Skip to main content
    Marriage & Family

    What Does the Bible Say About Motherhood?

    What Does the Bible Say About Motherhood? The Bible honors mothers as vital shapers of faith, character, and destiny — from Eve to Mary to the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.

    Key verse: Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)

    The Bible honors mothers as vital shapers of faith, character, and destiny — from Eve to Mary to the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.

    Share:
    Quick Answer

    The Bible honors mothers as vital shapers of faith, character, and destiny — from Eve to Mary to the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.

    "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." — Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Proverbs 31:28 says of the virtuous mother, 'Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.' Proverbs 1:8 instructs, 'Forsake not the law of thy mother.' 2 Timothy 1:5 commends Timothy's faith passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Isaiah 66:13 uses motherhood to illustrate God's comfort: 'As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.' Exodus 20:12 commands, 'Honour thy father and thy mother.' Mary, mother of Jesus, is praised for her faith: 'Blessed is she that believed' (Luke 1:45). Hannah prayed fervently for a son and dedicated Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1). Jochebed risked death to save baby Moses (Exodus 2). The Bible portrays motherhood as a high calling of nurture, instruction, sacrifice, and spiritual influence that shapes generations.

    Key Scripture References

    "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
    "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice."
    "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Related Questions

    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Motherhood?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Proverbs 31:28 says of the virtuous mother, 'Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.' Proverbs 1:8 instructs, 'Forsake not the law of thy mother.' 2 Timothy 1:5 commends Timothy's faith passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Isaiah 66:13 uses motherhood to illustrate God's comfort: 'As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.' Exodus 20:12 commands, 'Honour thy father and thy mother.' Mary, mother of Jesus, is praised for her faith: 'Blessed is she that believed' (Luke 1:45). Hannah prayed fervently for a son and dedicated Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1). Jochebed risked death to save baby Moses (Exodus 2). The Bible portrays motherhood as a high calling of nurture, instruction, sacrifice, and spiritual influence that shapes generations.

    The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.

    The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.