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NASB | Genesis 3:20 ¶ Now the man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 3:20 ¶ The man named his wife Eve (life spring, life giver), because she was the mother of all the living. |
Subject: naming and subordination |
Bible Note: Well I was reluctant earlier to say anymore than simply answering your question for two reasons. First, many people can be aggressive over such a topic. I do not in any way expect you to be so, but I don't know who all will be reading this post and reply. Second, because once you say just a little on this topic, there is a great deal that ought to be said. This topic is peculiar in that just part of it seems to be unfair unless the whole picture is laid out. For example male authority without discussion on what that authority is meant to look like can appear hateful and power hungry. However, these concerns stated I'll share a bit and feel free to stop reading at any point...as I said, much must be stated. First, we must cling tightly to what is revealed, and hold lightly what we must speculate beyond that. So here is what we know with absolute certainty. 1 Timothy 12-14 makes it clear that males are to be the head of the church, they are to be the only ones teaching other men or holding any authority over other men. So male's have authority in the church, with the obvious disclaimer that all authority in the Church is ultimately Christ's. We also know with absolute certainty that a husband has complete authority in the marriage. Ephesians 5:22-24 states that a wife is to obey her husband to the same extent to which the church is to obey Christ. Now, these are the things we know with absolute certainty and that all Christians will either agree with or they are in disobedience to God's word. I can speak with that certainty because I've done nothing but put forward two Bible verses with no speculation on their meaning so far. Now, the rest of this letter is my doing the best I can to teach how these things begin to impact and work themselves out, so in what follows there can be loving discussion and questioning and even dissagreement. Correct me with scripture if I am off. Within this I would first humbly suggest we must do away with the notion of superiority. The husband being given superiority is a mistaken fancy we have. Authority in marriage does not imply superiority any more than a government having authority over us implies the senators have superiority to us in God's eyes. First consider the first recording of making mankind without looking to the specifics of how it happened. Genesis 1:26-27. Keep in mind the term for man there can equally refer to humanity as a whole. He made them male and female and both of these were said to be made in His image. There is no superiority in the relationship but there is authority. 1 Peter 3:7 commands husbands to show their wives honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life so that our prayers would not be hindered. Our authority is not about superiority or greater honor, but only about authority. ((MORE COMING IN SECOND POST)) |