St. Louis Church of Christ
What the Bible Says About Gender
Genesis 1:26-28 NIV
“The Image of God”
Only 4 times in the OT, Gen 1:26, 27 (twice) and 9:6.
Similar to Gen 5:3; “Adam fathered a son after his image.”
Image = “Selem" in Hebrew; immaterial, dreamy,
least offensive word for image in Hebrew.
2 Assignments Given:
Man is to “exercise dominion,” “Rada” in Hebrew.
22 OT references.
Human relationships, master over a hired hand, king and subjects, shepherd and flocks (Ezk. 34:4) the only time it is harsh.
For the male “adam” and a female “adam” to procreate.
Sexuality is a gift of God!
To be human is to bear the image of God.
Genesis 9:6 NIV
Genesis 5:3 NIV
Ezekiel 34:4 NIV
Genesis 2:4-7 NIV
Genesis 2:18-24 NIV
“Complements of Creation”
Sky filled with Birds; Water filled with Fish; Land filled with Animals;
Out of dust man is formed, (v.7) out of a rib woman is formed (v.21-22).
Adam needed a suitable helper “ezer.” God helping Israel, same word.
Every aspect of creation needs something else to complement it and help it function!
Genesis 3:16-19 NIV
“Sin Complicates Gender”
Adam and Eve’s sin brings judgment and consequences.
For the Woman: there will be great pain in childbearing.
There will be a desire for her husband; he will be lord/master over you.
Urge or Desire “tesuqa” only found in Gen. 4:7 . . .
For the Man: there will be pain in eating; hard work to gather food, make a living, and it will be this way till you die!
Eat the fruit = Eat the pain, the judgment matches the sin.
The two who once reigned as one attempt to rule each other.
Genesis 4:7 NIV