Toxic masculinity refers to harmful cultural attitudes and norms that reinforce rigid, narrow views of what it means to be a man. This often leads to suppression of vulnerable emotions, aggression, and disrespect toward women. While the Bible presents positive models of manhood, it can be misinterpreted to justify toxic attitudes. A faithful reading calls men to love, responsibility, and Christlike character.
Promoting Narrow Gender Roles
Toxic masculinity promotes restrictive roles where men must be dominant, aggressive, unemotional, and hypersexual. It shames men for displaying “feminine” traits like nurturing, cooperation, and empathy. However, the Bible presents a more holistic vision. Jesus was compassionate and tender-hearted (Matthew 11:29, John 11:35). Paul encourages men to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Rigid gender roles deny the fullness of human identity in Christ.
Suppressing Vulnerable Emotions
Toxic masculinity suppresses “vulnerable” emotions like sadness, hurt, and fear. But Jesus, the perfect man, was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He wept at a friend’s tomb (John 11:35). Paul encourages us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Following Christ means embracing the full spectrum of human emotion, not just anger and pride.
Promoting Violence and Aggression
Toxic masculinity promotes violent, aggressive behavior as the only acceptable outlet for emotion. However, Scripture calls us to peace, self-control, and care for the vulnerable. Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9) and “blessed are the meek” (Matthew 5:5). We’re told, “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all” (2 Timothy 2:24). The Bible condemns abusive anger (Ephesians 4:31, James 1:20). True strength involves controlling our temper.
Objectifying and Devaluing Women
Toxic masculinity promotes the sexual objectification of women and refusal to acknowledge female authority or leadership. But the Bible affirms the fundamental equality of women, who are made equally in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Husbands are called to sacrificial love and service toward their wives (Ephesians 5:25). And women like Deborah (Judges 4) and Priscilla (Acts 18:2) exercised leadership roles in the early church.
Neglecting Responsibility and Integrity
Though toxic masculinity promotes strength and dominance, it often neglects responsibility, faithfulness, and integrity. But the Bible calls men to exercise their strength and leadership for the good of others. Husbands must love and nurture their families (Ephesians 5:25, 1 Timothy 5:8). All people should speak truthfully, act honestly, and care for the vulnerable (Zechariah 8:16-17, James 1:27). True manliness involves moral courage and sacrifice.
Finding Identity in Performance, Not Christ
Toxic masculinity judges men by worldly measures of success, dominance, and sexual prowess. But the Bible calls us to find our identity in Jesus Christ. Our worth comes not from wealth or exploits, but from being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and recipients of His lavish grace (Ephesians 2:4-9). As we grow in Christ, we become conformed to His perfect love and character (Romans 8:29).
Promoting Pride, Not Humility
Toxic masculinity is marked by pride, domination, and refusal to admit weakness or failure. But Christ embodied humility and submission to the Father, even unto death (Philippians 2:8). He calls us to childlike humility (Matthew 18:4), reminding us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The manliest man of all “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Philippians 2:6) but became a servant.
Distorting Strength as Domination
Toxic masculinity equates strength with dominance over others. But the Bible redefines strength as protecting the vulnerable. Moses defended oppressed Hebrew slaves (Exodus 3:7-10). Jesus had compassion on the socially marginalized (Luke 7:22). True men of God use power to serve others, following the model of the servant king Jesus who gave His life to save humanity (Mark 10:45).
Justifying Misogyny and Domestic Abuse
Some use the phrase “male headship” in Scripture to justify misogyny and domestic violence. However, the Bible calls men to exercise headship through sacrificial love, like Christ does for the church (Ephesians 5:25-30). Husbands must nurture their wives (1 Peter 3:7), never abusing leadership to excuse mistreatment. The Bible condemns violence against women (Malachi 2:16) and commands men to treat wives with honor (1 Peter 3:7).
Equating Manhood with Sexual Prowess
Toxic masculinity equates manhood with sexual exploits and predation, devaluing women’s consent and humanity. But the Bible celebrates sexual love within the exclusive commitment of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Men must treat women as equals, not objects, and exercise self-control (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Jesus rejected the sexual double-standard (John 8:7). Paul taught that our bodies belong not to ourselves but our spouses (1 Corinthians 7:4).
Redeeming Manhood with Christlike Virtues
The solution to toxic masculinity is not the rejection of masculinity altogether, but its redemption and transformation. Jesus provides the perfect model for manhood rooted in divine strength, courageous leadership, selfless responsibility, and radical love. All human virtues find their true fulfillment in Him. As we grow in Christlikeness, we become empowered to embrace true manliness marked by care, integrity, humility, and sacrificial love.
The Bible provides rich resources for constructing a positive vision of manhood that avoids the pitfalls of toxic masculinity. Though some distort Scripture to justify domineering attitudes, a holistic reading calls men to nurture virtue, protect the vulnerable, and lead through selfless service after the model of Christ. As men grow in the gospel, they become conformed to His image—the true embodiment of love, strength, and godly manhood.