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How women are portrayed in the Bible has been debated for many years. Indeed, there are quite a few passages that make us cringe, but this gallery is not about that. Instead, we look at the women of the Bible who, for better or worse, actually made an impact and shaped the holy book itself. Some of these women are so important that they are venerated to this day, and are even considered religious pillars to many.
Browse through and get to know the most influential women of the Bible.
Mary, the wife of Joseph, was visited by angel Gabriel, who told her she would become the mother of Jesus. Mary was a virgin and Jesus was conceived through the Holy Spirit.
The Virgin Mary is one of the holiest, and indeed one of the most important figures in Christianity. Mary is venerated by millions of people around the world.
Mary Magdalene is sometimes misunderstood, but she is one of the most influential women in the Bible. She became a faithful follower of Jesus after he healed her.
Mary Magdalene is present in numerous key moments of the New Testament, including Jesus' crucifixion.
And she's the one who finds the empty tomb of Jesus: it was Mary Magdalene who, together with other women, announced the resurrection of Christ.
Ruth the Moabite became the widow of her Israelite husband, but she remained faithful to her mother-in-law, Naomi, with whom she moves to Judea.
Ruth is an example of loyalty, love, and kindness. She went on to become the great-grandmother of King David.
Rachel is a symbol of patience and perseverance. She waited to marry Jacob, whom her father tricked into marrying Rachel's sister, Leah. Rachel gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin: two of the 12 founders of the tribes of Israel.
Rachel's tomb can be visited on the road at the entrance of Bethlehem. The site is considered a place of interest for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Hannah prayed for a son and in return she dedicated her life to God. She kept her promise and gave up her son Samuel to be raised in the temple.
Eve might have a bad rep. After all, she is 'responsible' for lots of bad things that happened to humanity (including being the reason why childbirth is painful).
Despite the negative connotations, Eve is undoubtedly one of the most impactful women in the Bible. Assuming that she tempted Adam, the question remains: couldn't he have refused to eat the forbidden fruit?
Deborah is a powerful female figure in the Bible. Not only is Deborah a prophetess, orator, and leader, but she is also the only female judge mentioned in the Bible.
Queen Esther's story is one of action and courage. She went to her husband, the Persian king (even though it was against the law to approach the king like that), and convinced him to spare the lives of all Jewish people in Persia.
Miriam was a prophetess who saved her baby brother, Moses, and helped raise him. Miriam also played a crucial role in the Exodus.
After the pharaoh threatened to kill all Hebrew baby boys, Jochebed put her baby in the Nile and left him in God's hands. Remember the story of Miriam? Well, the baby was Moses.
Sarah was Abraham's wife. God promised Abraham that Sarah would bear his son and she did so at the age of 90. Sarah is a major matriarch figure in the Bible.
Like Sarah, God blessed Elizabeth with motherhood at an older age. Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist, the preacher who baptized Jesus himself.
Priscilla (and her husband Aquila) are known for their hospitality and generosity. Even Paul the Apostle makes reference to meetings held in Priscilla's house.
Mary is the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She was praised by Jesus when she chose to sit and listen to his word rather than focus on housework.
Mary's sister, Martha, put her hosting duties above what Jesus had to say. Though in the end both sisters were faithful followers–they just had different priorities.
Rahab had faith in God and risked her life for a cause. She did so by giving shelter to Israelite soldiers.
Hagar was Sarah’s servant. Sarah was unable to give her husband, Abraham, children. Hagar acted as a surrogate, but when she got pregnant, Hagar and her son Ishmael were cast out. God then sent an angel to help Hagar and her son.
While Bathsheba did have an affair with King David, she also gave birth to Solomon, who succeeded David as king. Bathsheba is undeniably an influential female figure in the Bible.
Abigail, who is described as both intelligent and beautiful, ended up marrying David, the future king of Israel, after her husband Nabal died.
Delilah betrayed Samson and cut off his hair, making him weak. Doesn't sound like she was a very nice person, but we can't deny that Delilah did shake things up in the Bible!
Salome is also somewhat depicted as a wicked, capricious woman, when she asks her stepfather for the head of John the Baptist.
Jehosheba is known for preserving the line of David. She saved her infant nephew, the prince Jehoash, from being massacred by the Queen of Judah.
The name Jezebel still carries a negative connotation to this day. Jezebel worshiped her pagan gods, even though she was married to the king of Israel. This, of course, was frowned upon, as was the fact that she tried to influence her husband to do the same.
Sources: (Grunge) (Woman's Day)
The most influential women of the Bible
For better or worse
LIFESTYLE Religion
How women are portrayed in the Bible has been debated for many years. Indeed, there are quite a few passages that make us cringe, but this gallery is not about that. Instead, we look at the women of the Bible who, for better or worse, actually made an impact and shaped the holy book itself. Some of these women are so important that they are venerated to this day, and are even considered religious pillars to many.
Browse through and get to know the most influential women of the Bible.