Bible Question: I would like to hear commentary and have discussion concerning the manifestation today of woman's consequence as defined in Genesis 3:16, in part "And though your desire will be to control your husband, he will be your master" (NLT). I would also like to have discussion concerning a portion of Genesis 3:17, in part "Because you listened to your wife, and..." (NLT). Thanks, God's Blessings, Love, Doug |
Bible Answer: In all honesty imosthebob, I’m hesitant to offer an opinion here but will nonetheless. The manifestation of this divine ordinance is often played out in a contorted manner by fallen man and this is very evident today. Often, “and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”, is taken out of context to be used as a mandate for women to be subjected to men in general. However, I’m not sure that was the full intent. Eve was created as a “helpmeet”. She was a companion for Adam. A companion is more simply one of a pair of matching things or one employed to live with and serve another, that’s according to my handy Webster’s dictionary. So as Eve was in original creation, she was Adam’s helpmeet. Ultimately they were a match for one another. So as a man and woman, they were equal as is the general relationship between men and women and God and as today for those who are in Christ. There is no distinction of male and female at the cross. Galatians 3:26-28 Don’t forget however, that Adam and Eve were married. Gen 2:23,24: In the matrimonial state, there is another ordinance handed down from God that the Husband is to be the head of the union in all areas. 1Corinthians 11:2,3: Ephesians 5:23,24: 1Peter 3:7: As men and women, separate from the marriage union, stand before Christ, they are equal and Christ is the head. In the union of marriage, you have the coming together of two distinct persons into one flesh. Although they are one, they are still distinct individuals, and God has set man up as the head of this union. So when you ask for the manifestation of the consequences depicted in Genesis 3:16-17, I see the manifestation taking place on two very distinct levels. The twisting of this to place man above woman in general, and the use of this mandate in the matrimonial union, the latter of which is appropriate. There were instances in the primeval church in which women would have to serve as the spiritual head of the marriage union, as “Paul” makes reference to a non-believer being sanctified through a believing spouse. 1Corinthains 7:12-14: But after the Gospel had been effectually preached, and as the Word spread, we know that we are not to be unequally yoked. 2Corinthians 6:14: So we know taking an unbelieving spouse is to be refrained from. Therefore, among the earliest believers, you have to acknowledge that there were possibly some instances of the woman being the spiritual head, at least for a time. Now however, we have the given explicit instruction on how to function as man and wife, as has been previously posted in response to you. This is always the standard but often is not adhered to. Men are specifically instructed on how to treat their wives, and wives are instructed on how to treat their husband. The manifestation of this in today’s era is that you see the mandate being adhered to and functioning properly which leads to a healthy relationship as both parties submit to God’s will. Or you see it malfunctioning were one or both parties fail to submit to God’s will and there is inevitable strife within the marriage union, power struggles, selfishness and others. Eph 5:28-33: Husbands and wives you see, belong to one another. 1Corinthains 7:3,4: 3 God put His ordinances into effect and though we may not understand fully why, we need to acknowledge that they benefit us entirely. Back to the original verses to be discussed. I like what Albert Barnes stated in reference to it: …”The third part of her sentence refers to her husband - “Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” This is evidently a piece of that retributive justice which meets us constantly in the administration of God. The woman had taken the lead in the transgression. In the fallen state, she is to be subject to the will of her husband. “Desire” does not refer to sexual desire in particular. Gen_4:7. It means, in general, “turn,” determination of the will. “The determination of thy will shall be yielded to thy husband, and, accordingly, he shall rule over thee.” The second clause, according to the parallel structure of the sentence, is a climax or emphatic reiteration of the first, and therefore serves to determine its meaning. Under fallen man, woman has been more or less a slave. In fact, under the rule of selfishness, the weaker must serve the stronger. Only a spiritual resurrection will restore her to her true place, as the help-meet for man.” Stand in His Grace, WOS PS. Please see the Scripture referenced, I omitted the actual text due to posting restrictions and left only the reference. |