The language used to describe God in the Bible encompasses a variety of metaphors, images, and titles, many of which are culturally and historically rooted in patriarchal societies. Therefore, God is often referred to using male pronouns and titles such as Father, King, and Lord. For example, Jesus taught His disciples to pray to God as “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), and Ephesians 4:6 speaks of “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

However, it is important to understand that these descriptions are metaphorical and serve to communicate aspects of God’s character in ways that humans can understand. The Bible also attributes to God qualities that are traditionally associated with both male and female roles. For instance, God is described as a comforting mother in Isaiah 66:13: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”

God’s essence transcends human categories of gender. In the creation account, humanity is created in God’s image: “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 passage suggests that both male and female qualities reflect the image of God.

Therefore, while the Bible uses male pronouns and imagery to refer to God, these should not be understood as literal descriptions of God’s nature. God encompasses and transcends all human concepts of gender, embodying a fullness that cannot be fully captured by our language or understanding.