Encyclopedia entry
Women
The position of women in the Hebrew commonwealth contrasts favorably with that which in the present day is assigned to them generally in eastern countries. The most salient point of contrast in the usages of ancient as compared with modern Oriental society was the large amount of liberty enjoyed by women. Instead of being immured in a harem, or appearing in public with the face covered. The wives and maidens of ancient times mingled freely and openly with the other sex in the duties and amenities of ordinary life. Rebekah travelled on a camel with her face unveiled until she came into the presence of her affianced. (Genesis 24:64,65) Jacob saluted Rachel with a kiss in the presence of the shepherds. (Genesis 29:11) Women played no inconsiderable part in public celebrations (Exodus 15:20,21; Judges 11:34) The odes of Deborah, Judg 5, and of Hannah, (1 Samuel 2:1) etc., exhibit a degree of intellectual cultivation which is in itself a proof of the position of the sex in that period. Women also occasionally held public office, particularly that of prophetess or inspired teacher. (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Luke 2:36) The management of household affairs devolved mainly on the women. The value of a virtuous and active housewife forms a frequent topic in the book of Proverbs. ch. (Proverbs 11:16; 12:4; 14:1; 31:10) etc. Her influence was of course proportionably great.
In the Bible
221
Verses where Women is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Corinthians 14:34
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
- 1 Corinthians 14:35
If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.
- 1 Kings 3:16
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
- 1 Kings 11:1
King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women.
- 1 Kings 11:2
These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.
- 1 Peter 3:5
For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were submissive to their husbands,
+215 more verses naming Women.
Scripture on Women
153
See all 153 +−
- Ezekiel 23Exodus 35Esther 1Jeremiah 44Luke 23Exodus 15Nehemiah 13Isaiah 32Ezekiel 161 Timothy 2Genesis 24Genesis 28Exodus 1Joshua 8Judges 5Judges 9Judges 11Ruth 1Ruth 41 Samuel 21 Samuel 151 Samuel 181 Samuel 211 Kings 112 Chronicles 28Nehemiah 8Jeremiah 9Lamentations 2Daniel 11Matthew 28Mark 15Luke 1Luke 8Acts 8Acts 17Romans 11 Corinthians 141 Timothy 5Titus 2Genesis 4Genesis 14Genesis 18Genesis 27Genesis 29Genesis 30Genesis 31Genesis 33Genesis 34Exodus 2Exodus 11Exodus 12Exodus 38Leviticus 26Deuteronomy 2Deuteronomy 3Deuteronomy 20Deuteronomy 31Judges 4Judges 16Ruth 21 Samuel 41 Samuel 91 Samuel 221 Samuel 302 Samuel 12 Samuel 62 Samuel 152 Samuel 192 Samuel 201 Kings 32 Kings 82 Kings 152 Kings 222 Kings 232 Chronicles 352 Chronicles 36Ezra 2Nehemiah 6Nehemiah 7Nehemiah 12Esther 3Esther 8Job 2Job 42Psalms 45Psalms 68Proverbs 11Proverbs 22Proverbs 23Proverbs 31Ecclesiastes 2Song of Solomon 1Song of Solomon 5Song of Solomon 6Isaiah 3Isaiah 4Isaiah 19Isaiah 23Isaiah 27Jeremiah 2Jeremiah 7Jeremiah 31Jeremiah 38Jeremiah 40Jeremiah 41Jeremiah 43Jeremiah 50Jeremiah 51Lamentations 4Lamentations 5Ezekiel 8Ezekiel 9Ezekiel 13Ezekiel 22Hosea 13Amos 1Amos 4Amos 8Micah 2Nahum 3Zechariah 5Zechariah 8Zechariah 9Zechariah 14Matthew 11Matthew 14Matthew 15Matthew 24Matthew 27Mark 16Luke 2Luke 7Luke 17Acts 1Acts 5Acts 9Acts 13Acts 16Acts 22Romans 16Galatians 4Philippians 41 Timothy 32 Timothy 3Hebrews 111 Peter 3Revelation 9Revelation 14
Women references
13
More illustrations of Women
1
Voices on Women
24
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.