What is a Woman?

A Brief Look at Womanhood from a Psychological, Biological, and Biblical View

This post was written by Laura B. and we are so excited for you all to read it!

In today’s culture, that question, what is a woman, is not only offensive, but also nearly

unanswerable. What is it that truly defines a woman? Is it her biological makeup (chromosomes,

genitalia, the shape of the pelvic girdle, etc.) or her attitude? The way that she dresses and styles

her hair or her role in society? Is it only one or all of these things that defines a woman? Or is it

something else entirely?

“What is it that truly defines a woman?”

If this question goes unanswered, how can we truly live out our vocation as women when we do not even know what it really means? Thankfully, there is an answer to this question, one provided to us from the Bible.

“Then the Lord God said, ‘it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’” (Genesis 2:18).

“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong” (Proverbs 31:17).

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns” (Psalm 46:5).

These are just a few verses on what it means to be a woman. Womanhood is a God-ordained role and duty that cannot be taken away. No matter what the world thinks. It is more than how we present ourselves and act, but it is a part of who we are physically and psychologically as well. Male and female were not created to be interchangeable. God created each so that they might fulfill certain duties and roles and that they might work together to be caretakers of the rest of God’s creation.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).

This verse specifically states that God created male and female, not humans, or people in general, but male and female. Two connected yet separate entities. No matter how hard they try, man cannot become woman, nor can woman become man, just as a cat cannot become a dog.

In this age of transgenderism, feminism, and the entire LGBTQ+ movement, it is easy to

see how the world has moved away from the original intent of men and women as ordained by

God himself. Our society has lost what it truly means to be a woman. Many of the people around

us think that being female is a choice that can be made and changed at will. But that is not how it

was intended to work, nor is that truly possible. Clinicians today use the terms sex and gender as

two different things. Sex is used when referring to the physical attributes of a person as

designated at or before birth, whereas gender is used to refer to the socially constructed roles and

internal sense of being of a person. Scientists and doctors have been trying to find new and

improved ways of changing a person’s sex to match their chosen gender. Medical interventions

such as hormone replacement therapy and surgical procedures are used to attempt to change a

person’s appearance and biological makeup to better match their chosen gender. But even those

can only go so far to reverse God’s work, and in some cases these attempts are an almost perfect

reversal of God’s ordered creation. The first ever complete female-to-male facial masculinization

surgery performed by Jordan C. Deschamps-Braly used a new surgical technique that created the

appearance of an Adam’s apple by using cartilage from a rib, the very bone that God took from

Adam, the first man, to create the first woman, Eve (Deschamps-Braly et al., 2016). Of all 206

bones in the human body, the type that they chose was the rib, a perfect and ironically poetical

reversal of God’s creation. Such an action could not be simply a coincidence, but could very

easily be God Himself trying to highlight the ludicracy of these attempts to undo what He has

done.

Beyond the physicality of the women, there is also the psychological aspect of them as

well. God created women to be the nurturers and caregivers of His creation. While that is not to

say that men cannot be caregivers or nurturing, but women are more inclined to it, just as men

are more inclined to take upon roles of providing and protecting (Proverbs 30:10-31, Titus 2:5,

Richard, 2023). An article published in August of 2023 states that men make up nearly 18% of

stay-at-home parents in America (O’Connell-Domenech, 2023). The article talks about how

America is progressing and the gap between men and women as caretakers is shrinking. And yet

that gap is still there. Even now, with all the perversion and changes to God’s ordained order,

women are still following the basic instinct to care for those around them.

“So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander” (1 Timothy 5:14).

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

Two entities, both created in God’s glorious image.

Our sinful nature can make it seem restricting or binding to have to be one or the other as God

has ordained. But it also gives a sense of purpose and meaning in a drifting and changing world.

God has made us to be women. When creating you he decided that the world needed another

woman. Another creature made in His image to adorn herself in His glory and proudly take upon

the role of Biblical womanhood. The gender that God gave to us is not a restricting box, but a

beautiful guide of what our place in the world is.

So what is a woman? Is it the biology that builds her? Is it the psychological pathways

that run her? Or is it the Biblical path that leads her? It is all of that and more. A woman is a

glittering jewel in the crown of God’s creation. She is the gentle hand by which God nurtures His

people. She is the beautiful vessel by which God brings new human life into the world. So stand

tall in your womanhood and be proud in the role that God has given to you.

Sources:

Deschamps-Braly, J.C., Sacher, C.L., Fick, J., Ousterhout, D.K. (2016) First female-to-male

facial confirmation surgery with descrption of a new procedure for masculinization of the

thyroid cartilage (Adam’s Apple). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal.

https://deschamps-braly.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/First_Female_to_Male_Facial

_Confirmation_Surgery_with_Masculinization_of_Thyroid_Cartilage_Adams_Apple.pdf

O’Connell-Domenech, A. (2023, August) Nearly 1 in 5 stay-at-home parents in the U.S. are

dads. Changing America.

https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/arts-culture/4136440-stay-at

-home-parents-dads/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20data%20from%20those,accor

ding%20to%20a%20Pew%20spokesperson.

Richard, A. Christ and the Church: A thirty-day devotion concerning the Holy Estate of

Marriage (2nd Edition). Independently published. 2023

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by

Crossway Bibles.

Let us know what you think about this post below! What does it mean to be a woman to you?

Embracing Parenthood- A Journey of Purpose:

This CC Wife has chosen to remain anonymous. Let us know your thoughts on this post in the comments.

"If you include your babies, they might slow you down, but maybe that's the point.”

-Andi Eigenmann

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, it's easy to view parenthood as a detour from our ambitions or a speed bump on the road to personal achievements. Yet, perhaps there's a deeper truth to be found in the slowdown that children bring into our lives—a truth rooted in purpose and divine intention.

Scripture Reflection:

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

- Psalm 127:3-5a (NIV)

In these verses, we are reminded that children are not merely a biological phenomenon or a hindrance to our plans. They are a gift—an inheritance bestowed by God Himself. Like arrows fashioned by a skilled archer, children are entrusted to us to be nurtured, guided, and sent forth into the world with purpose.

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'"

- Luke 18:16 (NIV)

Jesus, in His teachings, emphasized the importance of children and their innate significance in the Kingdom of God. He saw them not as distractions but as bearers of profound spiritual truths and examples of faith and humility.

Finding Purpose in the Pace:

Parenthood challenges us to recalibrate our priorities and embrace a slower, more intentional pace of life. While it may seem that children slow us down in our pursuits, perhaps they are meant to redirect our focus to what truly matters—the nurturing of relationships, the cultivation of character, and the passing on of faith and values.

Scripture Reflection:

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

- Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

This verse underscores the importance of intentional parenting—of guiding our children along paths of righteousness and wisdom. It speaks to the enduring impact of our efforts, knowing that investing in our children's spiritual and moral upbringing yields eternal rewards.

Conclusion:

As we journey through parenthood, let us embrace the truth that children are not a hindrance to our progress but partners in our purpose. They challenge us to grow in patience, selflessness, and love—the very qualities that reflect God's heart for His children. May we find joy in the slowdown, knowing that in nurturing the next generation, we participate in God's divine plan for our families and communities.

Reflection: 

• In what ways can I integrate biblical teachings on parenthood (e.g., Psalm 127, Proverbs 22:6) into my daily interactions with my children?

• How do I currently view parenthood—as a hindrance to personal goals or as a meaningful part of my life journey?

• What are some specific ways in which my children have influenced my priorities and values?

• How does being part of a community of other parents (like CCW) support and enhance my journey as a parent?

• How can I cultivate gratitude for the gift of children in my life, even in challenging moments?

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

- Psalm 127:3 (NASB)

Closing Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of children and the purpose they bring into our lives. Help us to embrace parenthood with patience, wisdom, and love, reflecting Your heart for family and community. Guide us in raising our children according to Your will, nurturing them in faith and character. May Your presence be felt in our homes as we journey through the joys and challenges of parenting. In Jesus' name, Amen."