply to ice-cream flavors, teacher’s pets, and horse racing. It doesn’t apply when discussing God’s love for His children, though. In fact, it took three visions and a divine message from an Italian centurion for Peter to finally understand that “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:10-16, 34).

Too many in our world today still don’t understand this. Some men may misuse Bible scriptures to justify a domineering attitude toward their wives and other women in their lives. Some women may resent what they see as a biblically-endorsed “inferior” role for women. But the Bible shows that both views are wrong. All believers, male and female, are “children” of our Heavenly Father (1 John 3:1). “[T]here is no male and female” in God’s love for us and His offer to salvation through Christ (Galatians 3:28).

But men and women do have different roles in certain circumstances —- and that’s fine. As our Creator, God knows us better than we know ourselves, so we trust in His wisdom. In marriage, the husband and wife are called to work together. Instead of resentment over roles, men and women should focus on the most important common role: communicating about the Lord to others in a way that brings Him glory.

UNDERSTAND

• Men and women are equally created in God's image and are equally valuable and loved.
• The Bible assigns different roles to men and women in certain contexts, especially in marriage and church leadership, without implying superiority or inferiority.
• God’s salvation, forgiveness, and inheritance are offered equally to both men and women through Christ

REFLECT

• How does knowing that you are equally valued by God, regardless of your gender, shape the way you view yourself and your purpose?
• How have you struggled with or embraced the different roles God assigns to men and women?
• How can you personally demonstrate respect and love for the opposite gender in a way that honors God's design?

ENGAGE

• How can we help others understand that spiritual equality doesn’t mean identical roles—and why does that matter?
• What are some examples of how cultural views of gender roles differ from the biblical perspective, and how should we respond?
• How can the church do a better job reflecting the truth that men and women are equally valuable and loved while honoring biblical roles?