The Torah
This woman's name means "Mother of all living"
Eve
A loyal Moabite woman who stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi and joined the lineage of King David.
Ruth
While she was heavily pregnant with her son John, she comforted and rejoiced with her cousin Mary, praising her as the mother of her Lord.
Elizabeth
A businesswoman from Thyatira who sold purple cloth, became a Christian through Paul's preaching, and opened her home for church gatherings.
Lydia
Winner of a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and made a Catholic saint in 2016, this Catholic nun is known for her charity work in over 100 countries to help the sick, dying, orphans, and homeless, especially in Calcutta, India
Mother Teresa
This woman gave birth to her son at age 90, becoming the "matriarch of nations".
Sarah
Wife of Uriah and later King David, mother of King Solomon.
Bathsheba
She followed Jesus, financially supported his ministry, stood by the cross, and was the first witness to the empty tomb.
Mary Magdalene
Named by Paul in Romans as a servant or deacon of the church in Cenchrae, trusted to deliver his letter.
Phoebe
Martin Luther helped this ex-nun to escape from her nunnery in an empty fish barrel. She took refuge in Wittenberg, married Luther, and became known for her bold faith, hospitality, and prominent role in the reformation.
Katharina von Bora ("Katie Luther")
Isaac’s wife and mother of Jacob and Esau, known for her decisive actions and hospitality.
Rebekah
A Jewish queen of Persia who risked her life to save her people from destruction.
Esther
Friends of Jesus, one of these sisters made a profound confession of faith, while the other sat at Jesus's feet learning as a disciple.
Mary & Martha
Declared by Paul in Romans as prominent among the apostles.
Junia
This woman recently retired after serving for 12 years as the first female Presiding Bishop of the ELCA.
Elizabeth Eaton
Moses' sister and a recognized prophetess, known for her joyful song
Miriam
A prophetess and judge of Israel who led an army to victory against Sisera's forces.
Deborah
She left her first husband (her uncle) to marry her other uncle, Herod Antipas, the ruler (tetrarch) of Galilee. She is known for orchestrating the beheading of John the Baptist.
Herodias
Known for her constant acts of charity and kindness, whom Peter raised from the dead.
Dorcas (Tabitha)
French teenage heroine and martyr who led troops during the Hundred Years' War based on her religious visions.
Joan of Arc
After the birth of Isaac, this woman was sent away with her son into the desert of Paran, where God provided water and promised to make her son Ishmael a great nation.
Hagar
The mother of Samuel, known for her deep prayer, sorrow, and joyful gratitude to God.
Hannah
An elderly woman of the Tribe of Asher who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem in the Gospel of Luke.
Anna
A missionary and teacher who worked with her husband Aquila and helped instruct other early believers like Apollos.
Prisca (Priscilla)
This 11th century saint was an abbess, visionary, writer, and composer who advised popes and emperors on spiritual and moral renewal.
Hildegard of Bingen