The term “help meet” comes from Genesis 2:18, where God declares it is not good for man to be alone and creates a companion for him. The phrase signifies a suitable partner or helper, emphasizing a supportive and complementary relationship, rather than implying subordination.
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.
“Help Meet” Meaning in the Bible
The phrase “help meet” in Genesis 2:18 carries profound theological and relational implications. In the original Hebrew, the term used for “help” is “ezer,” which frequently denotes a source of strength or support. Its usage in various biblical contexts — including the portrayal of God as a helper to Israel (e.g., Psalm 121:1-2) — underscores its connotation of empowerment rather than inferiority. The term “meet,” derived from the word “neged,” translates to “opposite” or “corresponding to.” This suggests that the woman created for man serves as a counterpart, complementing him in a way that highlights mutual support and cooperation in fulfilling God’s creation mandate.
This framework becomes essential when considering the broader biblical narrative of relationships, as epitomized in Ephesians 5:25-33 where Paul draws parallels between the relationship of Christ and the church to that of husband and wife. The call for mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) and love underscores the importance of partnership and respect within the marriage relationship. Thus, “help meet” not only affirms the divine intention for companionship but also invites a deeper understanding of equality and collaboration between partners, highlighting God’s design for human relationships that reflect love, unity, and purpose.
Expanding on the concept of “help meet,” various passages throughout Scripture further illuminate the depth of this relationship dynamic. For example, in Proverbs 31, the description of a virtuous woman emphasizes her capability and wisdom as integral to her household and community. Here, her contributions are portrayed as vital, reinforcing the idea that a partner in a relationship is not merely a helper but a pivotal force that influences both the immediate environment and broader societal contexts. This portrayal challenges any notion of passivity and instead presents a woman who actively engages in her sphere, thereby embodying the meaning of “ezer.”
Moreover, the New Testament offers insights into the significance of mutual support within the faith community, drawing a parallel between marital relationships and the collective dynamic of believers. In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that in Christ, distinctions such as gender, class, and ethnicity no longer inhibit one’s value or purpose. This notion highlights that all believers are co-laborers, resonating with the interpretation of “help meet” as two partners standing alongside each other, equally valued in the pursuit of a shared mission. Together, these passages create a comprehensive framework for understanding “help meet” as an affirmation of collaboration that transcends traditional roles, compelling us to embrace a vision of interdependence that reflects the nature of God’s love and purpose in creation.
The Complementary Role in Relationships
The term “help meet” signifies a partnership where both individuals contribute to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This concept emphasizes the importance of mutual support and collaboration in relationships, suggesting that each partner brings unique qualities that complement the other. This idea extends beyond romantic relationships to encompass friendships, family dynamics, and community interactions, highlighting the value of interdependence and shared purpose.
The Divine Design of Companionship
Understanding “help meet” also reflects the divine intention behind companionship. It underscores the belief that relationships are not merely social constructs but are rooted in a spiritual framework designed by God. This perspective invites individuals to view their relationships as sacred, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to nurture and uphold one another in alignment with divine principles.
The Empowerment of Individuals
The phrase “help meet” can also be interpreted as an affirmation of the empowerment of individuals within a relationship. It suggests that both partners are equipped to support each other in fulfilling their respective roles and purposes. This empowerment encourages individuals to recognize their inherent value and capabilities, promoting a sense of agency and responsibility in contributing to the well-being of their partner and the relationship as a whole.
How to Strengthen Your Marriage Through Christ-Centered Partnership
Strengthening your marriage through a Christ-centered partnership is a beautiful journey that invites both you and your spouse to grow closer to each other and to God. Start by making prayer a cornerstone of your relationship; set aside time each day to pray together, inviting God into your conversations and decisions. This not only deepens your spiritual connection but also fosters open communication and vulnerability. Additionally, immerse yourselves in Scripture together—consider reading a passage and discussing how it applies to your lives and marriage. Remember, love is not just a feeling but a choice, and choosing to serve one another selflessly, as Christ served us, can transform your relationship. Embrace the idea that you are on the same team, working together to reflect Christ’s love to the world, and watch how your bond strengthens as you navigate life’s challenges hand in hand, rooted in faith.
Bible References to “Help Meet” Meaning:
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 11:3-12: 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,
5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.
7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Song of Solomon 2:10-13: 10 My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
11 For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.
12 The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land.
13 The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
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.
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.