Is God male or female?

what does the bible say?

The Bible is clear that God is Spirit and is neither male nor female. Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Although God is not a man as part of humanity is, these verses and countless others throughout the Bible reveal that masculine pronouns are always used when referring to God. In addition, God is called “Father” approximately 170 times in Scripture. With this standard set forth in the Bible, Christians have rightly used male pronouns when referring to God. At the same time, the Scriptures reveal God’s nature at times from both a masculine and feminine perspective. This makes sense given the truth that all human beings are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). God says in the book of Isaiah, “I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child” (Isaiah 66:13). In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus cries out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me” (Matthew 23:37). Both of these similes of motherhood communicate aspects of God’s heart and character to comfort and protect His children, but they don’t mean He is a female. Jesus is the male Son of God, the visible image of the invisible God who suffered torture and crucifixion on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Colossians 1:13-15). While God’s character includes qualities often associated with both fathers and mothers, He has chosen to reveal Himself in Scripture with masculine titles and pronouns. Therefore, while we recognize the fullness of God’s nature, we remain faithful to the way He has revealed Himself in His Word.

from the old testament

• God the Father is not a human being (Numbers 23:19).
• Human beings bear the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

from the new testament

• God is Spirit (John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18) and is neither male nor female.
• Jesus calls God His Father (John 10:30), which indicates that we should honor God by referring to Him as He has revealed Himself.
• No one has seen God (John 1:18) as He is Spirit, not human.
• God is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17).
• Jesus, the Son of God, is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

implications for today

The question of whether God is male or female often arises from an illegitimate concern over whether Christianity equally values both men and women. The Bible is clear that God values both equally. In fact, throughout history, Christianity has done much to elevate the value of human beings, including being instrumental in abolishing slavery and promoting the fair treatment of all people regardless of their age, race, gender, nationality, etc. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:26-29, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Heaven itself will be filled with people from every tribe, tongue, race and creed (Revelation 7:9). Therefore, we can find comfort in knowing that God can perfectly identify with and meet the needs and emotions of all people. In fact, God wants to meet your needs and emotions as your heavenly Father. However, this relationship is only available to those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin and death (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible states that all people have sinned and rebelled against God, separating ourselves from Him (Romans 3:23). Because of God’s love for us, He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and rise again from the dead (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10). Jesus came to bring us back into a right relationship with God (1 Peter 3:18). Those who believe in Jesus for everlasting life are born again to a new life and become children of God (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus calls those who believe in Him to follow Him as His disciples, denying ourselves and living to serve Him for the remainder of our time on earth (Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 4:1-2). As we live in fellowship with God and walk in the light through the Holy Spirit, we will truly worship Him in spirit and truth, taking on His character and being the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16; John 4:24; Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 1:7).

Recap

understand

• God is Spirit but reveals Himself using masculine pronouns and titles.
• The Bible uses both masculine and feminine imagery to describe God’s character and heart.
• Jesus, the visible image of God, came as a man to this earth.

reflect

• How does understanding that God is Spirit impact the way you relate to Him?
• How has God demonstrated both strength and compassion in your life?
• How does knowing God as your heavenly Father shape your faith and trust in Him?

engage

• What do we learn about God in the way He chose to reveal Himself using masculine titles and pronouns in Scripture?
• How can we acknowledge both the masculine and nurturing aspects of God’s character while remaining faithful to how He reveals Himself?
• How does recognizing that all people are made in God’s image influence the way we view gender roles and equality in the church?