Throughout history, religious texts have shaped cultural norms and societal roles, with the Bible being a major influence.
Among its teachings, there are various instructions and prohibitions that have been interpreted to outline the roles and behaviors expected of women.
What are these ancient prohibitions implied in the Bible?
1. Teaching or Holding Authority over Men
Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 2:12 (NIV) – “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”
This verse is often cited to argue that women should not hold positions of authority in church settings or teach men. Some view this as a cultural instruction specific to the context of the early church, while others take it as a timeless principle.
2. Speaking in Church
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (NIV) – “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”
This passage is often interpreted as a directive for women to remain silent during church services. Some modern Christian groups see this as a contextual guideline rather than a universal command.
3. Wearing Male Clothing
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 22:5 (NIV) – “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.”
This verse is interpreted as a prohibition against cross-dressing. Many modern interpretations focus on the principle of modesty and propriety rather than strict adherence to clothing styles.
4. Cleansing from Childbirth
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 12:2-5 (NIV) – “Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days… On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding.'”
This passage outlines purification rituals for women following childbirth. The requirements were part of ancient Jewish law, and many Christians see these as ceremonial laws that do not apply to them under the New Covenant.
5. Speaking Out during Menstruation
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 15:19-30 (NIV) – “When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.”
The Bible includes laws about menstrual impurity that were relevant in ancient Israelite culture. Many of these laws are seen as ceremonial and not applicable in modern contexts, but they historically restricted women from certain activities during menstruation.
6. Making Vows without a Husband’s Consent
Scripture Reference: Numbers 30:3-5 (NIV) – “When a young woman still living in her father’s house makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, and her father hears about it and is not pleased, she shall be forgiven. If her father does not say anything to her about it, then all her vows become valid.”
This passage suggests that young women living in their father’s house are subject to their father’s authority regarding vows they make. Similarly, married women’s vows could be annulled by their husbands. This reflects the patriarchal context in which these laws were given.
7. Entering the Sanctuary during Menstruation
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 12:4 (NIV) – “She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over.”
This rule prohibited women from entering the sanctuary during their menstrual period as part of the broader laws on ritual purity. These were practiced in ancient Israelite worship but are generally considered ceremonial and not applicable to most modern religious practices.
8. Not Serving as a Priest
Scripture Reference: Exodus 28:1 (NIV) – “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, and Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron. They are to be priests.”
This passage specifies that only male descendants of Aaron were to serve as priests in ancient Israel. The role of priesthood was reserved for men, reflecting the gender roles prescribed in the Old Testament priesthood.
9. Wearing Gold or Fancy Hairstyles
Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV) – “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.”
This verse advises against women adorning themselves with elaborate hairstyles, gold, or pearls, promoting modesty instead.
10. Engaging in Certain Public or Civic Duties
Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 5:14 (NIV) – “So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.”
While it doesn’t explicitly prohibit public or civic duties, it implies a domestic role for women that can be interpreted as limiting their public engagement.
11. Participating in the Census for Military Service
Scripture Reference: Numbers 1:2-3 (NIV) – “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to count according to their divisions all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and are able to serve in the army.”
This passage details the census for military service, which specifically includes men. Women were not counted for military purposes, showing their exclusion from this aspect of public life and duty in ancient Israel.
12. Testifying in Legal Proceedings
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 19:15 (NIV) – “One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
While this verse doesn’t explicitly prohibit women from testifying, ancient legal practices often excluded women’s testimonies in legal matters. Historical context suggests that women’s testimony was not always considered valid in judicial proceedings.(ref)
13. Showing Disrespect to Their Husbands
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 5:22-24 (NIV) – “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
Wives are directed to submit to their husbands in the same manner as they submit to the Lord, reflecting a family structure where the husband is considered the head.
14. Participating in Certain Rituals & Offerings
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 5:11 (NIV) – “‘If, however, she cannot afford two doves or two young pigeons, she is to bring a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour for a sin offering. She must not put oil or incense on it, because it is a sin offering.”
This verse specifies that women could offer flour as a substitute for doves or pigeons in certain offerings. It illustrates the ritual limitations placed on women in specific religious practices, including what they could offer and how.
15. Owning Property Independently
Scripture Reference: Numbers 27:8-11 (NIV) – “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers.'”
The inheritance laws outlined here were primarily focused on men inheriting property. While daughters could inherit if there were no sons, this favored male heirs and often restricted women’s property rights.
16. Acting as a Witness in Marriage Contracts
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 22:13-21 (NIV) – “If a man takes a wife and, after sleeping with her, dislikes her and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, ‘I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity…'”
This passage involves issues of virginity and marital fidelity, where women’s testimonies and status were crucial. Women were often not given the same legal standing or credibility in matters involving marriage and virginity.
17. Cutting Hair Short
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:6 (NIV) – “For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
In this passage, Paul discusses the practice of women covering their heads while praying or prophesying. The verse implies that if it is considered shameful for a woman to have short hair or a shaved head, then she should follow the custom of covering her head to avoid disgrace.
While some of these rules were tied to the customs and beliefs of ancient Israel, their meanings and how they’re used have changed a lot over time.
As we look at these old texts, it’s important to think about their historical background and how they influence today’s conversations about gender roles and religious practices.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.