45 Women In The Bible Who Left A Mark

As a woman, I am always so intrigued when I come across stories/scriptures related to the different women in the Bible. There are so many women to learn from and so many lessons to take away from each story involving a woman. God has given women value, a voice, and an important since the beginning of time. And the more you read scripture, the more you can see that. Below I am sharing a compilation of 45 women in the bible who left a mark, whether they were heroes like Rahab or villains like Jezebel.

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45 WOMEN IN THE BIBLE WHO LEFT A MARK IN HISTORY

Women In The Bible

On this occasion I am not going to dive deep into any of the women listed below. Instead, I am going to equip you with the sources so that you can study each woman on your own. So, below I am listing the 45 most important women from the old testament and the new testament in alphabetical order, telling you who they were (how they left a mark), and the most relevant bible verse that mentions them.

Women In The Bible From The Old Testament

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1. Achsah

The daughter of Caleb
Given as a wife to Othniel after he conquered Kirjath Sepher.
Her request for land and springs of water from Her father was conceded.

Joshua 15:16-19 And Caleb said, “He who attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife.” So Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. Now it was so, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. (NKJV)

2. Asenath

Egyptian daughter of Potiphera, a priest from the city of On.
Married Joseph with the approval of the Pharaoh.

The mother of Manasseh and Ephraim – tribes in Israel.

Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. (NKJV)

3. Athalia

The daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel.

Described as the “Evil Queen”
Eliminated most of the royal heirs of the Davidic lineage.
Reigned as a Monarch in Israel for 6 years

Became the most powerful woman at the time.

2 Kings 11:1,3 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs……So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land. (NKJV)

4. Bathsheba

Formally the wife of Uriah, a soldier who King David later killed.

Committed adultery with King David and later became his wife.
Lost her first son with David as a consequence for their sin.
Played an active role to ensure that her second son with David, Solomon, would become the successor to the throne of Israel.

2 Samuel 12:24Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the Lord loved him, (NKJV)

5. Deborah

A female prophet and judge in Israel.
Referred to herself as “Mother in Israel”

Went off to battle with Barak against Sisera.

Judges 4:4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. (NKJV)

Judges 5:7 Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel. (NKJV)

6. Delilah

Philistine woman romantically involved with Samson.
Bribed by the Philistine’s to discover Samson’s secret.
Betrayed Samson and provoked his downfall.

Judges 16: 4-5 Afterward it happened that he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Entice him, and find out where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and every one of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.” (NKJV)

7. Dinah

Daughter of the Patriarch Jacob.
Raped by Shechem, a Hivitive prince who later falls in love with her.

Rescued from Shechem’s house by her brothers, who killed every men in Shechem as they avenged her rape.

Genesis 34:1-2 Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her. (NKJV)

8. Esther

Formally known as Hadassah (her jewish name).

Jewish orphan who found favor with the King and became Queen in Persia.
Risked her life to save the Jewish people from being killed by Haman’s plan.

Esther 4:15-16 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (NKJV)

9. Eve

The first woman, wife, and mother on earth.
Created by God to become Adam’s wife and helper.
Tricked by the serpent and was the first person to sin.

Genesis 3:20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. (NKJV)

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10. Gomer

The wife of the prophet Hosea who was unfaithful to him.
Gave Hosea three children: Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Loaami.

Her relationship with Hosea was a representation of God’s love towards his unfaithful people, Israel.

Hosea 1:2-3 When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry. By departing from the Lord.” So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. (NKJV)

11. Hagar

Sarah’s Egyptian maid.

The mother of Abraham’s first son, Ishmael.
Left Abraham’s house after being mistreated by Sarah.
Encountered God in the wilderness.

Genesis 16:3 Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. (NKJV)

Genesis 16:13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” (NKJV)

12. Hannah

One of Elkanah’s two wives, but his favorite one.

Hannah was barren until God attended her prayer.
Dedicated her first son, Samuel, to the Lord and had more children afterwards.

1 Samuel 1:19 Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. (NKJV)

13. Jehosheba

Daughter of King Jehoram.
Wife of the priest Jehoiada.
A courageous princess who hid and saved Joash from being killed by Athaliah so that he can reign as rightful king on the throne.

2 Kings 11:1-2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. (NKJV)

14. Jezebel

Phoenician princess who became the queen of Israel.
Killed the prophets of the Lord, had Naboth stoned to death, and persecuted prophet Elijah.

Influenced and manipulated her husband King Ahab into worshiping Baal and abandoning worship to God.

1 Kings 21:25 But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. (NKJV)

15. Jochebed

Wife of Amram and mother of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron.

From the tribe of Levi.
Defied Pharaoh’s order and hid her newborn son Moses, saving his life.
Placed Moses in a basket in the Nile and trusted God to preserve his life.

Exodus 2:1-2 And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. (NKJV)

16. Leah

The daughter of Laban, sister of Rachel, and first wife of Jacob.
God opened her womb after seeing Jacob’s preference for Rachel.

Mother of 6 of the tribes of Israel.
The mother of Judah, the tribe Jesus came from.

Genesis 29:31 When the Lord saw that Leah wasunloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. (NKJV)

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17. Michal

Saul’s youngest daughter and David’s first wife.
Used by her Father in his plot against David.
Given in marriage to Paltiel by her father while still married to David.

1 Samuel 18:28 Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him. (NKJV)

1 Samuel 19:11 Saul also sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and to kill him in the morning. And Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” (NKJV)

18. Miriam

The sister of Aaron and Moses.

Followed Moses through the Nile river to see where the river led him to.
Led the Israelites in worship as they sang after being freed from the Egyptians.

Exodus 15:20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. (NKJV)

19. Naomi

The widow of Eimelech and mother-in-law of Ruth.
Lost her husband and two sons in the land of Moab but returned home with her daughter-in-law.
Became the nurse of Ruth and Boaz’s son.

Ruth 4: 14-15 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” (NKJV)

20. Peninnah

The second wife of Elkanah.
Hannah’s rival – fought each other for Elkanah’s love.

Although she wasn’t loved by Elkanah, she was fertile.

1 Samuel 1:2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. (NKJV)

21. Proverbs 31 Woman

Represents the ideal woman: who is an excellent wife and mother.

Proverbs 31: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” (NKJV)

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22. Rachel

The youngest daughter of Laban.
The mother of Joseph and Benjamin, two of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Given to Jacob as his wife after he had to work many years for her.
Experienced a long period of barrenness until God granted her kids.

Genesis 29:20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. (NKJV)

23. Rahab

A canaanite prostitute who turned into a heroine after helping Israelite spies escape from Jericho.
Saved from the destruction of Jericho.
Became part of Jesus’ genealogy after marrying Salmon and having Boaz.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. (NKJV)

24. Rebekah

The daughter of Betuel and great-niece of Abraham.
Married Isaac and gave him twin sons, Jacob and Esau.

Unable to conceive for 20 years until God attended Isaac’s prayer.
Helped Jacob trick Isaac so that he can bless Jacob instead of Esau.

Genesis 24:67 Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (NKJV)

25. Ruth

A moabite who left everything behind to follow her mother-in-law.
Widow to Mahlon who later married Boaz, a prosperous man.
The mother of Boaz and great grandmother of David.

Ruth 1:16 :But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. (NKJV)

26. Sarah

The Matriarch of Israel.
Abraham’s wife who was childless until she was 90 years old.

Before conceiving her own child, Sarah gave Abraham her maid Hagar so that Hagar can give Abraham a son.

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (NKJV)

27. Tamar

Judah’s daughter-in-law who became a widow.

Tricked Judah and gave him two sons after being unable to remarry.
Secured a place in the family and genealogy of Jesus.

Genesis 38:26-27 So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She (Tamar) has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again. Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb (NKJV)

28. Vashti

The first wife of Ahasuerus.
After refusing to appear before Ahasuerus to show off her beauty in front of his guests, she was sent away and replaced by Esther.

Esther 1:17 For the queen’s behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come. (NKJV)

29. Yael

Played an important role in fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy.
Tricked Sisera, the general of King Jabin, and killed him.

Judges 4:21 Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. (NKJV)

30. Zelophehad’s Daughters

Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Part of the new generation that entered the promised land.
Instead of conforming themselves to not receiving an inheritance since they were women, they presented their case before Moses.

Their request was granted, resulting in them inheriting their father’s inheritance and changing the law for all generations to come.

Numbers 27:6 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. (NKJV)

31. Zipporah

Midianite woman who became Moses’ wife.

Had two sons with Moses, Gershom and Eliezer.
When Moses was in danger (after neglecting to circumcise his son), Zipporah intervened and saved Moses from being killed.

Exodus 4:25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” So He let him go. Then she said, “You are a husband of blood!”—because of the circumcision. (NKJV)

Women In The Bible From The New Testament

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32. Anna The Prophetess

A prophetess from the tribe of Asher.
Encountered Jesus in the temple when he was just a baby.
After becoming a widow, she dedicated her life to serve God.

Blessed to see the prophecy of the Messiah fulfilled before her eyes.

Luke 2:36-37 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (NKJV)

33. Candace

Euthopian queen, whose eunuch converted to Christianity under the preaching of Philip.

Acts 8:27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, (NKJV)

34. Dorcas AKA Tabitha

A charitable disciple full of good works.
Became sick and died.

Raised from the dead by Peter.

Acts 9:36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. (NKJV)

35. Elizabeth

The wife of priest Zechariah.

The cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Barren until she got pregnant at an old age with John the Baptist.
Was pregnant with John at the same time Mary was pregnant with Jesus.

Luke 1:41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

36. Eunice

Jewish believer who married a greek man.
The mother of Timothy.

Played a positive role in Timothy’s godly upbringing.

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (NKJV))

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37. Joanna

The wife of Chuza, who worked for Herod.

Used her wealth and great influence to provide food and supplies during Jesus’ ministry.
Followed Jesus throughout his travels, was present in both his crucifixion and burial, and witnessed his empty tomb.

Luke 8:3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (NKJV)

38. Lydia

A seller of purple cloth from Thyatira who lived in Philippi.
The first person (and woman) to convert to Christianity in Europe.
Business woman who opened her home to Paul and missionaries: they stayed at her home while they were in Philippi.

Acts 16:14-15 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us. (NKJV)

39. Martha

The sister of Mary and Lazarus.
A friend of Jesus.
A true example of hospitality.
Enjoyed serving Jesus, but would miss out on spending quality time with Him because of the many tasks she had.
Declared that Jesus is the Son of God during a period of loss.

Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (NKJV)

40. Mary

Virgin chosen to carry and give birth to Jesus.
Wife of Joseph and mother of Jesus, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.

Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (NKJV)

41. Mary Magdalene

Became a devoted follower of Jesus after he casted out seven demons from her.
Followed Jesus until the end and witnessed all the events that followed His crucifixion.
The first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus.

John 20: 15-16 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). (NKJV)

42. Mary of Bethany

The sister of Martha and Lazarus.
Mary demonstrated her devotion to the Lord by choosing to spend time with Him above all things.
Mary impacted Jesus and everyone at the table when she poured a very expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet.

Luke 10:42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (NKJV)

43. Phoebe

A deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
A helper of many who was loved by the church.

Romans 16:1-2 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. (NKJV)

44. Priscilla

The wife of Aquila.
Met Paul in Corinth after fleeing from Italy from the Roman persecution.
Lived with Paul while He was founding the Corinthian church.
Established a church in her home with Aquila after moving to Ephesus.
Both Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul and showed hospitality throughout their ministry.

Romans 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. (NKJV)

45. Samaritan Woman

Nameless lone Samaritan woman who met Jesus at a well.
Outcast and judged by everyone in her town, but noticed by Jesus.
Had 6 failed marriages and was unable to fill her void with men.
Filled the void in her heart after encountering Jesus.

John 4: The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (NKJV)

GRAB “Women Of The Bible Who Left Their Mark In History“

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Women Of The Bible Who Left Their Mark In History Book

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you enjoyed reading about the 45 women in the Bible who left a mark in history.

Comments

Linda Schultz says

May 21, 2024 at 9:31 pm

Your site is wonderful. You did a lot of studying of women in the Bible. Thank you for sharing your hard and loving work.

- Gabby Abigail says
  
  May 31, 2024 at 11:38 am
  
  Thank you so much for this beautiful comment! Means the world 🙏🏻