Old Testament laws concerning particular female personhood and their implications for the dignity of women

This dissertation tests the hypothesis that, when interpreted according to their cultural context, Old Testament laws concerning particular female personhood demonstrate God's care for and defense of women's equal value and shared dignity, according to a relational pattern that is compatible with gender complementarity.;Chapter 2 of this dissertation discusses the nature of patriarchy in the Old Testament and its relevance to contemporary evangelicals. Chapter 3 discusses the laws on female biological processes and claims that these laws were a provision for women in Israel rather than a punishment. Chapter 4 considers the laws concerning accusations of infidelity, finding that these laws vindicated an innocent woman rather than victimized her. Chapter 5 examines the laws on violation and coerced disgrace according to Israel's cultural context and discovers that these laws ensured that women were socially established rather than exploited.;Finally, this dissertation concludes by suggesting cultural and theological applications of the laws concerning particular female personhood. As will be demonstrated, the dignity of women is a biblical value, one that the Church must uphold.