Answer
The Bible does not explicitly address the concept of matriarchy, a societal system where women hold primary power and authority. True matriarchies are rare, and they were virtually nonexistent in biblical times. Today, the social climate favors a broad egalitarianism over either patriarchy or matriarchy. While matriarchies have been debated in theory, they are seldom fully realized. Some tribes hold to matrilineal structures, in which lineage is traced through the mothers; and others have matrifocal societies, with women as primary caregivers. However, neither of these equate to true matriarchy. Even countries like England, known for having female rulers, did not reflect true matriarchy, as men still held crucial positions of authority.
Despite its rarity as a widespread social system, matriarchal structures exist on a smaller scale, even in modern contexts. Masculinity is often depicted in media as either brute or inept, with movies and sitcoms portraying fathers as childish and inexperienced and mothers depicted as the strong, sensible, saving force. The rise of single motherhood has also increased the potential for matriarchal dynamics. Like other systems, matriarchy should be analyzed and critiqued through the biblical lens.
Biblical Origin
The Bible was composed in a predominantly patriarchal context. The patriarchal system is often linked to Genesis 3:16, where God says to Eve, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Many commentators view this as the origin of the patriarchal system—and the battle of the sexes. Thus, patriarchy is a result of the fall rather than a God-ordained system. Does matriarchy have a biblical origin? No, but in the garden, Eve took the lead in eating the fruit and handing it to Adam, and Adam’s rebuke comes “because you listened to your wife” and disobeyed (Genesis 3:17). This could suggest that both patriarchy and matriarchy are imperfect systems.
Old Testament Perspective
Genesis presents a picture of gender relations based on equal value, unity, and interdependence. Genesis 1:27 affirms that God created mankind “in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” The same chapter further lays out the cultural mandate, in which both men and women were invited to participate (Genesis 1:28–30). Neither gender was intended to dominate the other or hold complete authority. This casts doubt on any possible endorsement of matriarchy.
Genesis 2 shows the first marriage and the different roles of husband and wife. Adam was placed in the garden to cultivate, and Eve was created to be his ezer (“helper”). Masculinity and femininity both have specific purposes and responsibilities, intended for mutuality and complementarity. The fall disrupted this mutuality, but innate gender differences existed before sin. A matriarchal society may not allow for proper expression of God’s intended roles.
New Testament Perspectives
In the New Testament, marriage is presented as a reflection of the union between Christ and the church. Wives are called to voluntarily submit to their husbands’ headship, while husbands are called to sacrificially love, nourish and cherish their wives. The model found in Ephesians 5:22–23 challenges matriarchy and is subversive to patriarchy.
Furthermore, Paul instructs against women having authority over men in the church. The Greek word translated as “exercise authority over” in 1 Timothy 2:12 is authentein, which can be defined as “domineer” or “govern.” Christians disagree over the application of this text today, but both sides of the debate are against women dominating men. A true matriarchy opens the road for domination, just as patriarchy leaves women vulnerable to male oppression.
Women in the Bible
It is worth noting that the Bible doesn’t forbid women leaders in society. Despite the patriarchal culture of biblical times, formidable women leaders like Deborah, Huldah the prophetess, Esther, and Miriam emerge. Women were also active in the New Testament, working alongside the apostles in expanding God’s kingdom. Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia are good examples. However, these women served their communities and glorified God without seeking to dominate men. Power-hungry women, like Jezebel and Athaliah, met a terrible end.
Conclusion
When viewed through a biblical lens, matriarchy is incompatible with the New Testament family model. It also leaves room for unhealthy power dynamics and may hinder the exercise of pre-fall roles of men and women. Further, matriarchy works against the inherent equality and unity of the genders as seen in Genesis. However, the idea of trustworthy women leaders in certain areas is biblical. Matriarchy is also acceptable in the case of widowhood, when the woman chooses not to remarry.
Should Christians then uphold patriarchy against matriarchy? Not necessarily, especially since other options align more closely to biblical ideals. A better approach is to affirm the equal dignity and value of both genders, celebrate their differences, and advocate for both men and women to express their abilities within biblical boundaries.
