The question of whether we should use masculine pronouns for God is an important one that many Christians wrestle with. On one hand, the Bible clearly reveals God as a Father and uses male pronouns such as “He” and “Him” when referring to God. Yet on the other hand, God is spirit (John 4:24) and does not have a biological sex. So does this mean we should avoid using masculine terms for God?
To answer this question thoroughly, we need to examine what the Bible says about God’s nature and how God relates to us. There are several key points to consider:
1. The Bible uses masculine terms and pronouns for God
Throughout Scripture, God is referred to using masculine pronouns and imagery. Some examples include:
- “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
- “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
- “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
The primary masculine term used for God in the Bible is “Father.” Jesus always addressed God as Father and taught His disciples to do the same in prayer (Matthew 6:9). Other masculine titles for God include King, Lord, Master, and Husband.
2. Masculine language reflects God’s divine authority
During ancient biblical times, fathers and husbands held positions of authority in family structures. By referring to God with masculine titles, Scripture reveals God’s supreme authority and lordship. In biblical cultures, being called “Lord” or “Father” denoted power and preeminence. Masculine language distinguishes God’s divine authority over all creation.
“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.” (Ephesians 5:23)
3. God relates to humanity as Father and Son
Central to Christian theology is the relationship between the Father and the Son, God and Christ. God’s fatherhood is eternal, as Christ refers to God as His Father: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24). By taking on human nature, Christ reveals God’s transcendent fatherly love for humanity.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
4. God possesses both masculine and feminine qualities
Though revealed in masculine terms, God transcends human gender and possesses qualities our finite minds perceive as both masculine and feminine. Motherly attributes of God described in Scripture include: comforting His children (Isaiah 66:13), longing to gather them under His wings (Matthew 23:37), and giving them new life through childbirth (John 3:3-8).
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)
Thus, God exhibits a full range of virtues, reflecting the wholeness of His divine nature. Masculine language points to God’s strength, logic, and leadership, while feminine qualities highlight His tenderness, mercy, and care for creation.
5. God created humankind in His image, both male and female
In Genesis 1:27, the passage states: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Some theologians interpret this to mean God’s nature encompasses both male and female qualities. Since God created humanity in His likeness as “male and female,” masculinity and femininity together reflect the divine image.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
6. Jesus Christ embodies the fullness of Deity in human form
Jesus reveals to us the nature of God in ways we can comprehend through human experience. By referring to God using titles Jesus embodied – Son, Savior, King – we relate to God’s tender humanity and Servant-heart modeled by Christ.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)
Thus, terms like Father, Lord, and He point to Christ as the perfect incarnation of God in human flesh.
7. God is beyond human concepts of gender and sexuality
As an eternal Spirit without a physical body, God transcendsfinite notions of gender, sex, and sexuality. Human genders and relationships only dimly reflect spiritual realities in the divine nature. Masculine imagery describes God’s authority, while family terms portray His sacred covenant bonds with us.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Our language cannot fully express the wonders of who God is. All human words will always fall short of describing our infinite, Almighty Creator.
8. The Church is called the Bride of Christ
The New Testament contains metaphorical language of Jesus Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as His pure bride. Marriage illustrates the intimate relationship between Christ and believers in the Church.
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her.” (Ephesians 5:25-26)
These marital concepts point to spiritual truths about God pursuing His people. Like a groom pursuing his bride, Jesus sacrificially loved the Church to make her holy.
9. God is referred to in feminine terms at times
Though not as common, the Bible contains a few feminine images for God’s compassionate, nurturing nature. Examples include:
- “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)
- “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)
- “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)
These feminine analogies highlight God’s relentless care and protection of His people, much like a mother nurtures her child.
10. Focus on the truths behind the metaphors
Masculine pronouns used for God point to greater truths about His nature – His everlasting love, faithfulness, authority, strength, justice, and mercy. Similarly, feminine metaphors emphasize God’s compassion, comfort, and tenderness toward us.
The metaphors are not intended to be literal but rather to help us grasp God’s spiritual attributes. We must look beyond gender language to grasp the precious truths communicated about our infinite, eternal God.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
11. Changing pronouns today could compromise Scripture’s meaning
Some argue we should change masculine terms for God to gender-neutral language. However, altering the biblical text could negatively impact significant theological meanings. For example, calling God “Mother” rather than Father loses rich insights into Christ’s sonship and God’s eternal fatherhood. As well, terms like Lord carry deep meaning about God’s authority and sovereignty over all things.
While treating Scripture with sensitivity, we must be cautious not to lose vital truths communicated through masculine metaphors and pronouns. Scripture itself should guide our approach to language about God.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)
12. We must avoid projecting human traits onto God
Since God transcends gender, we must be careful not to project distinctly human masculine or feminine qualities onto Him. God possesses virtues we may perceive as masculine or feminine but in perfect, divine harmony beyond our limited understanding.
Attempting to re-gender God in our image over-simplifies the mystery of His nature. Our finite minds cannot fathom the complexity, wisdom, and majesty of who God is.
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
13. Focus on growing in knowledge of who God is
Rather than debating God’s metaphors, our energy is better spent seeking to know God more deeply through prayerful study of Scripture. We must humbly approach the text, relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal divine truths.
As we grow in relationship with God, we begin grasping the beauty of His nature that surpasses limited human language. Our knowledge of God will always be incomplete, so we must rely on Christ to show us the Father.
“All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (Matthew 11:27)
14. Focus on the heart more than linguistic details
God cares more about the attitude and sincerity of our hearts than the specific words we use to address Him. We must come to Him with humility, awe, and reverence regardless of the pronouns and titles we use.
If our hearts are sincerely seeking God’s truth and glory, He promises to meet with us and make Himself known to us. The language we use will pale in comparison to the divine encounter.
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)
15. Strive for greater revelation of God’s glory
In the end, no human language can adequately describe the wonders of God’s nature and character. Our efforts should aim to glorify God and point people to greater revelation of Him.
As we ponder the mysteries of God’s majesty, may our hearts overflow with praise for our glorious Heavenly Father! May the riches of His mercy compel us to share Christ with others.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)