Topical Bible: Women's
Topical Encyclopedia
The role and status of women in the Bible is a subject of considerable interest and importance, reflecting both the cultural context of the times and the enduring principles of faith. Women in the Bible are portrayed in various roles, from leaders and prophets to mothers and wives, each contributing uniquely to the unfolding narrative of God's people.
Creation and the Image of God
The Bible begins with the creation account, where both man and woman are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This foundational truth establishes the inherent dignity and worth of women, equal to that of men, as bearers of God's image.
Roles and Responsibilities
Throughout the Old Testament, women are seen in diverse roles. They are often depicted as wives and mothers, central to the family unit. Proverbs 31 provides a detailed description of a virtuous woman, highlighting her industriousness, wisdom, and fear of the Lord. Women like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah are pivotal in the patriarchal narratives, shaping the destiny of Israel.
Women also serve as leaders and prophets. Deborah, a judge and prophetess, is a notable example of female leadership. Judges 4:4 states, "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time." Her account illustrates the capacity of women to lead and deliver God's people.
Women in the Life of Jesus
In the New Testament, women play significant roles in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is honored for her obedience and faith. The Gospels record Jesus' interactions with women, often countercultural for His time. He speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), heals the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), and defends the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).
Women are also the first witnesses to the resurrection of Christ. Mary Magdalene and other women are entrusted with the message of the risen Lord, as recorded in Matthew 28:1-10. This highlights the important role women played in the early Christian community.
The Early Church
In the early church, women are active participants and supporters of the ministry. Acts 16:14-15 mentions Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who becomes a believer and offers hospitality to Paul and his companions. Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, is noted for her teaching and support of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:26).
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, acknowledges the contributions of women in the church. In Romans 16, he commends several women, including Phoebe, a deaconess, and Junia, noted among the apostles. However, Paul also provides instructions regarding the roles of women in church gatherings, emphasizing order and propriety (1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-12).
Theological Reflections
The Bible presents a complex and multifaceted view of women, shaped by cultural, historical, and theological factors. Women are portrayed as integral to God's redemptive plan, with roles that reflect both equality in creation and distinctiveness in function. The biblical narrative affirms the value and dignity of women, calling them to live out their faith in various capacities, whether in the home, the church, or society at large.
Library
Of Women's Dress.
... Chapter XX."Of Women's Dress. So far, however, as regards the dress
of women, the variety of observance compels us"men of no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xx of womens dress.htm
Women's Bible Training School
... CHAPTER XVI WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL. "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel."
Motto of the Hwochow Bible School. ... WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL. ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvi womens bible training.htm
Hwochow Women's Bible Training School
... HWOCHOW WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL. COURSE OF STUDY. ... Singing and Memorisation
of Hymns. PRACTICAL WORK."Assist in conducting Elementary Classes for Women. ...
/.../hwochow womens bible training school.htm
The Liberation of Free Persons Condemned to Labor in the Women's ...
... Book II. Chapter XXXIV."The Liberation of Free Persons condemned to labor
in the Women's Apartments, or to Servitude. "Lastly, if ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxiv the liberation of free.htm
That no Man Shall Deem Another, but Give God Praise: and of Eight ...
... BOOK I CHAPTER XII THAT NO MAN SHALL DEEM ANOTHER, BUT GIVE GOD PRAISE: AND OF EIGHT
AFFECTIONS OF THE LOVE OF GOD: AND THAT WOMEN'S COMPANY BE ESCHEWED. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xii that no man.htm
The Young Titus
... after rod of the slowly rising ground he traversed; rod after rod of the tall
fortification passed under his inspection, and now the twin Women's Towers rose ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm
The Prince of Life
... and his raiment white as snow: 4. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and
became as dead men.5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the prince of life.htm
Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... palace at Susa. Vashti, the queen, also gave a feast for the women in the
royal palace which belonged to King Xerxes. On the seventh ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm
The Incredulous Disciples
... There is nothing here of the earthquake, or of the descending angel, or of the
terrified guard, or of our Lord's appearance to the women. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the incredulous disciples.htm
Author's Preface.
... entrance credit in Baylor University. Women's societies will find it well
suited to their Bible study work. The aim has been to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tidwell/the bible period by period/authors preface.htm
Thesaurus
Women's (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Women's (9 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 4:7 and the profane
and old women's fables reject thou, and exercise thyself unto piety, (YLT). ...
/w/women's.htm - 9k
Treatments (3 Occurrences)
... officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all
the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to ...
/t/treatments.htm - 7k
Cosmetics (3 Occurrences)
... officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all
the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to ...
/c/cosmetics.htm - 7k
Eunuch (20 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A male of the human species castrated; commonly, one of a class of such
persons, in Oriental countries, having charge of the women's apartments. ...
/e/eunuch.htm - 22k
Custody (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:3 David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women
his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in custody ...
/c/custody.htm - 15k
Lady (37 Occurrences)
... the king's house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the
women's house. (See NAS). Esther 2:12 Each young woman's ...
/l/lady.htm - 22k
Harem (8 Occurrences)
... officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all
the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to ...
/h/harem.htm - 9k
Beautiful (152 Occurrences)
... The name of one of the gates of the temple (Acts 3:2). It is supposed to have been
the door which led from the court of the Gentiles to the court of the women. ...
/b/beautiful.htm - 38k
Beauty (98 Occurrences)
... officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all
the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to ...
/b/beauty.htm - 45k
Needed (59 Occurrences)
... men in all the divisions of his kingdom, to get together all the fair young virgins
and send them to Shushan, the king's town, to the women's house, under the ...
/n/needed.htm - 25k
Resources
What does the Bible say about women's rights? | GotQuestions.org
What is the YMCA / YWCA? | GotQuestions.org
What is the definition of enmity? | GotQuestions.org
Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus
Concordance
Women's (9 Occurrences)
1 Timothy 4:7
and the profane and old women's fables reject thou, and exercise thyself unto piety,
(YLT)
Revelation 9:8
They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like those of lions.
(WEB WEY DBY RSV NIV)
Deuteronomy 22:5
A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
(WEB NIV)
2 Samuel 1:26
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant wast thou unto me; Thy love to me was wonderful, passing women's love.
(DBY)
Esther 2:3
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them;
(WEB BBE)
Esther 2:9
The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king's house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women's house.
(WEB BBE)
Esther 2:11
Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women's house, to find out how Esther did, and what would become of her.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS)
Esther 2:13
The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women's house to the king's house.
(WEB BBE)
Esther 2:14
In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name.
(WEB)
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