Wife, Suitable Helper, Christian Wife

A wife or suitable helper is also referred to as a help meet (KJV), a helpmate in other versions of Scripture, and in most modern translations, a suitable helper. So, if a helper, what does the Bible mean when it describes a wife as a "helper"? Well, we must define the phrase by using Scripture, lexicons, and context. Let's discuss the roles of a Wife, a Suitable Helper, and a Christian Wife in today's society, as well as what a wife is according to the Bible.

Wife, Suitable Helper, Christian Wife, Help Meet

Genesis 2:18-24 says, "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

God provided Adam with a gift, a helper suitable for him. Verse 24 provides the origin of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. The phrase "help meet" in the King James Version of the Bible is derived from a single Hebrew word. The Hebrew word is `ezer, and it is not only used in reference to a wife, but is also used to refer to God in His relationship to us - humanity. God is our Helper, and you can see this in Psalm 54:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 30:10, and Hebrews 13:6. Hebrews uses the Greek equivalent to 'ezer, which is the word boēthos, but both mean "helper." So, if these words simply mean 'helper,' that wouldn't describe God or a wife.

Definition of a Helper

So, let's thoroughly define the term `ezer and its derivatives. 'Ezer – help meet, help mate, suitable helper, wife, means – help, helper, one who helps, assistance in time of difficulty, relief or reliever, aid, suitable and complementary helper.

Therefore, a wife fulfills God's role in her life by helping, assisting, relieving, and aiding her husband. She is his suitable and complementary mate. She supports her husband in difficult times and promotes and encourages him, while fostering an atmosphere of peace in the home—but not a standard English language "peace," but the Hebrew concept of shalom. Shalom is not only a sense of peace but a blessing of wellness in the body, mind, soul, and spirit. A wish for the person to feel whole, satisfied, and fulfilled. This term, 'shalom,' is what God intended for wives to give to their husbands. And if you noticed, God wants to provide shalom for all those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. God is my strength, redeemer, and my helper – not because I deserve it, but because he loves me.

Proverbs 31:23

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."

As a woman helps her husband and promotes him, he will become "known in the gates," which means he will be respected for his wisdom, integrity, and dedication to God. This honor not only allows him to sit with the city's elders as a wise and trusted man but also benefits his wife and family. As the husband is esteemed, his wife and children will also be respected and prosper. It's a win-win-win for everyone involved. God, through King David, said, "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

Wife, Sutible Helper, Christian Wife Conclusion

So, lift your husband up in the eyes of others, promote him, respect him, and you and your children will reap the benefits. Why? Because he will be admired by others, seen as a good, honorable man, and have more opportunities to grow, serve, and prosper. This process works for both Christian and non-Christian wives, but it works best if your husband is a devout Christian man who lives his life to serve Christ and his family. God asks us to do specific things and follow particular rules because he wants to bless us. The closer we follow God's will, the better our lives can become. Check out the video below from Tommy McCollister.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1323137476071801

Husband, Leader, Christian Husband

Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:”

God gave man the leadership role, but we will discuss that next time.