Models for all women abound in the Bible
Women are outnumbered by a ratio of more than six to one in biblical references. However, that doesn't mean women — especially mothers — weren't a very significant influence in early Christianity.
And this Mother's Day is a good time to look back and celebrate the matriarchs of scripture.
Almost 1,200 men are mentioned in the Bible, but fewer than 200 women. And some mothers in the Bible aren't even mentioned by their specific names, yet they played prominent roles in key events.
For example, Noah's wife. She is mentioned five times in Genesis Chapters 6 through 8 simply as "Noah's wife," though she obviously assisted Noah through his ordeal of preparing for the flood and afterward.
Without this supporting mother and grandmother, would man have survived the flood?
Other women also have important roles — though not starring roles — in scripture. The mother-in-law of Peter comes to mind, as does the mother of James and John.
Here is an alphabetized capsule look at 10 other prominent women in the Bible. Some are remembered for being matriarchs, others exhibited the kind of wisdom and care for people that have been traditionally associated with motherhood.
Mary Magdalene: She is the most prominent woman who accompanied Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem. She was also present at Christ's crucifixion and met the resurrected Lord at his tomb.
Miriam: This sister of Moses and Aaron was the first biblical woman given the title of prophetess (Exodus 15:20). Perhaps prideful, she later rebelled against her brothers and was afflicted with leprosy. Much later in the Old Testament, she is described as an equal of her brothers (Micah 6:4).
Ruth: This is another woman with an entire book of scripture named after her. As the great-grandmother of King David, she was described as a gentle heroine. Ruth 1:16 tells of her steadfast conversion to Christianity. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, is also reverred as a matriarch who was wise, hard-working and devout.
Sarah: This wife of Abraham is mentioned in Genesis. At age 91, she gave birth to Isaac, and the Apostle Peter mentioned Sarah as a model wife (1 Peter 3:6).
References: King James Bible and "Who's Who in the Bible," by Reader's Digest.
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