In Genesis 2:18, God declares,
“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”
The Hebrew word translated “helper” is ezer (עֵזֶר). It is the term God chose when describing the creation of woman. Yet this word carries a weight far deeper than modern English might imply. It does not suggest subservience or inferiority. Rather, it denotes strength, support, and necessary aid.
The Meaning of Ezer
The word ezer appears 21 times in the Old Testament. In the vast majority of its uses, it refers to God Himself as Israel’s helper. It conveys the idea of indispensable assistance, often in battle or times of distress. For example, Psalm 33:20 says,
“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.”
Likewise, Psalm 70:5 declares,
“But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.”
In both passages, ezer describes God as the one who upholds, rescues, and empowers. Clearly, it is not a secondary role, it is vital and noble.
A Role of Strength
To call woman an ezer is not to reduce her status; it is to elevate it. God did not make woman to be beneath man, but to stand beside him. Just as God is the strength and aid of His people, the woman was created to be the indispensable support to man. The phrase in Hebrew, “ezer kenegdo,” literally means “a helper corresponding to him” or “a helper facing him.” This implies equality, mutuality, and a complementary design.
Without the Helper, Man Cannot Succeed
Adam could not fulfill his purpose alone. It was “not good” for him to be without his ezer. The helper was not an afterthought, but a divine necessity. Just as Israel would fail without God’s help, so man was incomplete without woman. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 illustrates this beautifully:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.”
The strength of the wife is not in competition with the husband, but in their unity. Together, they reflect the image of God and fulfill the calling He placed upon them.
My Final Thoughts
God’s word for woman’s role, ezer, is not one of weakness, but of power. It is the same word used to describe the Almighty Himself. A wife is a vital ally, a spiritual strength, and a God-given partner. Her position is not beneath, but beside. When God calls the woman an ezer, He dignifies her with a role that mirrors His own interaction with humanity. In marriage, this truth restores balance, honors both roles, and affirms God’s perfect design.
