The Opinion Of Women
Posted By Miss Jocelyn Tzahala on September 7, 2009 | Category: In The Life Of A Country Girl
It seems that the opinion of women in the WORD [and culture thereof] were treated like a piece of property or cattle to be taken or ordered here and there. They could own no land, they had no authority, they were only to bear offspring, and treated poorly. However, the more I read the WORD and study the culture and history the more I find this to be a falsehood. The fact is that women in the Jewish culture were highly valuable and not at all inferior.
Woman as inferior beings (Inferior meaning more like an animal than a person) is from the Greek mindset. The Hebrews revered women as precious delicate vessels. The woman took an active part in the community and religious life.
Much of the misunderstanding of Paul’s writing is because of the lack of Hebrew understanding. Some of his teaching were against female domination from Greco-Roman paganism (temple prostitutes and female gods) not from women in general.
We all know of the woman who is priced far above rubies, pearls, diamonds. If you gave a man diamond how well do you think he’d take care of it? If he doesn’t take care of it as it should be then he will have to answer to Yehovah for not being a good steward of the blessings he was given. Yehovah cares for all His creatures and doesn’t think one is of more value then the other. We also know that every evil deed will not escape His ever-watchful eye or go unpaid. I don’t know if anyone realizes this but when we have the above opinion of the subject we are minimizing His grace and love for us, men and women, and of course we are wrong.
Proverbs 31:10
“Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far beyond that of pearls.”Deuteronomy 1:17
“You are not to show favoritism when judging, but give equal attention to the small and to the great. No matter how a person presents himself, don’t be afraid of him; because the decision is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me and I will hear it.’”Ephesians 5:28
“This is how husbands ought to love their wives – like their own bodies; for the man who loves his wife is loving himself.”
When we hear that a wife is like property to a husband we think of an animal or a car, but what we don’t understand the depth of this word according to it’s cultural understanding. Jacob, for example, worked seven long years to “buy” Rachel. He loved her so much that he was willing to wait seven YEARS to have her as his own (he actually ended up waiting 14years). When he entered into the marriage she was his to take care of and he was responsible for her well-fare and health. Once he had her as his “property” he gave her the promise to love and protect her as her headship. He had his diamond. Do you think he’d let it get tossed around and chipped?
Genesis 29:18-20
“Ya’akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, “I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter.” Lavan answered, “Better that I give her to you than to someone else; stay with me.” So Ya’akov worked seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him, because he was so much in love with her.”
I was reading the WORD and found an interesting passage that talks about what happens to a man’s inheritance if he has no sons. It went to his daughters. Not to his brother, not to his uncle, not to his male cousins, but to his daughters. I was actually taken by surprise because not two-months ago a fellow believer had left a comment on a subject that led to this very discussion, which they stated women could own nothing. I’m finding that a majority of believers not only don’t know the WORD well-enough, but aren’t too keen are the character of Yehovah either.
Numbers 27:8
Moreover, say to the people of Isra’el, ” If a man dies and does not have a son, you are to have his inheritance pass to his daughter.”
Going off of what I’ve always heard from believers about Jewish women this was not something that was ever taught, informed, or added in. They are perceived as nobodies with very little purpose, but all through the Scriptures we are told of the blessings and value of a woman. We are told that a man who finds a wife finds a good thing and favour with Yehovah. The more I study the scriptures the more I find passages that refute common christian beliefs, and it continues to amaze me, on both sides of the coin.
How does one go from “far above rubies” to “treated like cattle”? Unfortunately it is because of a very narrow view of the culture and a great lack of understanding of biblical foundations.
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31 Responses to “The Opinion Of Women”
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Thank you for visiting my site! I hope that it has encouraged and challenged you in someway. Please be aware that my blog is not intended for any debatable purposes (honestly!!), though that's not to say admonishment (via the Scriptures in context) is not welcome. This is simply just a place for me to share what YHVH-God is convicting me of and showing me in my walk with Him. Please read "You're Judgmental" before commenting if the thought strikes you.
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Shalom, welcome to A Pondering Heart. I hope you will be challenged by what you read here and it will cause you to search deeper and deeper into the Word of YAH. My name is Jocelyn Tzahala - I am a 19yo young woman, living in Latin America, seeking to be 'set apart as YHVH is set-apart". I want my faith to resemble that Avraham because in him YHVH found a man who would trust in him with everything and act upon his Word. My hope is that my life may be a sweet fragrance unto YHVH the MOST HIGH! HalleluYAH!
Great point, Jocelyn. I will be thinking about this one. A short study of Greek literature does indeed reveal a society that did NOT respect women!
Blessings,
Natalie
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..Fix-It Friday =-.
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Very true.
.-= Rose´s last blog ..Stuffed Peppers Italiano =-.
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The misconception started during the Middle Ages. Aristotle (4th century BC) thought women were inferior creatures, and during the 13th century Saint Thomas Aquinas took Aristotle´s point of view and used it to understand and explain christianity. Based on Saint Thomas´ thoughts, the catholic church accepted that women were inferior creatures (as S.Thomas Aquina said) and the belief has lasted till now. Thats one of the reasons why the catholic church doesn´t accept women as priests. It´s interesting, though, that the different ramifications of christianity never tried to fight this misconception, eventhough women achieved much more in the “new religions” (such as being priests or representing a community).
I think I remember this correctly (I took philosophy during my last year of high school, so it´s been a few years!!!!), and I checked it up on the internet to back it up. If anyone has any doubt, I could always double check with my philosophy notes.
Have a nice day!
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Miss Jocelyn's Reply:
September 7th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Well, I don’t know the exact reasons for women being not allowed to be priests, but the WORD does tell us that women are not to speak or teach in the church (only over the younger women).
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Sylvia's Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Aquinas did see women as physically weaker and inferior, but actually wrote that the nature of woman’s soul was equal to man’s.
“…as regards human nature in general, woman is not misbegotten, but is included in nature’s intention as directed to the work of generation.” Summa Theologica question 92 answer 1
“…It was right for the woman to be made from a rib of man. First, to signify the social union of man and woman, for the woman should neither use authority over man,’ and so she was not made from his head; nor was it right for her to be subject to man’s contempt as his slave, and so she was not made from his feet.” ST q 92 a 3
Also, inferiority has nothing to do with women not being priests. Were women ever priests in the Old Testament? hardly. There are several reasons, but I don’t want to deviate from Jocelyn’s post =)
cheers!
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Excellent! And He indeed values each and every one of us!
.-= Theresa´s last blog ..Queen’s View Scotland =-.
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Yes, there is a big difference between what the Bible actually says about women and what some people think it says! The Bible does not demean women; it is other religions that truly demean women.
.-= Vanessa´s last blog ..Wherein to Glory ~ Elizabeth Prentiss =-.
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Great article Jocelyn! There is so much in the Bible (from the Hebrew language) that we don’t just ‘get’ because of the English translation. God’s Word is infalliable, God-breathed and amazing!! Praise the LORD!
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Dollar for a Drink.org =-.
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Very interesting!
Blessings
Mrs. White
.-= Mrs. White´s last blog ..The Bible on the Kitchen Table =-.
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Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that Jocelyn! :) It’s sad how Christians can twists things and not really do the research. Unfortunately, I too believed this and didn’t really put 2 and 2 together. I kind of had both versions mixed in my head together. :( Because of the Jewish people living in the same time period as the Greeks and Romans, I think we tend to mix the cultures together instead of taking each one separate, especially the Jews. And it’s true that many Christians do not really back up their beliefs with the bible, but make assumptions instead. We take one passage and can get it out of context if we don’t look for other passages to correspond with it. If we are continuously reading and studying our bibles, these mistakes are less likely to happen though, and many Christians have a casual relationship with the Lord.
This is very interesting that you wrote about this today, because my family just watched a movie about Esther last night, and she was treated as property by her husband King Ahasuerus (who was a Mead/Persian?).
I am so happy to know that I am precious to my daddy and to my family and not considered property in the bad sense. I do like the way that you showed us and hadn’t thought of it in that way before. I would want to be “property” to my future husband in that sense that Rachel in the bible was. It makes you even more valuable! :D
Thanks again for sharing!
Love and Hugs!
~Rachel~
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..2 Great Things to share! :) =-.
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Very true. How beautifully we are blessed!
Heather
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Random Stuff =-.
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What a well written post. This certainly does broaden ones view/thoughts on Women in Biblical times.
~Mrs. M
.-= Keeper of the Home´s last blog ..Farming On Faith Is Having A Give-A-Way =-.
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Thanks for sharing this, Jocelyn! It gave me a lot to think about this morning. Thanks for searching the Word and presenting this idea so carefully and coherently.
Blessings beloved~
.-= Leslie´s last blog ..Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 31-Sept. 4 =-.
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Wow, GREAT post Jocelyn!
That really got me thinking! Very well said!
Grace and Peace,
Antoinette K.
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You’ve provided some wonderful context here!
.-= Muthering Heights´s last blog ..Night Night. *Over.* =-.
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I love this. I love the idea of being a diamond…waiting for my miner. :) Sometimes the waiting is hard but if the miner comes to the “spot” too soon all he will get is a blob of oil. It takes lots of time & pressure to make a diamond. :)
You said: “I’m finding that a majority of believers not only don’t know the WORD well-enough, but aren’t too keen are the character of Yehovah either.” I think that is the reason they don’t understand Yehovah…because they aren’t in the WORD. I am trying to rectify that in my own life. Granted, it is nothing we will ever accomplish this side of Heaven but I find with ever day, with every reading, I understand a little bit more of Him & of my purpose.
.-= Kristy´s last blog .."When Prayer Was Taken Out Of School" =-.
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Sorry, but I also wanted to let you know that I just linked this entry to my blog. Hope you don’t mind. :) Thanks.
.-= Kristy´s last blog .."The Opinion Of Women" =-.
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So true. I must be one of the most opinionated girls out there LOL.
Hug,
Kinsey
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Wonderful post! It really shows how much God cares for all His creation – why, even oxen and other working animals got a Shabbat rest! Thank you for explaining how God has always valued women and made sure that His people did the same.
.-= Jade´s last blog ..Thanks be to God who gives us the victory! =-.
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Lovely post, Jocelyn. Lovely comments too. Great discussion, encouragement, and sense of friendship here…
:)
Love, Mom
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Excellently put!
.-= Kally Horn´s last blog ..A Verse For The Day =-.
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Amen sister! If only more young women would wake up to the truth of this message!
Blessings,
Kate
.-= Kate´s last blog ..A Young Maiden’s Daybook Entry 13 =-.
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Good post Jocelyn!
.-= Joy´s last blog ..PTGW Part Eight B: Taking Care of Your Soul =-.
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great post! thought provoking as usual! :)
.-= tami lewis´s last blog ..the proverbs 31 woman =-.
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Okay, so I finally got to sit down and read this word for word. :) So true Jocelyn! This subject has often bothered me and how people jump to conclusions without really THINKING or studying the matter. Thank you for sharing. :)
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Great article! God’s view of and plan for women is just beautiful! He really treasures us and has a special place for us in His eternal plan! :-)
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Ooops… =-.
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I feel like because so many woman are “liberated” these days, completely immersed into the feminism culture, they try to find excuse to throw off true womanhood (biblical womanhood that is) by misinterpreting scripture or assuming scripture without proper study. I have encountered this. Personally, I believe most of these subjects come down the the heart. If my heart is hardened to start off with then I will see something completely different then if my heart was teachable, like the story with Jacob and Rachel- One could look at it as beautiful story of love and faithfulness as well as the worth of a good women. That the worth of a woman is so great to her family that her father must be recompensed for such a loss, what a compliment! But someone can just look at it as slavery of some sort. People see what they want to see when they don’t have the Spirit of Lord ministering to them. Does that make sense? =) Thank you for sharing!
His,
Shani
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A thought just occurred to me…some who think that Jews or the OT devalued women might be confused about some true things that they have heard. For example, it seems apparent that women were somewhat devalued and mistreated by the Jews (read: Pharisees or others who weren’t staying true to the Scriptures) when you look at the woman caught in adultery. Sure, based on the law, she should have been stoned. But so should have the man who committed it with her. Where was he???
Also, when Jesus/Yeshua speaks with the woman at the well, she is surprised He is talking to her both as a Samaritan and as a woman (or at least His disciples were surprised about Him talking to a woman). No where in God’s word does it say men and women can’t talk to each other! So that was another custom of the day that showed that at least some Jews in Jesus’ time did devalue women. And perhaps some of those things were learned from their Greek and Roman neighbors–and some probably just came from their own sinful natures and the fall.
So some people might see those things, or hear them taught/brought up, and think that Jews/Jewish religion in general devalued women, rather than realizing that the men in those cases were in sin and not representing what a godly Jew would do (and Jesus/Yeshua exemplified what they should have been). Does that make sense?
Anyway, those things came to mind as I read your post again. Thanks for writing it!
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I like this post, Jocelyn!
It’s interesting while researching the early church, one finds that there were many active women, and that Christianity [Yeshuanism? I don't know what terminology to use with you...lol!] caught on quickly among women partly for those very reasons.
I also like how Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary are all mentioned in the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel. There are lots of cool things like that in the Scriptures :)
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Miss Jocelyn, thank you for this article! Extremely informative.
I was of the first mindset, or I should say that is what I grew up with. I was the only girl in my family, and was constantly told that I “wasn’t as good as the boys”. I fought that tooth and nail, to my own detriment. I tried to become one of the boys…doing all the same things they did.
I am glad now that I am older, that I can see the TRUTH!!
Be blessed
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excellent article, thank you! You know I am studying ancient greek culture at the moment and it really is helping me to understand the context of much of what Paul says, particularly when in comes to women. I’ll share this around :-)
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