The Old Testament is full of women whose stories shaped the history of God's people. Some were mothers of nations, some were prophets and leaders, some were outsiders welcomed into God's family, and some showed great courage at turning points in history. Their stories are honest — showing both faith and failure — and they remind us that God works through women and men alike.
Mothers of the promise
1. Eve
The first woman, created in God's image alongside Adam (Genesis 1:27; 2:22). She was deceived by the serpent and shared in the fall, yet God promised that her offspring would one day crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Adam named her Eve, "because she was the mother of all living" (3:20).
2. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who waited many years for the promised son. When she laughed at the promise in her old age, God asked, "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). She gave birth to Isaac and is remembered for her faith (Hebrews 11:11).
3. Hagar
An Egyptian servant mistreated in Abraham's household. When she fled into the wilderness, God met her and she named him "Thou God seest me" (Genesis 16:13). Her story shows God's care for the overlooked.
4. Rebekah
Isaac's wife, known for her kindness and willingness when she watered the camels of Abraham's servant (Genesis 24). Later, her favouritism toward Jacob caused deep family conflict (Genesis 27).
5. Rachel and Leah
The two wives of Jacob, sisters whose rivalry fills several chapters of Genesis. Leah, the less loved, became the mother of Judah, from whom King David and Jesus descended. Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Women of the exodus
6. Shiphrah and Puah
Two Hebrew midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh's command to kill baby boys, because they "feared God" (Exodus 1:17). God blessed them for their courage.
7. Jochebed and Miriam
Moses' mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile. His sister Miriam watched over him and arranged for their mother to nurse him (Exodus 2). Later, Miriam was called a prophetess and led the women in praise after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20–21).
Women in the land
8. Rahab
A Canaanite woman of Jericho who hid Israel's spies because she believed in Israel's God (Joshua 2). She was spared, joined God's people, and appears in the family line of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Hebrews 11:31 praises her faith.
9. Deborah
A prophetess and judge who led Israel at a time of oppression, summoning Barak to battle and singing a great song of victory (Judges 4–5). She is described as "a mother in Israel" (5:7).
10. Ruth
A Moabite widow whose loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi led her to Bethlehem, where she married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David. See the book of Ruth.
11. Hannah
A woman who wept and prayed for a child and dedicated her son Samuel to God's service. Her song of praise (1 Samuel 2:1–10) celebrates a God who lifts up the humble. See Samuel.
12. Abigail
A wise woman married to a foolish man, Nabal. When David was about to take revenge on her household, she met him with gifts and wise words, preventing bloodshed (1 Samuel 25). David blessed her "advice" and later married her.
Women in the time of the kings and prophets
13. The widow of Zarephath
A poor widow who shared her last flour and oil with the prophet Elijah during a famine. God kept her jar and jug from running out, and later raised her son to life (1 Kings 17). Jesus mentioned her as an example of God's grace to outsiders (Luke 4:25–26).
14. Huldah
A prophetess in Jerusalem consulted by King Josiah's officials when the book of the law was found in the temple (2 Kings 22:14–20). Her word helped spark one of the greatest reforms in Judah's history.
15. Esther
A Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia and risked her life to save her people, saying, "if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). See the book of Esther.
The virtuous woman
Proverbs 31 ends the book with a poem praising "a virtuous woman" — strong, wise, hardworking, generous and devoted to God: "Strength and honour are her clothing" (31:25). See themes in Proverbs.
What we learn from these women
- God sees and values women — often the overlooked and vulnerable.
- Faith takes courage — the midwives, Rahab and Esther risked their lives.
- Prayer changes history — Hannah's prayer led to Samuel's ministry.
- Wisdom can prevent harm — as Abigail showed.
- God's family includes outsiders — Rahab and Ruth became part of the line of the Messiah.
- God uses women as leaders and prophets — Miriam, Deborah and Huldah.
Four women in Jesus' family line
Matthew's genealogy of Jesus names four Old Testament women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba (Matthew 1:3–6). Several were foreigners, and some had painful or complicated stories. Their inclusion shows that God's grace reaches people of every background.
For study and teaching
These stories are excellent for women's Bible studies, Sunday school and family devotions. Browse our Bible study books and English Christian books, or read key people of the Old Testament.