THE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES
Earlier this year, I was preaching through the early chapters of the book of Genesis, and I preached a message entitled “The Equality of the Sexes,” from Genesis 2:18-25. Near the end of that message, I pointed out various Hebrew words that are used in the creation account, and which are usually translated as “create” or “make.” In that setting, I mentioned a Hebrew word [BANAH] that is used for the very first time in the context of God making a woman, which demonstrates that God’s treatment of Eve, from the very beginning, was special because it was done with extra care and gentleness! And this is what made her feminine!
If you are interested, I have put these words in my pastor’s column for this week in order for you to appreciate the meaning of these various words.
BARA—This word is used for creation that can only be ascribed to God. It can mean to create out of nothing, and it is used in Genesis 1:27 in the creation of man. It is variously translated to create,shape, or form. And when it is used, God is always the subject.
ASAH—This word means to make or do out of pre-existing material. It can be used word in reference to either God or man making or doing something. See, for example, Genesis 1:7, 16, 31, and many other places.
YATZAR—This word means to fashion or make. It is a potter’s term, and it means to mold like a potter or squeeze into shape. It is used in Genesis 2:7, where we read “God formed man.”
BANAH—Ladies, you should ALL especially appreciate this word, so I’ll spend more time on this one. It means to beautifully, skillfully, artistically, and carefully build or form! This word is used for the very first time in the context of God making a woman (Genesis 2:22), and it is used later for building things like altars, houses, and cities. It is an entirely different word than YATZAR, and it is used when dealing with Eve’s construction. So, God’s treatment of Eve from the very beginning was special because it was done with extra care and gentleness! This is what made her feminine!
Devotedly your pastor,
Bill Blanchard