The Greek word thēlys, represented by G2338, is the specific term for female or woman. It appears only 5 times in 5 unique verses, but its usage is significant. It is primarily used to establish the foundational distinction of gender in creation and to discuss the implications of this distinction in both natural order and spiritual identity.
In the Gospels, G2338 is used by Jesus to recall the doctrine of creation, stating that from the beginning God "made them male and female" (Matthew 19:4, Mark 10:6). The Apostle Paul uses the term in Romans to describe the consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, where women (female) "did change the natural use into that which is against nature" Romans 1:26, and men left the natural use of the woman Romans 1:27. In contrast, Paul also uses G2338 in Galatians to declare that in Christ, earthly distinctions are transcended: "there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" Galatians 3:28.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G2338 is used:
- G730 árrhēn (male): As the direct counterpart to female, this word is used in tandem with G2338 to establish the binary nature of humanity as created by God Mark 10:6.
- G5449 phýsis (nature): This term is crucial for understanding the argument in Romans, where exchanging the "natural use" is set in opposition to God's created order Romans 1:26.
- G2937 ktísis (creation): This word establishes the context for God's original design, noting that from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female Mark 10:6.
- G1520 heîs (one): This word highlights the theological resolution of social and biological distinctions, stating that all believers, regardless of being male or female, are made one in Christ Galatians 3:28.
The theological weight of G2338 is demonstrated in several key doctrines.
- Order of Creation: The word is foundational to the biblical understanding of humanity, as God created mankind male and female from the beginning Matthew 19:4. This establishes a divinely-instituted order.
- Spiritual Unity: In Christ, the distinctions that often create division in the world, such as between male and female, are rendered irrelevant for one's standing before God. All are united as one in Christ Jesus Galatians 3:28.
- Departure from God's Design: The term is used to illustrate the consequences of sin, where turning from God leads to the rejection of His created order, exemplified by women changing the natural use Romans 1:26.
In summary, G2338 thēlys is a precise term that, despite its infrequent use, underpins significant theological concepts. It points directly to the origins of humanity as created by God, establishes the consequences of deviating from that natural order, and ultimately shows how these distinctions are superseded by a greater spiritual unity in Christ. It defines a fundamental aspect of human identity in relation to creation, the fall, and redemption.
TRV