Name the Women of the Bible: Notable & Forgotten Biblical Women

Name the Women of the Bible: 16 Notable & Forgotten Biblical Women

Looking for a list of women in the Bible? The Bible is filled with remarkable women, but many of their names and stories remain unknown or forgotten. In this guide, we name the women of the Bible—both famous and obscure. Discover 16 notable women in the Bible, from well-known figures like Mary Magdalene to overlooked women like Holda and Vashti. Whether you’re searching for a complete list of names or want to learn about unknown biblical women, this post will introduce you to their fascinating stories.

Name the Women of the Bible: Their Stories & Significance

Notable Women of the Bible: Names & Stories

Hagar: The God Who Sees

Hagar, the Egyptian slave of Sarah, was cast out into the wilderness with her son Ishmael. She is the only woman in the Bible to give God a name, calling Him “El-Roi,” meaning “The God Who Sees” (Genesis 16:13). In both Jewish and Islamic traditions, she is a foundational matriarch.

Vashti: The Queen Who Said No

Vashti, the first wife of King Xerxes in the Book of Esther, is often overlooked. She refused the king’s command to display her beauty before his drunken guests, leading to her dismissal. Her story is one of dignity and resistance, making her a powerful figure of autonomy.

Holda: The Forgotten Prophetess

Mentioned in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, Holda was a temple prophet who validated sacred scriptures. She played a key role in early biblical canon formation, demonstrating that women held authoritative spiritual roles in ancient Israel.

Unknown Women in the Bible and Related Texts

Beyond the well-known biblical figures, there are women whose stories have been obscured or exist in ancient religious writings outside of mainstream scripture.

The Women and the Watchers (Genesis Apocryphon)

In early Jewish literature, the Watchers were divine beings who mated with human women, producing the Nephilim (giants). These women were often blamed, but some traditions depict them as victims rather than seductresses. This alternate origin story of sin shifts the burden from women to supernatural forces.

Batanoosh & Amzara: Women Named in the Bible’s Extended Writings

In the Genesis Apocryphon, Noah’s mother, Batanoosh, and his wife, Amzara, are named, whereas they are absent from the canonical Genesis account. Batanoosh’s defense of her son’s legitimacy is a rare instance of a woman asserting her voice in ancient texts.

Women in the Apocrypha and Second Temple Writings

Judith: The Warrior Widow

The Book of Judith (part of the Apocrypha) tells the story of a widow who beheads an enemy general to save her people. She is an emblem of courage, faith, and female agency in biblical storytelling.

Susannah: A Biblical #MeToo Story

In an additional chapter of Daniel (found in the Apocrypha), Susannah is falsely accused by elders after rejecting their advances. The prophet Daniel exposes their lies, making this one of the earliest biblical accounts of justice for women facing false accusations.

Women in the New Testament

The Woman at the Well: A Misunderstood Figure

The Samaritan woman Jesus speaks to at the well is often portrayed as sinful, yet many scholars argue she was a victim of societal structures rather than a woman of ill-repute. Jesus’ conversation with her is one of the longest recorded dialogues he has with anyone in the Gospels.

Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles

Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute (as she was later mischaracterized) but one of Jesus’ closest followers. She was the first to witness the resurrection and is called “the apostle to the apostles.” Some early Christian texts suggest she played a larger role in spreading Jesus’ teachings than we commonly acknowledge.

Alphabetical List of Women’s Names in the Bible

For those searching for a quick reference, here is an alphabetical list of notable women named in the Bible:

  • Anna
  • Batanoosh
  • Deborah
  • Esther
  • Hagar
  • Holda
  • Judith
  • Mary Magdalene
  • Miriam
  • Naomi
  • Priscilla
  • Ruth
  • Sarah
  • Susannah
  • Vashti
  • Zipporah

Why These Women Matter

The names and stories of women in the Bible have long been ignored or erased. By rediscovering them, we recognize their voices and contributions. Whether named in scripture or remembered through ancient traditions, these women shaped religious history and deserve to be celebrated.

For more discussion on these figures, listen to our Almost Heretical episode on forgotten women in the Bible using the audio player above. Let’s continue to uplift and honor these voices that history has too often overlooked.

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