Topical Encyclopedia The term "help-meet" originates from the King James Version of the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis, where it describes the creation of Eve as a companion for Adam. The phrase is derived from Genesis 2:18, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "The LORD God also said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" The term "help-meet" has historically been understood to mean a suitable or fitting helper, emphasizing the complementary role of Eve to Adam.Biblical Context In Genesis 2:18-24, the narrative details God's creation of Eve from Adam's rib, underscoring the intimate and purposeful design of the first woman as a partner for the first man. The BSB states in Genesis 2:21-22: "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him." This passage highlights the divine intention behind the creation of woman as a "helper" who corresponds to man, both in nature and purpose. Theological Significance The concept of "help-meet" is foundational in understanding the biblical view of marriage and gender roles. The term "helper" (Hebrew: עֵזֶר, ezer) does not imply inferiority or subordination but rather denotes a role of support and partnership. In fact, the same Hebrew word is used in other parts of the Old Testament to describe God as a helper to humanity (e.g., Psalm 33:20, "Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield"). From a theological perspective, the creation of Eve as a "help-meet" reflects the complementary nature of men and women, designed to work together in fulfilling God's mandate for humanity. This partnership is further emphasized in Genesis 1:27-28 : "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" Cultural and Historical Interpretations Throughout history, the interpretation of "help-meet" has influenced Christian thought on marriage and gender roles. In traditional Christian teachings, the role of the wife as a "help-meet" is often seen as one of support and partnership, working alongside her husband in the stewardship of family and home. This view upholds the idea of mutual respect and love, as further elaborated in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:22-33 about the relationship between husbands and wives, emphasizing love, respect, and mutual submission. Contemporary Relevance In contemporary discussions, the term "help-meet" continues to be a point of reflection and debate within Christian communities. While some advocate for a more egalitarian approach to gender roles, others maintain the traditional view of distinct but complementary roles for men and women. Regardless of differing interpretations, the biblical concept of "help-meet" remains a significant element in understanding the divine design for human relationships, particularly within the context of marriage. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews `ezer ke-negdo; i.e., "a help as his counterpart" = a help suitable to him), a wife (Genesis 2:18-20). Strong's Hebrew 7125. qirah -- against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way... 7124, 7125. qirah. 7126 . against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way. Transliteration: qirah Phonetic Spelling: (keer-aw') Short Definition: seek. ... /hebrew/7125.htm - 6k Library The Bones and Flesh of Wisdom; the Side Out of which the Spiritual ... The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society The Scriptural Account of Paradise. A Community Rests Upon Justice and Good-Will. ... How He Fled to a Monastery when his Wife Would not Consent. The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, or Concerning Chastity For Eight Years Gregory Has Given up the Practice Of Waiving Allusion to the Paraclete, Tertullian Comes to the ... Of what is to be Believed on the Subject of the Creation of Man ... The Domestic Relation. Thesaurus Helpmeet... Genesis 2:18-20). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A wife; a helpmate. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELPMEET. help'-met. See HELP. ... /h/helpmeet.htm - 6k Help-meet Eve (5 Occurrences) Polygamy Helps (16 Occurrences) Meet (281 Occurrences) Fowls (61 Occurrences) Help (1694 Occurrences) Helpmate (2 Occurrences) Fowl (73 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that a wife is supposed to be a helpmeet / help meet? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I help new believers? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the role of evangelism/outreach pastor? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |