woman Summary and Overview

was "taken out of man" (Gen. 2:23), and therefore the man has the preeminence. "The head of the woman is the man;" but yet honour is to be shown to the wife, "as unto the weaker vessel" (1 Cor. 11:3, 8, 9; 1 Pet. 3:7). Several women are mentioned in Scripture as having been endowed with prophetic gifts, as Miriam (Ex. 15:20), Deborah (Judg. 4:4, 5), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Neh. 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36, 37), and the daughters of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8, 9). Women are forbidden to teach publicly (1 Cor. 14:34, 35; 1 Tim. 2:11, 12). Among the Hebrews it devolved upon women to prepare the meals for the household (Gen. 18:6; 2 Sam. 13:8), to attend to the work of spinning (Ex. 35:26; Prov. 31:19), and making clothes (1 Sam. 2:19; Prov. 31:21), to bring water from the well (Gen. 24:15; 1 Sam. 9:11), and to care for the flocks (Gen. 29:6; Ex. 2:16). The word "woman," as used in Matt. 15:28, John 2:4 and 20:13, 15, implies tenderness and courtesy and not disrespect. Only where revelation is known has woman her due place of honour assigned to her.

WO'MAN , the companion and helper of man. and by express command made subject to him. Gen 3:16. The social position, however, of the Hebrew women contrasted very favorably with that now occupied by Oriental women, especially among Muslims. They managed the affairs of the household, bringing the water from the well, Gen 24:15; 1 Sam 9:11, attending to the flocks. Gen 29:6; Ex 2:16, preparing the meals, Gen 18:6; 2 Sam 13:8, spinning, Ex 35:26; Prov 31:19, and making clothes. 1 Sam 2:19; Prov 31:21. Women mixed very freely in social life, partaking in festivals both as hostess and guest. Job 1:4; John 2:3; 1 Kgs 12:2. See also Miriam, Ex 15:20-21; Jephthah's daughter, Jud 11:34; the maidens of Shiloh dancing in the vineyards, Jud 21:21; the woman feting Saul and David. 1 Sam 18:6-7, etc. They even held positions in public life. See Miriam, Ex 15:20; Huldah, 2 Kgs 22:14; Noadiah, Neh 6:14; Anna, Luke 2:36; and Deborah. The word " woman," when used as a term of salutation, as in Matt 15:28; John 2:4, implies no disrespect, but great tenderness and courtesy. It was thus that our Saviour addressed Mary under the most touching circumstances. John 20:15.