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Join the Conversation: Moving Beyond ‘Help’
- Hope Assembly
- Feb 4
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 18
A special thanks to Dr. GreGory for sharing his notes on Hopebook. "EZER" shed new light on the deeper meaning behind the term "help meet. Hopebook members can read his notes by clicking here: Pastor's Notes
The original Hebrew term עֵזֶר (ezer) doesn’t imply “lesser status” or “subordination.” In fact, “helper” in the Bible often denotes someone who is more powerful—able to aid in times of real need.
Key Insights
Ezer is frequently used when God steps in to save or rescue someone from danger.
When describing Eve as an “ezer” to Adam, Scripture portrays a partnership of equal value—not a hierarchy.
The second word in Genesis 2:18, כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (kenegdo), translates to “corresponding to,” “equivalent to,” or “opposite him”—further emphasizing mutual strength and complementary roles.
Which statement best reflects your understanding of the term “help meet"?
Help Meet implied under the authority of Adam.
Help Meet implied mutual, complementary roles.
Help Meet implied supporting, assisting, sacrificing.
💬 Discussion Question for Comments:
How does seeing ‘help meet’ as a position of strength change your view of submission?
I always believed that submitting to your husband meant building him up and helping him to succeed. I was raised by my mother, my dad left when I was 5. All I saw was a strong woman of God and it gave me strength , so when I got married, I had to be the man in the marriage, and had to build him up, naturally he was abusive. So it makes perfect sense now, God made the Woman strong and powerful too, guess my ex-husband was jealous. Great teaching from our Pastor.
The message helped me to understand the true role of a woman in marriage. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only woman of God that would hear the word submit and the organ starts playing (dun,dun,dunnn!!!)n the background. As I grew older I realized that there’s nothing wrong with true submission but you have to have the right person that God wants you to be true WITH. After Sundays message it helped me understand why settling isn’t okay. Because I to have a strong role to play🙌🏾
The message was empowering. This shift helped how the roles of men and women are viewed everywhere, from marriages to workplaces to family life, etc. Being a help meet doesn’t shrink my identity; it lets me bring my unique insights and wisdom, helping us blend our strengths for a relationship that’s all about unity. Helping to build our relationship on God’s rock-solid truths, trust, respect, and a shared mission, instead of the old-school dominance game!
I found the message very liberating and to know my opinion although female means just as much to God in a marriage ❤️