A Woman Shall Encompass a Man

“How long will you gad about, O you backsliding daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing on the earth — A woman shall encompass a man.”
— Jeremiah 31:22

It is rare in today’s world to find a verse in the Bible where interpretations are so disagreed upon as that of this verse. Early Biblical theologians attributed this verse to the coming of the virgin Mary, but the vast majority of theologians today discredit that interpretation. I’m no theologian. I’m just a man who reads the Bible and shares what I find in its words. So, here is my opinion… and you know what they say about opinions.

I’m the worst planner in the history of mankind. I’ll never forget the day I proposed to Wendy. Most men fret over this day, plan, find a romantic spot, get people to witness and film, but, unfortunately for Wendy, she did not find such a man.

We were sitting on the couch in her parents’ living room watching TV. I was laying down with my head in her lap. I asked her, “Have you ever thought about getting married?”

She responded with something along the lines of, “Yes, but I want to finish college first. Maybe go to California and try acting or something. Then, maybe, I’ll be ready for marriage.”

I listened, hesitated, then said, “You want to get married?”

She instantly responded, “Yep, sure do!”

Then, the thought hit me, I had better figure out how to get a ring.

I took a job green-breaking horses, mending fence and building roping dummies for Edd Farabee just outside of Levelland, TX. He was a stern man. His wife often had breakfast, lunch or even dinner ready so we could keep working. He was a fair man. More than that, he was generous. He gave me the money to buy the ring and let me work it off. He also tremendously impacted my life and character.

I think about this story often. My wife deserved better. She deserved more planning, consideration, romance… just more! Instead she got me.

The Bible often refers to believers as the bride of Christ. He was a much better planner than me. He loved us. He pursued us into the darkest regions of the world. He had a plan. That plan led to Him laying down His life on the cross. It included descending into hell, rising again and offering the engagement ring of life to all.

For most men (and, in today’s world, sometimes women), that is the scariest moment of their entire life. That eternal moment after “popping” the question and waiting for the answer. It feels as if everything in life is determined by that moment. All the chips are pushed to the center of the table. We are all in and have no control over what comes next.

I believe this is the moment of Jeremiah 31:22. The passage is a prophecy verse of what is to come. It anticipates all the preparations and workings of Christ in order to issue the proposal to His bride of eternal life. Throughout all of the Old Testament God chose His people. He made the decision. However, under the New Covenant, He created “a new thing on the earth.” The death and resurrection of Christ was a proposal to His hopeful bride, but we would have to choose Him.

Make no mistake, Christ awaits in earnest expectation of your answer. All of His love is focused on you. Everything He has done has been for you. He planned the perfect moment. He paid up front for everything. He is offering everything He is to you. And He awaits your response.

He awaits for the woman to encompass the man! For you to accept Him, accept His life into yours, and to come alive with His presence in your life. For everything you are to be built around Him. He awaits for you to accept Him and become His bride.

If you have not made this decision, know He eagerly awaits. His love is true. And reach out to me or someone you trust to share in this moment.

Maybe you already have done this, but don’t miss the word “encompass”. It means to completely surround. It is the idea of every aspect of your life revolving around Him. He is not calling us to walk hand-in-hand. He is calling us to allow Him to live through every aspect of our lives.

Sometimes, I feel as if I’m walking this road still trying to pay off the cost of the engagement ring. I fail to see that Jesus has already paid for it all. The only thing left for me to give is myself. I’ll be honest, it is scary to give all. I want to see how the relationship works out first. But it doesn’t work, unless I give all. Everything I am in exchange for everything He is!

I’m challenged with identifying what I’m holding back? Will I, as a bride of Christ, encompass the man? Allow everything in my life to revolve around Him? I know He earnestly, patiently and lovingly awaits my response in this moment. How will I respond? How will you?

© 2025 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.