10 Powerful Women in the Bible That Every Christian Should Honor

Throughout Scripture, readers can easily see the powerful part women play in God’s story. Here’s a look at 10 of the most prominent Biblical women that every Christian should know.

1. Mary of Nazareth

By far, the most significant woman in the Bible is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She gave birth to the world’s Savior after Gabriel explained the role she would play in God’s story. While frightened, Mary embraced the calling and bore Jesus for the future of humanity.

Luke 1:26-33

The angel said to her, Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High.

2. Ruth the Moabite

The coming of Jesus wouldn’t have been possible without Ruth, who followed her mother-in-law to Israel after her husband died. There, Ruth met Boaz and together they became the great-grandparents of King David from whom the Messiah would descend according to prophesy.

In ancient context, Ruth faced incredible tribulation. As she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Israel, she helped God gain victory through her faith, even when faced with impossible circumstances.

Ruth 1:16 

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

3. Mary Magdalene

Often misunderstood, Mary was a faithful follower of Jesus. Jesus healed her and, thereafter, she attended to His needs and inspired His disciples. She later witnessed His crucifixion and burial. Three days later, she was the first to view Christ’s empty tomb and was a primary witness to his resurrection.

Matthew 28:1

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

4. Rachel

Rachel yearned to marry Jacob, the love of her life. Deceived by her father and sister who tricked Jacob into marrying Rachel’s sister, Leah, after seven years of working to marry Rachel, she patiently waited another seven years to marry Jacob.

Years later, she became mother to Joseph, who saved Israel single-handedly with God’s strength. She also gave birth to Benjamin, from whom Paul the Apostle descended and played a crucial role in the world’s redemption.

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

5. Hannah

Another often-overlooked character among women in the Bible is Hannah, who played an important role in God’s story. Hannah prayed endlessly to bear a son. She promised God she would devote herself to Him if He were to bring her a son, and God fulfilled her request. Hannah kept her word, leaving her son, Samuel, in the Lord’s temple. Later, he rescued Israel from centuries of slavery.

1 Sam. 1-2:11

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

6. Eve

One of the most well-known women in the Bible, Eve is the mother of humanity. As such, her importance simply can’t be overstated. Although Adam and Eve brought sin and death to the world, they also represent God’s promise to redeem humanity.

Genesis 3:20

The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

7. Deborah

During the time of judges, Deborah was a prophet, a priestess, and the only woman judge and military leader who led Israel. She purified the nation through ruthless faith, and Israelites were at peace for 40 years.

Judges 4:9

Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”

8. Esther

Chosen out of Israel’s women, Esther used her political influence to destroy anti-Semitic enemies. Through faith, she saved Israel from the consequences of its spiritual folly, much like Deborah had previously.

Esther 9:29–31

So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance—to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation.

9. Miriam

As the older sister of Moses and a prophet, Miriam helped save Moses when he was an infant after his mother set him afloat in the Nile River to protect him. Miriam helped instill a devotion to the Lord through Moses.

Exodus 15:20–21

Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.”

10. Sarah

A very strong woman, Sarah was Abraham’s wife and exemplified how God always keeps His promises. When God promised Abraham a son, Sarah gave birth at age 90 to Isaac, who became the second patriarch of Israel and a symbol of faith.

Genesis 17:19

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.

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