30 Strong Women of the Bible and What They Teach Us
Some of the strongest people I’ve known in my life have been women of faith. Women have played crucial roles in the story of salvation history. Throughout the Bible’s key moments, there are women. Women of faith, prayer, courage, and so much more.
So, it would be wise to do a character study on a woman in the Bible, for they have much to teach us. Here is a list of 30 strong women in the Bible and what we can learn from them. Feel free to do a character study on one of them, or another.
If you want to know exactly how to do a character study, then check out this article that will walk you through the process step by step. It’s a great way to begin studying the Bible for the first time.
Strong Women of The Bible
Eve (Genesis 2-3):
Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Eve was the first woman created. She was the wife of Adam, and the mother of humanity. Eve was the first to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the one tree God told Adam and Eve not to eat from.
She then gave some to Adam, and he ate. As a result of their actions, sin entered the world and they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Eve’s punishment was increased pain in childbirth. From Eve we can learn about the consequences and need to take responsibility for our sin before God.
Sarah (Genesis 17-18, 21):
Lesson: Trusting God’s Promises
Sarah is the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. Sarah trusted God’s promises and accompanied Abraham to the Canaan, when God called him. Abraham attempted to pass Sarah off as his sister rather than his wife on multiple occasions. Each time, God protected Sarah.
Sarah was old and unable to bear children, but God gave Sarah and Abraham a promise, they would have a son. This caused Sarah to laugh and eventually name their son Isaac, meaning laughter. From Sarah we can learn to trust God’s promises and His power to fulfill those promises.
Hagar (Genesis 16):
Lesson: God’s Provision in Desperation
Hagar was the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah and mother of Ishmael. When Sarah was unable to bear children for Abraham, she gave him her servant Hagar. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, Abraham’s firstborn son. After Ishmael’s birth Sarah began to mistreat Hagar causing her to flee.
Hagar had an encounter with God at a moment of great desperation when all looked lost. She recognized God as the “God who Sees.” God saw Hagar in her time of desperation and provided for her.
Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah to discuss and contrast life in under the Old Covenant to life in the New Covenant where Hagar and Ishmael represent life under the Old Covenant.
From Hagar, we can learn that about God’s provision during our times of desperation. God sees us and helps us.
Rebekah (Genesis 24):
Lesson: Assertiveness and Independence while Following God.
Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel and wife of Isaac, to whom she bore twin sons – Jacob and Esau. Rebekah is a surprisingly complex and interesting character. She is first introduced as a hospitable virgin willing to leave her family home and marry a stranger she never met.
She was full of love, humility, faith, and discernment. Even comforting Isaac when his mother passed away. She, like Sarah, was barren and unable to have children. During this trying time she turned to God for help.
That said, Rebekah also showed favoritism between her sons and favored Jacob over Esau. She helped plan and execute the means for Jacob to steal Isaac’s blessing, and as a result was forced to send her favorite son away.
Overall, Rebekah could be described as independent and assertive. And we can learn from her story (Both by her example and failures) ways to be independent and assertive without going against God’s will.
Leah (Genesis 29):
Lesson: Finding Value in God’s Eyes
Leah was the daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of seven. Leah was the oldest daughter of Laban, while Rachel was the youngest. Jacob loved Rachel and wanted to marry her, but Laban tricked him into marrying Leah instead. Though, Jacob would end up marrying Rachel as well.
Leah and Rachel’s story after this became an episode of Sister Wives, with the two competing for Jacob’s love and favor through childbirth. Leah ends up giving birth to six sons and one daughter.
Throughout Leah’s life she plays second fiddle to Rachel. Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah, and it’s obvious. But we see God consistently intervene on behalf of Leah (Genesis 29:31). It was Leah who had the most number of children. And it’s through Leah that King David and later Jesus would descend from.
From Leah’s story we can learn about favor in God’s eyes. Our favor in God’s eyes is not dependent on our position in society. Rather, it’s simply His to give. So, no matter our socio-economic status, or whatever God can show us His favor and bless us.
Rachel (Genesis 29):
Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Rachel was the youngest daughter of Laban, the favorite wife of Jacob, and mother to Joseph and Benjamin. Rachel was a shepherdess and Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel.
Rachel is barren while her sister, Leah, gives birth to six sons. She finally gives birth to Jacob’s youngest two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.
Through Rachel’s story we can learn lessons of patience and perseverance. Rachel’s barrenness led her to jealousy and anger toward Leah, and it is only after Joseph is born that they begin to get along. We can learn and see that jealousy and anger don’t have to be a part of perseverance. Rather, faith and trust in God.
Miriam (Exodus 2, Numbers 12):
Lesson: Leadership and Loyalty
Miriam is a fascinating character and person to study. She was the older sister of Moses, and played a key role in his rescue. Moses was placed in a basket and set in the Nile River. Miriam was responsible for keeping an eye on him and watching over him.
Miriam also played a key role in the exodus and wilderness wanderings. After crossing the Red Sea she became a prophetess and led the group in song of victory.
That said, she also sided with Aaron in rebellion against Moses, when he married an Ethiopian woman. This led to God punishing her with leprosy. She was reminded of God’s appointment of Moses as the leader of the community and healed when Moses prayed for her.
Through Miriam’s story we can learn lessons of leadership and loyalty. Miriam is remembered in the Bible as a leader sent by God (Micah 6:4). We can see lessons the importance of cooperation among leaders and loyalty to God’s plan, through her story.
Jochebed (Exodus 2):
Lesson: Courage in Protecting Family
Jochebed was the wife of Amram and mother of Moses. By faith, she defied the order to put her baby in the Nile River, and hid him safely for years. It was only when she couldn’t hide him anymore, she built a basket, placed him in it, and told her daughter to keep an eye on him.
From Jochebed’s story we can learn what it looks like to have courage in protecting family. Courage to do the right thing, when the laws demand doing the wrong thing.
Rahab (Joshua 2):
Lesson: Redemption and Faith
Rahab was a Canaanite prostituted who aided the Israelites spies in Jericho. As a result of her belief in God, she and her family were spared in the conquest of Jericho. We later see that she is the mother of Boaz and is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. She is remembered by the author of Hebrews for her faith.
So, we can learn from her story faith and redemption. Rahab grew up in a pagan society in the worlds oldest profession, but God’s grace through her faith transformed her into a strong woman of faith and courage.
Deborah (Judges 4-5):
Lesson: Leadership and Courage
Deborah was a judge over Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. She is known in the Bible as a prophetess, judge and military leader. She would regularly hear disputes between the people. As a prophetess, she summoned Barak and told him that God instructed him to go to battle against the Canaanite army.
Though Barak is hesitant, and agrees only to do so if Deborah joins him. Deborah says that she will join him, but as a result another woman would get the credit for killing the general of the Canaanite army.
Deborah’s story teaches us about leadership and courage. Her faith and trust in God’s promises enabled her to confidently lead the nation of Israel and provide clear guidance on achieving victory from oppression.
Jael (Judges 4-5):
Lesson: Courage in Unexpected Places
Jael was the other woman Deborah talked about, who would kill the general of the Canaanite army. The general had ran away from the battle after he knew he was going to lose. He sought shelter in Jael’s tent, because there was peace between her family and the Canaanites. Jael invited him in, sheltered him, and killed him in his sleep.
We can learn from her story that courage can come from unexpected places. God can and often does work in unexpected and surprising ways. So, we should always welcome the unexpected work of God in our lives.
Ruth (Book of Ruth):
Lesson: Loyalty and Faithfulness
Ruth was a Moabite woman who left her homeland a widow, and came to live in Bethlehem with her mother in law. She goes on to marry Boaz, and is the great-grandmother of King David. The book of Ruth tells her story in four short chapters. It is set during the time period of the Judges.
Throughout Ruth’s story we see her faithfulness and loyalty not only to Naomi, her mother-in-law, but also to her God as well. This faithfulness, led her to catch the eye of and marry Boaz.
So, Ruth’s story can teach us much about loyalty and faithfulness. Our loyalty to others ought to be rooted in faithfulness to God. God ought to be the highest person to which we are loyal. Our faithfulness to God will ensure that we treat others well.
Naomi (Book of Ruth):
Lesson: Endurance and Resilience
Naomi is the mother-in-law of Ruth. Her story began in tragedy. She had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons during a famine. While in Moab, her sons got married, and eventually all the men in her family died. Naomi grew bitter and wanted to return to her homeland.
This tragedy led her to change her name from Naomi, meaning “Pleasant One” to Mara, meaning “Bitter One.” Naomi would end up playing a key matchmaking role between Ruth and Boaz. This led to the redemption and salvation of her family.
Through Naomi’s story we can learn lessons of resilience and endurance. Naomi had a hard life that led her into great depression, but her endurance and resilience led to the redemption of her family. No matter what we are going through, no matter how hard it is, by God’s grace we can endure, and see salvation.
Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2):
Lesson: Perseverance in Prayer
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah and mother of Samuel. She was barren and brought her desire for a child to God in prayer time and time again at the temple. She promised the Lord that if she had a son, she would dedicate him to God. Eventually, Hannah gave birth to Samuel.
She fulfilled her promise and brought Samuel to the temple to serve under Eli. We can learn from Hannah the power of perseverance in prayer. Hannah was an avid prayer warrior, she did not stop praying until she got an answer from God.
Abigail (1 Samuel 25):
Lesson: Wisdom and Peacemaking
Abigail’s story is one of diplomacy and peacemaking. One time, Abigail’s husband refused David’s request for food and insults David and his men. So, naturally, David tells his men to arm themselves.
But Abigail steps up and intervenes, succeeding in stopping David from killing her husband. She did so by offering food to feed all of David’s men. After her husband’s death, she went on to marry David. Abigail is praised in the Bible for her wisdom and peacemaking.
That is exactly what we can learn from Abigail’s story. It wise and Biblical to treat others humanely. We should strive to display wisdom in the midst of conflict as it can and often does lead to a peaceful resolution.
Michal (1 Samuel 18-19):
Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Michal was the daughter of King Saul and wife of David. She was often caught in the middle of Saul’s plots against David. King Saul promised David that he could marry Michal after a great victory in battle (one in which Saul thought David would die in).
However, David did not die, but returned and married Michal. Later Michal helps David escape from her father when he tries to kill him. After David flees, Saul gives Michal to another man in marriage. Though, David and Michal are reunited after David takes the throne.
From Michal’s story we can learn lessons of courage in adversity. Often times, like Michal we may feel stuck in the middle of some conflict. We can have courage to do the right thing even in the midst of adversity and challenge. Even if it doesn’t mean good things for us.
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12):
Lesson: The Consequences of Sin and God’s Grace
Bathsheba was another wife of David. At first, she was married to Uriah the Hittite. But David lusted after Bathsheba and had an affair. To cover up this affair, David had Uriah killed. She became pregnant due to the affair and lost the child in childbirth due to their sin.
Later she became the mother of King Solomon and played a vital role when David was old in ensuring her son became his successor.
From Bathsheba’s story we can learn lessons of the consequences of sin and God’s grace. Both David and Bathsheba had to face the consequences of their affair. But God’s grace would ensure that Bathseba’s later child would become king. God’s grace covers all sin and nothing is above God’s grace and forgiveness.
Esther (Book of Esther):
Lesson: Courage and Providence
Esther was a Jewish woman who became the Queen of Ahasuerus, the Persian King. Esther lived with her relative Mordecai in Persia. When the king grew disfavored with his queen, he banished her and held a beauty pageant to find a new queen.
Esther won this beauty pageant, but kept her identity as a Jew a secret. After becoming Queen, Esther learns that Haman, a high ranking government official, has plans to kill the Jews. Esther courageously intervenes. She throws a banquet where she eventually reveals her Jewish identity and asks the king to spare the Jewish people.
Esther’s story teaches us a lot about courage and God’s providence. God placed Esther in this position for the purpose of saving her people. For more on Esther and lessons we can learn from her relationship with God check out this article. It reveals how God puts people in specific times for specific reasons.
Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38):
Lesson: Obedience and Humility
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a young girl when she found out that she was going to give birth to the Messiah. Not only was she young, she was also a virgin. An angel appeared to her and told her that she was going to give birth to God’s son, the Savior of the world. Mary readily accepted this news with grace, humility and obedience.
So, we can learn from Mary all about obedience and humility. She did not allow the news that she was giving birth to the Messiah to make her prideful, rather she submitted to God’s will in obedience and trusted His plan for her life.
Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25, 39-45):
Lesson: Faith in God’s Promises
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, mother of John the Baptist, and cousin to Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is known for her piety and faith in God. However, she was barren and old. But God removed her from this shame and she gave birth to John the Baptist.
Elizabeth trusted God’s promises when she heard that she was going to have a child. We can learn from her to trust God’s promises no matter how impossible they seem.
Anna (Luke 2:36-38):
Lesson: Devotion and Patience
Anna was an old prophetess widow who became an attendant at the temple. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, she recognized Jesus as the Messiah. She thanked God for Him, and proclaimed hope and redemption for Jerusalem.
From Anna, we can learn the importance of proper devotion and patience. Anna was constantly in the Temple, fasting and praying. Her devotion to God, strengthened her patience as she waited for the Messiah. At his arrival, she celebrated greatly.
Martha (Luke 10:38-42, John 11):
Lesson: Balancing Service and Devotion
Martha was the sister of Mary of Bethany and Lazarus. Martha is known as a woman who was in charge. When Jesus visited her house, she welcomed them and played the part of the hostess. She fixed meals for them and served them.
When her brother, Lazarus died, she sent word to Jesus, seeking His help in healing her brother. Later, she watched Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead and confessed Jesus as the Messiah.
Martha can teach us about the importance of balancing service and devotion. Martha was so focused on serving Jesus, she forgot to be present with Him. She shows us the importance of balancing service and rest.
Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38-42, John 11-12):
Lesson: Prioritizing Spiritual Matters
Mary of Behany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. While Martha was focussed on serving the disciples and Jesus, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teachings. Jesus commended Mary for her interest in His teaching. When Lazarus was ill Mary sent for Jesus. She later anointed Jesus’s feet with perfume before His death.
Mary’s story shows us the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters. Mary was intentional in sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to his teachings. But how often are we actively listening during church? How often do we prioritize daily reading of the Bible over watching TV?
The Samaritan Woman (John 4):
Lesson: Acceptance and Transformation
The Samaritan Woman was a woman at a well in Samaria who met Jesus. She was going to the well in the middle of the day because she was shamed by the rest of her community. She had many different husbands throughout her life, and in this instance was living with someone she wasn’t married to.
But Jesus saw her, who she really was and introduced Himself as the Savior of the World. So, from her story we can see that God accepts us and transforms us. This encounter with Jesus transformed her from shame to honor. From rejection to acceptance.
And as a result, she quickly spread the word about who Jesus is. So, we can learn how our spiritual transformation from death to life ought to change the way we feel about ourselves and change how we live.
Mary Magdalene (Multiple Gospel accounts):
Lesson: Redemption and Witnessing
Mary was from a town called Magdala. She had seven demons living within her, which Jesus exorcised from her. She became a follower of Jesus and is present at crucial moments in His story. She was there when He died on the cross and when he rose again.
In fact, Mary is the first person to have witnessed the living Lord after His resurrection. After witnessing Jesus, post-resurrection, she went on to tell the disciples the good news.
Mary’s story has a lot to teach us about redemption. No one is unredeemable. God redeems and transforms life completely. Mary’s devotion to the Lord after her redemption is an example that we should follow as we witness to Christ’s redeeming work in our lives and the reality of His resurrection.
Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43):
Lesson: Power of prayer
Dorcas, a.k.a. Tabitha, was a Christian woman and a disciple who lived in Joppa. Once, she became sick and died. Peter came to her and prayed over her and she was restored to life. This resulted in many new believers. Dorcas is known in the Bible for her acts of kindness and service.
So, from her story we can learn about the power of prayer, as well as the importance of kindness and service. Dorcas’s story illustrates God’s power in her resurrection and subsequent life of service.
Lydia (Acts 16:11-15):
Lesson: Hospitality and Openness
Lydia was a wealthy God-fearing Gentile woman who dealt in purple fabric. Lydia becomes one of the first converts to Christianity in Europe after Paul’s arrival in Philippi. Her house becomes the meeting place for the Philippian church, where Paul and Silas will meet with the church before they continue their journey.
Lydia’s story can teach us about hospitality and openness, especially toward fellow believers. She opened her home to the entire Christian community in Philippi, even when it may not have always been convenient.
Sometimes, showing hospitality to other believers is not convenient or something we really want to do. But Lydia shows us that it can be a great blessing.
Priscilla (Acts 18, Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 16):
Lesson: Partnership in Ministry
Priscilla was a Christian missionary, who, along with her husband, became leaders in the early Church. They worked closely alongside Paul in Corinth and Ephesus. Priscilla and her husband taught Apollos in the faith, and he later became a preacher in Corinth and coworker of Paul.
Priscilla can teach us about the importance of partnering in ministry. Ministry is hard work and cannot be done alone. So, we can and should strive to serve in our local churches and constantly encourage our pastors and leaders.
Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2):
Lesson: Servant Leadership
Phoebe was a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae and was commended by Paul. It is possible that she was the one who delivered the letter of Romans to the Church in Rome.
Phoebe served in some capacity at the church at Cenchreae and possibly helped Paul and others through hospitality and financial assistance. Regardless, of her actual role the Bible makes clear that Phoebe was an influential servant leader in the early church.
And it’s that, that we can learn from Phoebe. We can serve and lead through service like Phoebe and Jesus. We can and should seek to do good where we can and show God’s love and grace to others through acts of service.
Lois and Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15):
Lesson: Passing on Faith
Lois was the grandmother of Timothy, who lived at Lystra. And Eunice was Timothy’s mother. These women were instrumental in Timothy’s faith formation. They taught him of the faith. It was their faith that they passed on to Timothy that Paul later commended.
From these great women we can learn the importance of passing on our faith and teaching Scripture to our children and grandchildren. You never know the impact that you may have on someone else’s faith.
