The Theologian's Daughter

Note to the Reader: This piece was originally written for my church youth group’s elocution competition, where I explored the topic “Are traditional gender roles from the Bible present in today’s modern times?”

Hi! My topic is: Are traditional gender roles in the Bible present in today’s modern times?

Before we dive into gender roles, I want to start by exploring the concept of Biblical womanhood — and then flow into gender roles.

1. Biblical Womanhood

So, what does the Bible say about Biblical womanhood? There are five examples I’d like to draw from Scripture.

Esther
Esther was a queen married to Xerxes and is known for saving her people from genocide. She approached the king unsummoned, risking her life to protect her people.

If that is what Biblical womanhood is, I endorse it.

Jael
Jael appears in the book of Judges. When a tyrant slept in her tent, she drove a tent peg through his head.
Now, of course, I’m not asking us to do the same — but it shows the courage and wisdom needed to confront evil.

If that is what Biblical womanhood is, I’d like to be a Biblical woman.

Ruth and Naomi
During that time, it was uncommon for women to live without a male guardian. Despite being a widow, Ruth clung to Naomi, saying, “Your God will be my God.” This was extremely countercultural.

If that is what Biblical womanhood is, may that be true for me as well.

Phoebe
Phoebe is mentioned in Paul’s letters as a deacon of the church. She actively served alongside elders in the ministry — a clear sign of how women were part of early Christian leadership and ministry.

If that is what Biblical womanhood is, may God use me the same way.

Women Who Funded Jesus’ Ministry
Time and again, the New Testament shows that Jesus’ ministry was supported by women.

If that is what Biblical womanhood is, I absolutely want to be one.

2. Biblical Gender Roles:

Now, let’s turn to gender roles.

People often quote Paul’s words, “Wives, submit to your husbands,” as if it sets a hierarchy. But the verse just before that says husbands should “love your wives as Christ loved the church.”

And isn’t Christ’s love sacrificial and selfless? Paul was outlining a Godly marriage model — one that was radically countercultural in a Greco-Roman society, where marriage was deeply patriarchal.

3. Conclusion: God’s Heart

Today, women can earn degrees, own property, hold jobs, and have bank accounts. I’d argue this aligns even more with the Biblical understanding of equality and stewardship.

Yes, patriarchy still exists. And yes, toxic feminism has emerged. But the Bible stands apart from both extremes. It teaches that men and women hold equal and valuable places in God’s eyes, and both are used mightily by Him.

As Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

So, are traditional gender roles in the Bible seen in today’s modern world? My answer is a BIG YES.

Back to the Reader:

Oh, I just wanted to end this blog with the meme. Kinda summarises the energy of my elocution. Take it as reader priviledges, haha!