In the Bible, “help meet” comes from the phrase used in Genesis 2:18, where God declares that it is not good for man to be alone and decides to create a “help meet” for him. It refers to a suitable companion or partner, emphasizing the idea of a helper who complements and supports the individual, particularly in the context of marriage.
Scripture
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field.
21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Meaning of “Help Meet” in the Bible
The term “help meet” found in Genesis 2:18 signifies more than just a helper; it conveys the idea of a companion who is appropriate and fitting for the other. The phrase, originating from the Hebrew term “ezer kenegdo,” suggests a relationship of mutual support and partnership. The term “ezer” is often associated with divine assistance, as it is used throughout the Scriptures to describe God’s help to humanity (e.g., Psalm 121:1-2). Thus, in this context, a “help meet” is not merely a subordinate or an assistant but is an equal partner, designed to aid and enhance the life of her counterpart. This partnership is foundational to the concept of marriage in the Bible, reflecting the interconnectedness and interdependence that God intended for humankind.
Moreover, the broader meaning of “help meet” emphasizes the significance of community and relationship in human existence. In Genesis 1:27, it is stated that God created humanity in His image, highlighting the relational nature of the divine. As Adam and Eve come together as equals in a committed relationship, this pairing mirrors the unity and partnership inherent in the Trinity. Furthermore, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, the text reinforces this theme by illustrating the benefits of companionship, stating that “two are better than one” as they can provide support, warmth, and strength to one another. Hence, the concept of “help meet” reflects not only a specific role in marriage but also the broader biblical principle of mutual service, companionship, and the essential nature of relationships in fulfilling God’s design for humanity.
The concept of “help meet” also resonates through various biblical texts that exemplify the strength of shared companionship and God’s intention for collaborative relationships. The Scriptures present numerous examples of dynamic partnerships where individuals support each other in their God-given missions. For instance, the story of Ruth and Naomi emphasizes profound loyalty and mutual assistance. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi not only underscores the importance of companionship but also illuminates the ways in which women can uplift and empower each other through acts of kindness and solidarity. Their relationship serves as a model for understanding how genuine support can facilitate personal growth and purposeful living, echoing the essence of partnership that “help meet” embodies.
Additionally, the biblical narrative underscores the significance of the church as the body of Christ, focusing on how individual believers function in harmony with one another. In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul articulates the diversity of gifts within the body, noting that each member is essential in contributing to the overall functioning and health of the community. This metaphor of interdependence among believers reinforces the idea of “help meet” as a community-oriented concept, where every person fulfills a role that bolsters others. The interplay of mutual aid, respect, and collaboration serves as a reflection of the relationship between spouses, reinforcing the notion that effective companionship—whether in marriage, friendship, or community—mirrors divine intention and leads to a more complete expression of human experience in accordance with God’s design.
Divine Partnership in Creation
The term “help meet” signifies the idea of partnership and companionship established by God in the creation narrative. It reflects the intention for human beings to exist in relationship with one another, emphasizing that individuals are designed to support and complement each other. This partnership is not merely functional but is rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose, highlighting the importance of collaboration in fulfilling divine intentions.
Complementary Roles in Relationships
“Help meet” also conveys the concept of complementary roles within relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. It suggests that each partner brings unique strengths and qualities that enhance the union. This idea promotes the understanding that both individuals contribute to the relationship’s success, fostering an environment where both can thrive and grow together, thus reinforcing the notion of unity in diversity.
Spiritual Support and Encouragement
Beyond the context of marriage, “help meet” can be interpreted as a broader call for spiritual support and encouragement among individuals. It underscores the importance of being there for one another in times of need, offering assistance, guidance, and love. This interpretation encourages a community-oriented mindset, where individuals are called to uplift and empower each other, reflecting the love and support that is central to biblical teachings.
How to Strengthen Your Marriage Through Christian Principles
Strengthening your marriage through Christian principles is a beautiful journey that invites you to deepen your love and commitment to one another while anchoring your relationship in faith. Start by prioritizing prayer together; it’s a powerful way to invite God into your union, fostering intimacy and understanding. Make it a habit to read Scripture together, allowing the teachings of Christ to guide your decisions and interactions. Remember to practice forgiveness, as we are all imperfect beings; embracing grace can heal wounds and build resilience in your relationship. Additionally, serve one another selflessly, reflecting Christ’s love in your daily actions, whether through small acts of kindness or larger sacrifices. Lastly, engage in your church community together, as shared faith experiences can strengthen your bond and provide a support system. By weaving these principles into the fabric of your marriage, you not only honor your commitment to each other but also to God, creating a partnership that thrives on love, respect, and faith.
Bible References to “Help Meet” Meaning:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Proverbs 31:10-31: 10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Ephesians 5:22-33: 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
30 because we are members of his body.
31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
1 Corinthians 11:8-12: 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.
9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;
12 For as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.
1 Peter 3:1-7: 3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Colossians 3:18-19: 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Titus 2:3-5: 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
1 Timothy 2:11-15: 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Genesis 1:26-28: 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.