Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 85 No. 3, 2015.
Review article
The Man and the Woman in the Poetry of Gen 1:27; 2:23; 3:16; 4:23-24
Darko Tepert
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The article offers an exegetical analysis of poetic texts of the first two parts of the Book of Genesis that speak about male-female relations, marriage and family (Gen 1:27; 2:23; 3:16; 4:23-24). On the basis of this analysis one can conclude that the human being has been created in the image of God as male and female. As such, he/she is perfect.
The man and the woman do not differ in their value. However, on the other hand, they are not the same, but complementary. The texts allow a certain authority of the man over the woman, but not the abuse of this authority. Their equal worth and complementarity can be disrupted by unjust and sinful relations within a society and in the family. The texts especially emphasise the sin of disobedience to God and polygamy
followed by egoism, revengeful mentality and hubris. God condemns such disorders and tries to establish such family as there was in the beginning. Such family is not based only on bodily attraction, not even only on emotional and spiritual connection, but instead becomes new blood affinity based on the covenant. The family life should reflect the divine life within the idea of the image of God. From this point one can talk about holiness of the marital and family relationship.
Keywords
marriage; family; the image of God; Gen 1:27; Gen 2:23; Gen 3:16; Gen 4:23-24
Hrčak ID:
147991
URI
Publication date:
28.10.2015.
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