Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(wife-man). Hebrew women cared for the household (Gen. 18:6); carried water (Gen. 24:15); tended flocks (Gen. 29:6); spun (Ex. 35:26); made clothes (1 Sam. 2:19); acted as hostess and guest on social occasions (Job 1:4; John 2:3; 12:2); prophesied, composed, sang, and danced (Ex. 15:20-21; Judg. 11:31; 21:21); feted (1 Sam. 18:6-7); held public positions (Judg. 4; 5; 2 Kings 22:14; Neh. 6:14; Luke 2:36); were workers in the Church (Acts 18:18,26; Rom. 16:1).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
It is evident from scripture that women were anciently held in much more honor and esteem in Eastern countries than they are now. Solomon, speaking of women, said that such as his soul sought for he did not find one in a thousand (Eccl. 7:28). This tells of fallen human nature; but the true thought of woman is that she is the glory of the man, his true helpmeet. This is fulfilled in the relationship of the church to Christ.
In the New Testament the true place of the woman in subjection to the man is plainly stated, as indicated in creation; and in the assembly the woman is to be silent, and not to teach. Her bearing and deportment are expressive of what she learns as taught of Christ (1 Cor. 11:3-15; 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-12). Nevertheless women were greatly honored in ministering to the Lord, and are accredited as helping on the work of the Lord in the gospel and among the saints (Luke 8:2-3; Luke 8:23:27, 55-56; Rom. 16:1, 3, 6; Phil. 4:2-3; 2 John 1:1, 10).