Let us study 10 women in the Bible and see what we can learn from them today.

There are many women cited in the Bible, some are mentioned by name and others by location, relation or reputation. Regardless of how or when these women are introduced, it is certain that there are lessons we can learn from each of these women in the Bible.

1. Abigail

Abigail was Nabal’s wife, she was beautiful and intelligent (1 Samuel 25:3). When her husband wronged David by refusing to offer him and his men hospitality (1 Samuel 25:10-11), Abigail quickly corrected the wrong. She was such a respectable woman in the Bible that she personally carried food to David and his men and apologized at David’s feet for her husband’s rudeness (1 Samuel 25:23-27).

Lesson: We learn from Abigail to take responsibility for our wrong actions and to apologize and try to make things right with whoever we have hurt or offended.

2. Anna (The Prophetess)

Mary and Joseph encountered Anna when they carried Jesus to the Temple to offer a sacrifice according to the law of Moses (Luke 2:25-24). Anna was a woman in the Bible who was a widow and who dedicated her life to prayer and fasting at the temple daily (Luke 2:36-37). Anna knew what the scriptures said about the Messiah and was able to recognize Jesus even though he was just a child.

Lesson: Anna teaches us to stay focused and keep watching for our Savior. Jesus will return to earth soon and we must be ready. We can adopt a lifestyle of prayer, fasting and devotion like Anna.

3. Esther

Esther is one of the most admired women in the Bible. She won the favor of King Ahasuerus in Esther 2:17 and he chose her to be his queen. Throughout the entire process of preparing to meet the king, Esther took heed to advice from her uncle Mordecai (Esther 2:10) and Hegai, the king’s chamberlain (Esther 2:15). Esther could have easily depended on her beauty and own wisdom but her ability to listen to those in authority caused her to win the approval of the king.

Lesson: We learn from Esther the importance of seeking and heeding to Godly advice and gleaning from the wisdom of those in authority. Sometimes we think we have everything figured out and then later realize how wrong we were. Let us strive to be more like Esther.

4. Hannah

Our introduction to this woman in the Bible (1 Samuel 1:2) tells us that Hannah had no children for her husband at one point in time. This grieved her greatly and she sought the Lord fervently for a child. On one occasion during a visit to the Temple with her husband, Hannah made a vow to God that if she was able to bear a son, she would give him back to God (1 Samuel 1:11). Such a serious vow to make before God! But Hannah meant it and when she bore her son, Samuel, she gave him back to the Temple to serve there (1 Samuel 1:28).

Lesson: We learn from Hannah to keep our promises to God, no matter what they are and be willing to give to God even if it costs us dearly. Hannah could have changed her mind after receiving her beautiful boy child, but she kept her word and Samuel grew into one of the most respected Prophets of God.

5. Mary (Mother of Jesus)

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a remarkable woman in the Bible that we can learn from. Luke 1:26-38 chronicles the encounter with Mary and Angel Gabriel where Mary first learned that she would give birth to the Son of God. What a daunting thing to learn! However at the end of that encounter, Mary’s words to Gabriel still leave us in awe today; “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).

Lesson: Mary is the perfect example of surrendering to the will of God. In spite of the enormous challenges Mary knew awaited her, she humbly submitted to God and gave way to His will not hers.

6. Mary (Sister of Martha and Lazarus)

Mary was one of the women in the Bible who adored Jesus. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus (whom Jesus raised from the dead). In Luke 10:38-42 we see Jesus spending time at her sister’s home. Instead of helping Martha with preparations to host Jesus, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him speak. Martha was clearly upset by this but Jesus praised Mary for choosing to do that which is more important.

Many times in our life, we often get caught up in all our chores, errands and preparations that we barely make any time to just sit and commune with God.

Lesson: Mary teaches us to choose what is needful and of more importance, which is, spending quality time with Jesus.

7. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene’s devotion to Jesus can be traced throughout the New Testament. She was a woman in the Bible who followed Jesus closely. She was present at His crucifixion (Matthew 27:56) and present at His tomb to dress the body (Matthew 28:1). Mary Magdalene was also the first person Jesus revealed Himself to after His resurrection (John 20:16-17).

Lesson: Walk with Jesus daily, follow Him and be devoted to Him. Let your life be Christ centered.

8. Pricilla

Pricilla was mentioned together with other women in the Bible during one of Paul’s stay in Corinth. Pricilla was among a few others who accompanied Paul back to Ephesus. One day, she encountered a man speaking of Jesus in the synagogue. Realizing that this man had only limited knowledge of Jesus, Pricilla invited the man back to her house and taught him the truth of Jesus and salvation (Acts 18:24-26) .

Lesson: Pricilla teaches us to always be ready to teach the Word of God and share of the salvation offered by Jesus Christ.

9. Rahab

Rahab was a woman in the Bible who played a big role in helping Joshua and his men defeat the city of Jericho. When Joshua sent spies into Jericho, they hid at Rahab’s home in order to evade the enemy (Joshua 2:1) and she helped conceal them. Rahab asked Joshua’s men to spare her and her family when they came to conquer the land, and because of her kindness and faith in God, they were spared.

Lesson: In Joshua 2:9, it shows us that Rahab believed in the God of Israel even though she was a Gentile. Rahab teaches us to have faith in God and trust that He will protect and defend us.

10. Ruth

Ruth chapter 1 gives us a backstory into Ruth, a loyal woman in the Bible. We see here that although Ruth’s husband had passed away and she was free to return to her home land, she chose to stay with her mother in law, Naomi and take care of her. Ruth was devoted to Naomi and worked hard in the fields to help provide for them. Because of her loyalty, she won the favor of Boaz who later became her husband.

Lesson: Ruth teaches us to be loyal and devoted to those who needs us the most. Most importantly, we must strive to be loyal to God, the one who is always faithful to us.

Lessons from Women in the Bible

In our everyday life, the stories of these women in the Bible serve as guidance and sources of wisdom and strength. They encourage us to live our lives with faith, boldness, strength, kindness and grace, knowing that amidst life’s challenges, we too can be used by God to accomplish great things. As we glean from their wisdom, may we embody the timeless virtues they exemplify, and may their legacies continue to inspire and uplift us as we strive to live a Christ centered life.