The Koran says, “God sets forth, for example to the unbelievers, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot: they were under two of our righteous servants, but they were false to their (husbands), and they profited nothing before God on their account, but were told “enter ye the fire along with (others) that enter” Koran 66:10. The Ashuric/Syraic (Arabic) word ‘fakhaanataahumaa used in the above comes from it root word ‘khaana’ or ‘khaa’in’ meaning to be treacherous, perfidious, unfaithful. It also means acting treacherously which relatively means a lot, like being unfaithful, acting unfaithfully to confidence, to mention but a few. It is in reference to ‘waalaa’, that the wife of Noah (utnafishtim) a prophet, and Sabriyya, the wife of Lot, a faithful servant to the most high. Both of these women were disobedient to their husbands and received severe punishment.

The Bible says, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman…” Proverb 21:19. The etymology of the word contentious may be traced to Aramic (Hebrew) word ‘maw-dohn’ which means to strive, contentions and comes from the root word ‘mad-doo-akh, which means seduction, enticement, from which you get the modern word ‘Madam’. It is better for a man to live in the wilderness than to live with an argumentative woman. I am not in any way propounding new theory and I am not at the same time calling women devils. The point, however, is some women are evil, as a result they do not portray the ideal philosophy of human progress; just as some men are. There are some good women too who work very hard for the progress, sanity and sanctity of their society. To those noble women I congratulate them as they shall soon be rewarded by divinity positively. However how a woman struggles to better her society, she is divinely called “Weaker Vessel.”

The Bible says, “Likewise ye husbands dwell with them (women) according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel…” 1 Peter 3:7. The phrase “weaker vessel” in the Bible, specifically refers to the physical and social vulnerability of women in ancient society. The Greek word translated as “vessel” is (skeuos), a neutral term that can refer to a container, implement, or tool. In this context, it’s used metaphorically to describe the relationship between husbands and wives.  In the physical term, “weaker vessel” might imply physical vulnerability, but it’s not limited to physical strength. It encompasses the social disadvantages women faced in ancient society, such as limited economic, legal, and political power. Speaking from the social context, In ancient Near Eastern covenant relationships, the stronger party often held more resources and power, while the weaker party relied on the stronger party for protection and support. Peter uses this concept to encourage husbands to treat their wives with kindness, respect, and understanding.

In Greek language, the word  (asthene ster) means “weaker” or “less powerful.” In this context, it’s used to describe the relative weakness of women in society, emphasizing the need for husbands to show understanding and respect for the children of Eve. The perception of women as “weaker vessels” is rooted in ancient cultural and societal norms that viewed women as more vulnerable or inferior to men. In ancient Greece, women were often seen as subordinate to men, with limited rights and freedoms. Aristotle, in his work “Politics,” described women as inferior to men, citing their supposed lack of rational faculties and physical strength.

In Igbo cosmology, women are associated with certain roles and restrictions, such as not being allowed to handle kola nuts or participate in certain sacred rituals. This reflects a broader cultural perception of women as having different spiritual and social roles than men. For example, in some Igbo traditions, women are seen as embodying the principles of fertility and nurturing, while men are associated with strength and authority. Similarly, in ancient Jewish tradition, women were often viewed as subordinate to men, with limited roles in religious and social life. The Talmud, a central text of Jewish tradition, contains passages that describe women as having certain ritual and social restrictions. However, it’s worth noting that Jewish tradition also emphasizes the importance of women’s roles in the home and family.

The concept of women as “weaker vessels” is also reflected in ancient Greek and Jewish writings. In 1 Peter 3:7, the apostle Peter instructs husbands to show honor and understanding to their wives, recognizing them as “weaker vessels” who are co-heirs of the gracious gift of life. Modern scholars have offered various interpretations of these ancient perspectives on women. Some argue that these views reflect the cultural and social norms of ancient societies, while others see them as reflecting deeper patriarchal attitudes that have been challenged by modern feminist movements. In Hinduism for instance, women are often revered as embodiments of the divine feminine, Shakti. However, traditional texts like the Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) describe women as needing protection and guidance from men, suggesting a subordinate role. For example, Manusmriti 9.3 states, “By a girl, by a young woman, or even by an aged one, nothing must be done independently, even in her own house.” Buddhism teaches that both men and women have equal potential for enlightenment. The Buddha allowed women to join the Sangha (monastic community), recognizing their spiritual capabilities. However, some interpretations of Buddhist texts suggest that women might face more obstacles on the path to enlightenment due to karma from past lives. For instance, the story of Mahaprajapati Gotami, the Buddha’s aunt and one of the first ordained nuns, highlights both the challenges and opportunities women faced in the early Buddhist community.

Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, emphasizes the importance of good thoughts, words, and deeds for both men and women. While there isn’t a direct concept of “weaker vessel,” women were traditionally expected to fulfill domestic roles and were often seen as subordinate to men in certain aspects of religious and social life. The Avesta, the primary collection of Zoroastrian scriptures, doesn’t extensively discuss women’s roles, but it does contain passages that suggest women were expected to be virtuous and supportive of their families. In Islam, women are considered equal in spiritual worth to men but often have different roles and responsibilities. The Quran emphasizes the importance of treating women with kindness and respect. For example, Surah An-Nisa (4:19) advises men to live with their wives in kindness. However, interpretations of certain verses and hadiths have led to varying views on women’s roles and rights within Islamic societies. Some interpretations suggest women are seen as more vulnerable or in need of protection, which can be related to the concept of “weaker vessel.”

In Confucianism, women are often expected to fulfill roles that emphasize virtue, obedience, and domesticity. The concept of yin and yang describes the complementary nature of masculine and feminine principles, but traditionally, women were seen as subordinate in the social hierarchy. The Book of Filial Piety for Women, a Confucian text, outlines virtues for women, emphasizing obedience and domestic roles. Yes, In Confucianism, women were traditionally expected to fulfill specific roles within the family and society. The concept of “Three Obediences” (san cong) outlined in the Book of Filial Piety for Women (Nü Xiaojing) emphasizes a woman’s duties: Obedience to parents in youth, Obedience to her husband after marriage and Obedience to her son in widowhood. The Book of Filial Piety for Women states, “When a woman is young, she must obey her father and elder brother; when she is married, she must obey her husband; when her husband is dead, she must obey her son.”

The ancient Chinese concept of yin and yang describes the complementary nature of masculine and feminine principles. While yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) are interdependent, traditional interpretations often associated yang with strength, activity, and dominance, while yin was linked to receptivity and nurturing qualities. In ancient China, women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere. They were expected to manage household affairs, raise children, and perform ancestral rituals. The Classic of Filial Piety and other Confucian texts emphasize the importance of women’s virtues, such as obedience, chastity, and diligence. Some esoteric traditions in Chinese culture, such as Taoism and certain schools of Buddhism, offer more views of women’s roles and spiritual potential. For instance, Taoist texts like the Dao De Jing celebrate the feminine principle and the power of receptivity. Laozi’s teachings emphasize the importance of embracing yin qualities, such as softness and humility, to achieve balance and harmony in life.

The Lienü Zhuan (Biographies of Exemplary Women) is a Han dynasty text that provides insights into the expected virtues and behaviors of women. It includes stories of women who exemplified virtues like filial piety, loyalty, and wisdom, highlighting the complex and multifaceted roles women played in ancient Chinese society.

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