Ezer Kenegdo: man's helper?

Genesis 2:18: Then the Lord God said, ‘it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”

It pains me to hear this term mistranslated by pastors and theologians. For centuries, men have used this verse to relegate women to the role of subordinate, "helpmeet." It has long been accepted in Christian culture that women were created to be the helpers of men. Since for so long women were not permitted to study at seminaries, they could not study the Bible or Biblical languages for themselves. Women were left with no choice but to accept what men told them the Bible said about their place in the Kingdom of God.

Thankfully, we are in a new age where women are able to study the Bible for themselves. I have had the privilege to study at a Bible school myself and completed a word study on the word Ezer, which I would like to share with you today. I pray that you will also feel vindicated and excited as you read about the amazing and powerful role that women have been created for.

The word translated “helper” is the Hebrew word ezer (Strongs H5828). Ezer comes from the root word “Azar” which means “help,” “aid,” “succor,” or “support.” This root word occurs in all of the Semitic languages (Akkadian and Ethiopic being the exceptions).

The root of the question is, does ezer indicate inequality and subordination, as is usually inferred, or not?

The New Testament Septuagint translation uses the word “Boethos,” which means helper. In the New Testament, we see “Boethos” used referring to the Lord in Hebrews 13: “The Lord is my helper (Boethos) I will not fear.”

To understand this better, we must turn to Scripture to see where else it is used and how it is used in Scripture. Below, I will outline where else the word is used and how in different parts of the Torah (Old Testament).

Ezer Used in Books of the Law

• Exodus 18:4: “The God my Father was my help (ezer), and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

- This is used in the context where Moses’ son is given the name Eliezer, which comes from the root word Ezer meaning “God is my help.” He goes on to explain in the passage that he has named him that because God, His Father, “was my help” (ezer).

• Deuteronomy 33:7: “And this he said of Judah, and bring him into his people. With your hands contend for him, and be a help (ezer) against his adversaries.”

- This is spoken by Moses in his farewell address to the Israelites. He is asking God to protect and help the tribe of Judah against their enemies.

• Deuteronomy 32:38. “Let them rise up and help (ezer) you, let them be your protection!”

- Here God is speaking to Israel through Moses about how they have been unfaithful to Him and worshipped other gods, and he is telling them to find their help from them since they will not trust in Yahweh.

Ezer Used in the Books of the Prophets

• Isaiah 30:5: “Everyone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help (ezer) nor profit, but shame and disgrace.”

- In this context, Isaiah is prophesying over Israel that they will not receive help from Egypt if they turn back, but instead disgrace.

• Isaiah 49:8: “Thus says the Lord: ‘In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped (ezer) you.”

- In this context Isaiah is prophesying about God’s restoration of Israel.

• Daniel 10:13: “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help (ezer) me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.”

- In this context, Daniel is relaying his prophetic encounter where he is “helped” by the angel Michael by defeating the kings of Persia.

Ezer used in the other writings of the Old Testament

• 1 Chronicles 12:1, “Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men who helped (ezer) him in war.”

- Here, the word is used in a military context as the word is used for the men who fought with David in battle.

• We also see this theme of military aid in 1 Chron 12:20, 2 Chron 18:31, 2 Chron 26:15 and 1 Samuel 7:12.

• Job 29:12: “Because I delivered the poor who cried out for help (ezer), and the fatherless who had none to help (ezer) me.”

- In this context, Job is giving his defense before God, and speaking of helping the poor.

• Psalm 54:4: “Behold God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.”

- In this context, the psalmist speaks of God being his helper in time of need.

• Psalm 33:20: “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

- In this context, the psalmist is speaking of the steadfast love of the Lord and His protection and help.

• We also see God being mentioned as an Ezer in Psalm 20:2, 22:11, 38:22, 70:5, and more.

In conclusion, from this word study, there is nothing to suggest that the word “ezer” denotes inferiority. Instead, we see the word often being used for God, who obviously is not inferior to us in any way. The word is used in context to describe God helping Israel in a salvific sense as well as rescuing and protecting Israel from its enemies. We also see it used in the context of God bringing restoration to Israel. It is also used many times in the context of war where God is the help and savior of his people in battle. We also see the word used in the context of helping the poor, and God being our helper in our times of need. The word is used to denote an ally, assistance, comfort, and saving.

The next word used is Kenegdo, “helper fit” = “ezer kenegdo.” Kenegdo indicates equality. It could also be translated “comparable” or “corresponding to.” The emphasis in this verse is that Eve is like and equal to Adam, unlike the animals. A better translation would be “I will make a power (or strength) corresponding to man.” (Vallotton, 2014).

This line of reasoning continues into Genesis 2:22, where Adam says that Eve is “bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh,” meaning in effect, “one of us” or “my equal.” God was creating a power and strength that equaled his own to be his partner, not his subordinate.

God did not give Adam dominion over the earth until Eve was standing beside him. It was a joint commission. Ezer Kenegdo is someone who offers something vital. Eve was created as a powerful ally and an equal partner to Adam.

References:

Vallotton, Kris. Fashioned to Reign: Empowering Women to Fulfill Their Divine Destiny. Chosen Books, 2014