Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:15-22

The first thing God does after creating Adam is give him a job: tend my garden. But soon God realizes that working alone is not good for Adam. So God creates a woman, another person to share the workload.

The phrase in Hebrew that is used to describe the first woman is ezer k’negdo. Ezer is used in the Old Testament to describe one who helps, not as an apprentice or assistant, but as a strong ally. The word is used to refer to nations that Israel appealed to for military aid; it is also used to describe God himself as our “helper.” The word k’negdo means “comparable to him” or “suitable to him.” Put together, the phrase indicates that Eve was created as a partner, with the purpose of joining Adam in the work God had asked him to do.

As we examine the unique challenges of being a Christian woman in the workplace, it is important to understand that the working woman is not a modern invention. For example, a woman who aspires to become a partner in a law firm is not a modern aberration; rather, she is responding to the way God created her. The first woman was created with a job, just as Adam was.

Prayer: Lord, help me to work as you designed me to work. Help me steward the gifts you’ve given me. And help me partner with others to complete the good work you call us to. Amen.

Further Exploration: To learn more about God’s intention for relationships as shown in creation, read God Creates and Equips People to Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Author: Theology of Work Project

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.