Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, "The Woman" often refers to various significant female figures who play crucial roles in the unfolding of God's plan. These women are depicted in both the Old and New Testaments, each contributing uniquely to the biblical account.
EveEve is the first woman mentioned in the Bible, created by God as a companion for Adam. Her account is found in
Genesis 2-3. Eve is formed from Adam's rib, symbolizing the intimate relationship between man and woman.
Genesis 2:22 states, "Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man." Eve's role in the Fall, as she is deceived by the serpent and eats the forbidden fruit, is pivotal. This act introduces sin into the world, as described in
Genesis 3:6: "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
SarahSarah, originally named Sarai, is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is primarily found in
Genesis 11-23. Despite her initial barrenness, God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son, making her a key figure in the Abrahamic covenant.
Genesis 17:19 records God's promise: "But God replied, 'Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.'"
RuthRuth, a Moabite woman, is celebrated for her loyalty and faith. Her account is told in the Book of Ruth. After the death of her husband, Ruth chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and adopts Naomi's people and God as her own.
Ruth 1:16 captures her devotion: "But Ruth replied, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.'" Ruth's faithfulness leads to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Mary, Mother of JesusMary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in the New Testament. Her account is primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Chosen by God to bear the Messiah, Mary is a model of obedience and faith. The angel Gabriel announces to her in
Luke 1:30-31, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus." Her response, known as the Magnificat, reflects her humility and devotion (
Luke 1:46-55).
Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalene is a prominent disciple of Jesus, known for her devotion and witness to His resurrection. She is mentioned in all four Gospels. Jesus heals her of seven demons, as noted in
Luke 8:2. Mary Magdalene is present at the crucifixion and is the first to witness the risen Christ, as recorded in
John 20:16-18: "Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher). Jesus said, 'Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, "I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God."' Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord!' And she told them what He had said to her."
The Woman in RevelationIn the Book of Revelation, "The Woman" is a symbolic figure representing God's people.
Revelation 12 describes a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She gives birth to a male child who is to rule all nations.
Revelation 12:1-2 states, "A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth." This imagery is often interpreted as representing Israel or the Church, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle and God's ultimate victory.
Throughout the Bible, "The Woman" encompasses a range of figures, each contributing to the narrative of redemption and illustrating various aspects of faith, obedience, and God's providence.
