The concept of womanhood has been a topic of discussion for centuries. However, in a world that is constantly redefining gender roles, it’s challenging to understand what it truly means to be a woman. In this blog, we will explore the biblical perspective on womanhood and gain insights into God’s design for women.
What does the Bible say about womanhood? We will delve into the role, purpose, and value of women in God’s plan and seek to understand the significance of their contribution to the world. Join us on this journey of discovery as we uncover the truth about womanhood, according to the Bible.
What is Biblical Womanhood?
What is womanhood, according to the Bible? Womanhood is the state of being a woman, the distinguishing character, or qualities of a woman or of womankind. Biblical womanhood is the embodiment of the traits and virtues such as nurturance, sweetness, gentleness, warmth, modesty, humility, empathy, tenderness, kindness, helpful, being emotional, understanding, supportiveness, sensitivity, devoted among many other traits. Think of the Proverbs 31 woman!
“And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.”
1 Timothy 2:9, 15 (NLT)
Biblical womanhood is a term used by Christians to describe a set of beliefs and practices that are based on the teachings of the Bible regarding women’s roles and responsibilities. The biblical woman is a gospel centered woman. She is redeemed, blessed, and gifted to be a blessing to those around her.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Key themes of biblical womanhood
What is the Biblical definition of womanhood? Exploring the concept of biblical womanhood reveals several important themes. The Bible has much to say about womanhood, and there are a few key themes that are emphasized in its teachings. These themes provide insight into God’s design for women and what it means to be a woman, according to the Bible. By understanding these key themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the purpose and significance of women in God’s plan.
The 5 key aspects of womanhood that are highlighted in the Bible are as follows.
Created in God’s image: The Bible teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that women have inherent worth and dignity and are to be valued and respected just as men are.
A helpmate: In the Bible, woman is often referred to as a “helper” to man (Genesis 2:18). This does not mean that women are inferior or subservient to men, but rather that they have a complementary role to play in God’s design for marriage and family.
Nurturing and caring: Women are often depicted in the Bible as nurturing and caring for others, particularly their children (Proverbs 31:15-28). This is a valuable and important role, and women are encouraged to embrace it.
Modesty and virtue: The Bible teaches that women should be modest and virtuous in their behavior and dress (1 Timothy 2:9-10). This means avoiding immodest clothing or behavior that could lead others to sin.
Submission and respect: The Bible also teaches that wives are to submit to their husbands and respect their authority in the home (Ephesians 5:22-24). This does not mean that women are to be treated as doormats or oppressed in any way, but rather that they are to submit willingly to their husbands as the head of the household.
Overall, the Bible teaches that women are equal in value and worth to men and have a unique and valuable role to play in God’s plan for the world.
Portrayals of biblical womanhood
The specific interpretation of biblical womanhood can vary among different Christian communities and individuals, but some common portraits include:
Submission to male authority: According to this view, women are called to submit to the authority of men, particularly in the context of marriage and the church. This often involves the idea that husbands are the head of the household and have the final say in family decisions. Ephesians 5:22 (NLT)
Motherhood and homemaking: Many Christians who believe in the call of biblical womanhood believe that a woman’s primary role is to bear and raise children, as well as to manage the home and provide for her family’s needs. 1 Timothy 5:14 (NLT) Titus 2:3-6 (NLT)
Modesty and purity: Biblical womanhood often emphasizes the importance of modest dressing and behavior, and of avoiding sexual sin and other forms of immorality. 1 Timothy 2:9 (NLT)
Spiritual and moral nurturing: Women are seen as responsible for instilling Christian values and principles in their children and in their community. Titus 2:3-6 (NLT)
The concept of biblical womanhood is not universally accepted within Christianity, and many Christians have different interpretations of the Bible’s teachings on gender roles and responsibilities. Some may reject the idea of male authority or emphasize the importance of women’s leadership and empowerment within the church and society.
All these thoughts and arguments notwithstanding, the Bible is clear on what biblical womanhood is supposed to look like. And as believers and godly women, we are called to a higher standard other than the one professed by the world. It may seem hard and challenging, but God’s grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.
What does Biblical femininity look like?
The concept of biblical femininity is rooted in the teachings of the Bible and can be seen as a set of characteristics and virtues that are ideal for women to cultivate. Many of these reflect in godly inspirati0nal quotes for Christian women.
Here are six aspects of biblical femininity that as godly women we can work towards being or becoming as the Lord directs us.
6 Aspects of biblical femininity
Respect for God: A biblical woman should have a deep respect for God and His word. She should seek to live a life that honors Him. “for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
Submission: According to the Bible, wives are called to submit to their husbands as the head of the household. This doesn’t mean they are inferior to men, but rather it is a God-given role to support and encourage their husbands. Ephesians 5:22 “For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” James 4:7a (NLT)
Modesty: Biblical femininity values modesty in dress, speech, and behavior. This includes avoiding immodest clothing and language and cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit. 1 Timothy 2:9 “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not to draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)
Kindness and compassion: A biblical woman should be kind and compassionate, showing love and concern for others, especially those who are less fortunate. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)
Wisdom: A biblical woman should seek wisdom and understanding from God and apply it in her daily life. Proverbs 4:7 “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgement.” Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Contentment: A biblical woman should cultivate a spirit of contentment, being thankful for what she has and not seeking after worldly possessions or status. Hebrews 13:5 “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘ I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)
Apart from ‘the’ Proverbs 31 woman, Ruth is an excellent example of biblical womanhood—with character traits such as devotion, dedication, kindness, loyalty, and compassion.
Biblical womanhood verses
The Bible contains many verses that speak of the concept of biblical womanhood. These verses provide insight into God’s design for women and the role they play in His plan. By examining these verses, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman according to the Bible.
In this section, are some of the most significant biblical womanhood verses.
“And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.”
1 Timothy 2:9 (NLT)
“Similarly, teach older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children.”
Titus 2:3-4: (NLT)
1 Peter 3:3-4: (NLT)
“Don’t be concerned with the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.”
Proverbs 14:1: (NLT)
“For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of his wife, as Christ is the head of the church. He is the savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.”
Ephesians 5:22-24 (NLT)
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”
Proverbs 31:10-31 (NLT)
The Proverbs 31 woman is a confident woman—confident in God and in the capabilities He gave her. The Bible is full of verses about confidence.
What is the essence of a godly woman?
The essence of a godly woman-and who a godly woman should be-is critical for us believers in Christ. It is what distinguishes us from other women who are not godly. However, in general, a godly woman is someone who seeks to honor and glorify God in all aspects of her life.
The biblical role of a woman includes:
Living a life of faith and obedience: A godly woman seeks to follow God’s commands and submit to His will. She trusts in God’s plan for her life and seeks to live in a way that honors Him. Ephesians 2:8-10.
Demonstrating love and compassion: A godly woman shows love and compassion to others, just as God has shown love and compassion to her. She is kind, patient, and forgiving, and seeks to serve others in humility. Colossians 3:12.
Maintaining moral purity: A godly woman seeks to maintain moral purity in her thoughts, words, and actions. She values purity in her relationships and seeks to avoid anything that would compromise her integrity. Philippines 4:8.
Pursuing wisdom and knowledge: A godly woman seeks to grow in wisdom and knowledge, both in her understanding of God’s Word and in her knowledge of the world around her. She is a lifelong learner, seeking to grow in her faith and her understanding of God’s ways. Proverbs 9:10-12.
Embracing her role as a helper: A godly woman recognizes and embraces her role as a helper to her husband and others. She seeks to support and encourage those around her, using her gifts and talents to serve others and build up the body of Christ. Proverbs 31:10-31.
Prayer for biblical womanhood
Thank You, Lord, for womanhood. I am grateful to be called and created a woman.
Forgive me for the times I have not walked in submission to the word as a woman should. Help me understand my calling as a biblical woman. Help me submit to you, God, first and then to all to whom I should submit.
Thank you for your grace is sufficient for me always to do all things.
In Jesus’ name. Amen!
GUEST BLOG: JOYCELYN IGIRI
Joycelyn Akua Blosi Igiri is an English and Sociology major graduate from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. She is a teacher by heart and profession but currently a ‘stay-at-home’ mom of three, with a part-time work from home gigs like proofreading, editing, and copywriting. She is a mompreneur!
Joycelyn is a healthy eating and wellness enthusiast who loves gardening, cooking, reading, and watching inspiring movies. She is an encourager!
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