The Bible is full of inspiring stories about real people being used by God in incredible ways. And many of these true stories involve strong, faithful and courageous women. From Genesis through the New Testament, the many women in the Bible can teach us all a thing or two about what following God truly looks like.
Here, we dive into the captivating stories of 12 of these women and the lessons we can learn from them.
Who’s Here:
- Eve
- Sarah
- Hagar
- Miriam
- Rahab
- Ruth
- Abigail
- The Shunammite Woman
- Mary the Mother of Jesus
- Woman With the Issue of Blood
- Mary Magdalene
- Tabitha
12 Inspiring Women of the Bible
1. Eve — The Very First Woman in the Bible
Bible References
Genesis 2:18 – Genesis 3:24
About Eve
Eve was the very first woman ever created. She was the wife of Adam, the first man, and the she was the first mother in the Bible too. In fact, “Eve” means to give life. Genesis 3:20 (NIV) says, “Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.”
In Genesis 2, God tells Adam and Eve that they can eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, in Genesis 3, Satan tempts Eve with the fruit of the tree, and she eats it. Eve then gives some of the fruit to Adam for him to eat too.
Adam and Eve’s disobedience was the first sin against God. Because of their sin, they had to leave the Garden of Eden and live in an imperfect world. But God didn’t leave the world without hope — Jesus would come many years later and redeem us all through his sacrifice on the cross.
What Can Eve Teach Us?
We know what you might think: “How in the world can Eve be inspiring?” After all, her disobedience caused our downfall. It’s true that Eve’s story shows us the importance of being obedient and faithful. It teaches us to avoid the temptation of the enemy.
But another important truth we can glean from Eve is this: Women are a vital part of God’s plan. From the very beginning, God created, blessed and gave dominion over the earth to both men and women. Why? We need each other. Together, we form the complete image of God and can reflect him to all of creation.
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, NIV
God beautifully orchestrated a plan for the heroines in this list and you. You are important and uniquely created, and God has a plan for your life that only you can fulfill.
2. Sarah — The Mother of Nations
Bible References
Genesis 11:30, Genesis 17:15-16, Genesis 18, Genesis 21:1-6
About Sarah
Sarai was Abraham’s wife. In Genesis 17, God changed her name to Sarah and called her “the mother of nations” (Genesis 17:16). However, Sarah was barren and unable to conceive children.
In Genesis 21, at 90 years old, Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac, just as God had promised. And through Isaac and the generations that followed, Sarah did indeed become the mother of nations.
What Can Sarah Teach Us?
When Sarah heard that she would conceive a son, she laughed (Genesis 18:12). After all, Sarah was barren, and she and Abraham were old. She also waited for 25 painful years after God first promised them a son until she saw him fulfill it.
But God always keeps his word. In his time and despite all odds, the promises he’s given to us will come to pass, just like they did for Sarah.
3. Hagar — The Woman Seen by God
Bible References
Genesis 16
About Hagar
Waiting for God’s promised son was hard for Sarah. In Genesis 16, she asked Abraham to sleep with Hagar, her servant, in hopes of building a family that way. Hagar conceived, but the relationship between her and Sarah turned sour. Sarah mistreated Hagar, so Hagar fled (Genesis 16:6).
But the Lord saw Hagar’s suffering and met her in the desert.
An angel of the Lord found Hagar and spoke to her: “Go back to your mistress and submit to her. I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count” (Genesis 16:9-10, NIV). Hagar gave the Lord a new name, “El Roi,” meaning the God who sees me.
What Can Hagar Teach Us?
Even when she was used and mistreated, God saw Hagar and promised her a bright future. He willingly met Hagar in her suffering, and he does the same for us.
We can’t always control what happens to us, but God is with us. He sees us and is faithful to make a way when there seems to be no way, even in the harsh desert.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:19, NIV
4. Miriam — The Courageous Prophetess
Bible References
Exodus 2:5-10, Exodus 15:20
About Miriam
Miriam was the sister of Moses. In fact, Miriam had a hand in saving his life. When Moses’ mother floated him in the Nile River in a basket, Miriam stayed and watched it. And when Pharoah’s daughter found Moses in the reeds, Miriam asked her, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” (Exodus 2:7, NIV).
Pharoah’s daughter said yes. Miriam took Moses to his mother, who nursed him until he was weaned. Because of Miriam’s quick thinking, Moses lived, and his mother got to care for him.
Miriam was also a prophetess and a worshipper who declared the truth of God to the Israelites. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and were free from the Egyptians, Miriam led the women in worship. They played tambourines, sang and danced, giving thanks to God for their deliverance.
What Can Miriam Teach Us?
At the Nile, Miriam spoke up on behalf of her brother, not knowing what Pharoah’s daughter might do or say. And after crossing the Red Sea, she led the Israelites in worship, even though they were uncertain about where they were going next.
Miriam was courageous and bold, even when fear and uncertainty surrounded her. How? Miriam had faith in God and knew without a doubt that although she couldn’t see what was ahead, he could. When we believe that God is on our side, we too can be courageous, not fearing what might come next.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9, NIV
5. Rahab — The Unlikely Heroine
Bible References
Joshua 2
About Rahab
Rahab was a woman who lived in the city of Jericho. Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, their leader, Joshua, sent two spies to scout out the land. When they reached Jericho, they met a woman named Rahab and stayed in her home.
When the king of Jericho found out about the spies, he asked Rahab to send them out. However, Rahab hid the Israelite spies. She told the king, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left” (Joshua 2:4-5, NIV).
Rahab’s courageous actions allowed the Israelite spies to escape, saving their lives and ultimately helping Israel take the Promised Land. Rahab also joined the nation of Israel and became an ancestor of Jesus.
What Can Rahab Teach Us?
Rahab’s story is inspiring, isn’t it? She’s a heroine who saved lives through her courage. But did you know that Rahab was a prostituted woman (Joshua 2:1)? She was. And God used her in a mighty way, even placing her into the ancestral line of our Savior, Jesus.
It’s easy for us to fall into the trap of choosing for ourselves who God should use. And sometimes, we even disqualify ourselves because of our mistakes. Know this: It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or what others think about you. In Jesus, there’s no condemnation. God still has a plan for you!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. — Romans 8:1, NIV
6. Ruth — The Devoted Daughter-in-Law
Bible References
Ruth 1-4
About Ruth
Ruth was a woman from Moab and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. In Ruth 1, Naomi loses her husband and her sons. After these tragedies, Naomi asks both of her daughters-in-law to return to their homelands. But Ruth refused to go, telling Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I still stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16, NIV).
Ruth soon met a man named Boaz, who chose to show her favor and allow her to glean from his fields for food. Boaz showed Ruth favor because he had heard of her loyalty to Naomi.
Boaz and Ruth soon married. Boaz became Naomi and Ruth’s “kinsman redeemer,” choosing to support them both and rescuing them from their poverty.
What Can Ruth Teach Us?
Ruth’s devotion to Naomi is the picture of loyalty. But her decision to follow Naomi has an even deeper meaning. Ruth was a Moabite and not part of the 12 tribes of Israel. Moabites worshipped false gods instead of the one and only God of Israel.
When Naomi told Ruth to go back to her homeland, Ruth had a choice to make. She could’ve went back to living in her old ways and worshipping her old gods, or could’ve followed the one true God.
Ruth decided to follow Naomi and serve God. Because of her faith, God blessed her. He placed Boaz in her path, who redeemed her and her future family. When we decide to put our faith in God and follow him only, he redeems us too through his Son, Jesus.
7. Abigail — The Woman Who Saved Her Family
Bible References
1 Samuel 25
About Abigail
Abigail was married to a man named Nabal, who was extremely wealthy. In 1 Samuel 25, the future king, David, sent his men to Nabal to ask for provisions. But Nabal, who the Bible calls “surly and mean” (1 Samuel 25:3, NIV), gave the men nothing and instead insulted them.
When David heard about this, he led his men up to Nabal’s land. Abigail heard they were coming and quickly devised a plan to protect both her husband and her entire household. Abigail gathered two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep and so much more. Then, she went out to meet David and his men.
When Abigail saw David, she got off her donkey and bowed before him, apologizing on behalf of Nabal and asking him to spare their lives. David accepted Abigail’s gift and apology, telling her: “Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request” (1 Samuel 25:35, NIV). That day, Abigail saved her entire family.
What Can Abigail Teach Us?
It’s easy to see that Abigail wasn’t at fault for the danger that faced her family. But Abigail was compassionate. She saw the suffering coming and selflessly acted to stop it, saving the lives of many.
Although she lived many years before him, Abigail was mirroring Jesus, who selflessly sacrificed himself on behalf of our sins. As Christ followers, we should do the same, choosing to stand in the gap for others who are hurting, in danger or in need.
8. The Shunammite Woman — The Calm Mother
Bible References
2 Kings 4:8-37
About the Shunammite Woman
The Shunammite woman was a wealthy woman from Shunem. She provided Elisha, the prophet, with meals and a place to stay as he traveled around sharing God’s Word. Because of her compassion for Elisha, God gave the woman a son of her own.
One day, her son tragically died. In that moment, the woman didn’t panic. Instead, she asked for a donkey so she could go and find Elisha.
When Elisha saw the woman coming, he asked his servant to run out to meet her and ask if everything was all right with her, her husband and her child. The woman responded, “Everything is all right” (2 Kings 4:26, NIV).
Once the woman reached Elisha, she told him what happened. Elisha went to the woman’s home and prayed over her son. Soon, the boy opened his eyes, and the woman bowed in gratitude to the Lord.
What Can the Shunammite Woman Teach Us?
Maybe you’re a parent or have children you love in your life. If so, you can imagine the pain the Shunammite woman must’ve felt when her only son died. But instead of panicking, she was calm, as her faith was in God, the One who had given her a son.
This strong woman had incredible faith. She knew that God could use Elisha to make all things right. And while things weren’t okay, they would be with God.
When life hits us with heartbreak and pain, we can have the same faith. Instead of allowing fear to creep into our hearts and minds, we can give every situation over to the One who is in control. And when we do, he’ll give us peace for our panic.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28, NIV
9. Mary the Mother of Jesus — The Obedient Mother
Bible References
Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-21
About Mary
Mary was a young woman from Nazareth who became the mother of Jesus. In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive and give birth to a son named Jesus. But Mary was troubled over the message, as she was unmarried and still a virgin.
Although she was fearful, Mary told Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant … May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV). And fulfilled it was. In Luke 2, God’s Word came to pass when Mary gave birth to a son. She named him Jesus, just as the Lord instructed her to.
What Can Mary Teach Us?
Young Mary wasn’t yet married. And like any young couple, she and her betrothed, Joseph, probably didn’t have much. Not to mention, her pregnancy before marriage would’ve raised plenty of questions and eyebrows.
We can imagine the fear and uncertainty Mary must’ve felt. But she didn’t give in to it. Instead, Mary was obedient, following God’s will despite her fear. Mary remained faithful to God as she raised her Son. That Son would remain faithful too, even to the cross, where he sacrificed his life for the sins of the world.
God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. And sometimes, that plan is scary and filled with what-ifs. But just like Mary, we can trust in God despite our fear and uncertainty. After all, God is faithful, and like Philippians 1:6 says, if he starts a work in you, you can trust that he’ll finish it.
10. Woman With the Issue of Blood — The Woman of Faith
Bible References
Luke 8:40-48
About the Woman With the Issue of Blood
In Luke 8, we find Jesus nearly crushed by a crowd. People surrounded him on all sides. But one woman, the woman with the issue of blood, needed healing. She had been constantly bleeding for 12 years, and no one could heal her.
In desperation, the woman crawled through the crowds and touched Jesus’ garment. Immediately, her bleeding completely stopped. Twelve years of suffering met its end at just a touch of Jesus’ hem.
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” — Luke 8:48, NIV
What Can the Woman With the Issue of Blood Teach Us?
The woman with the issue of blood had a lot to lose. The only way to get Jesus’ attention would be to crawl to him. She would need to drop her pride and risk embarrassment to get to him. But the woman knew that Jesus was the only one who could heal her suffering. So crawl she did.
Sometimes, we must crawl in faith too, especially when waiting on God’s promises. When the words God has spoken to us have yet to be fulfilled in our lives, we can still follow in faith, trusting that he is good.
Others may laugh at our faith. We may feel the crushing of doubt and disappointment. But he always keeps his word. And the crawl? It’ll be worth it.
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” — Mark 11:22-23, NIV
11. Mary Magdalene — The Freed Follower
Bible References
Luke 8:1-2, John 20:11-18
About Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was a woman from the town of Magdala. She was also a faithful follower of Jesus who witnessed his crucifixion, burial and resurrection. In fact, Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus after he arose. Mary was also healed by Jesus. In Luke 8, we read that he had cured Mary of seven demons.
What Can Mary Magdalene Teach Us?
Mary Magdalene was a disciple and friend of Jesus. But she was also a woman with a past. While the Bible doesn’t tell us the nature of that past or her demons, we can understand her suffering.
We can imagine that many of those surrounding Mary may have thought she was too far gone to be a follower of Jesus. Maybe you’ve even heard that said about you or someone you know. But Jesus can heal and save anyone. It doesn’t matter what ails you or what you’ve done — he loves you and is willing to set you free!
12. Tabitha — The Caring Disciple
Bible References
Acts 9:36-42
About Tabitha
Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was a disciple in the New Testament. As a faithful follower of Jesus, Tabitha did good and cared for the poor. However, she became sick and died in Acts 9, devastating the community.
Other disciples sent for Peter, who came and prayed for Tabitha, who then opened her eyes. News of Tabitha’s miracle spread throughout the city, causing many to believe in the Lord (Acts 9:42).
What Can Tabitha Teach Us?
Tabitha was a faithful disciple. She followed the example of Jesus closely, loving those around her, especially the less fortunate. Because of her faith and obedience, she was greatly blessed. Not only did God allow her to be resurrected, but he also used her story to bring many others to him.
God blesses our faith and obedience too. In fact, if we place our faith in Jesus and follow him, we receive the ultimate blessing and gift of eternal life. Plus, we get to introduce others to Jesus, just like Tabitha did.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16, NIV
Génesis From Bolivia Shares Her Favorite Woman From the Bible
Meet Génesis, a 7-year-old sponsored girl from Bolivia who loves reading her Bible. Her favorite woman in the Bible? Esther, a brave queen who saved the Jewish people.
We meet Esther in the Old Testament book named after her. Young Esther hid her Jewish identity and became the queen of Persia. A wicked man within the royal court, named Haman, devised a plan to kill the Jewish people — Esther’s people.
Queen Esther had a choice to make. She could’ve risked her life by approaching the king uninvited, revealing her Jewish identity and asking for her people to be spared. Or she could’ve stood by while her people were killed.
Esther decided to go to the king despite the risks. The king had Haman put to death and promoted Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, to Haman’s position. Mordecai passed a new law, allowing the Jewish people to defend themselves against the Persians. And they triumphed!
Esther was chosen by God, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NIV) to rescue his people. She was obedient and brave, putting her own life at risk to save so many others.
“From the story of Esther, I have learned that she was brave and had faith in God. She was very obedient and cared about others.” — Génesis
Esther teaches us that God has a plan for each of us. And although we may have to risk our comfort or even our lives to follow it, it’s worth it.
Biblical Women FAQs
What Is the Importance of Women in the Bible?
Noah, Moses, Joshua, David … These are names most of us are familiar with. And while these Biblical heroes were critical to fulfilling God’s plan, many Biblical heroines were too. For example, the incredible women of the Bible:
- Became living examples of what following God looks like.
- Remained faithful and obedient to God, helping prepare the way for Jesus.
- Shared the good news of the gospel with others.
What Does the Bible Say About Women?
The Bible includes hundreds of verses about women and for women. These Scriptures shed light on how God views women as made in his image, incredibly valued and dearly loved. Here are some of those Bible verses:
- 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, NIV
- The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” — Genesis 2:18, NIV
- God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. — Psalm 46:5, NIV
- He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. — Proverbs 18:22, NIV
- She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. — Proverbs 31:25-26, NIV
- Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. — Proverbs 31:30, NIV
- Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. — Ephesians 5:25, NIV
- Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! — Luke 1:45, NIV
How Many Books of the Bible Are Named After Women?
There are two books of the Bible named after women: Ruth and Esther. These books are both found in the Old Testament.
We hope these incredible stories of the Bible’s heroines have inspired you today! Dive even deeper into the Bible, learn about the people in Scripture and be encouraged by checking out other stories from Compassion.