Skip to main content
    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Motherhood — In Biblical Context

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

    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 Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Proverbs 31:28, sits inside Proverbs 31. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

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

    Supporting Passages

    2 Timothy 1:5
    "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice."
    Proverbs 1:8
    "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Meaning

    Plain-language explanation

    Related Verses

    Cross-reference KJV verses

    Full Answer

    The complete Bible answer page

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

    Marriage & Family

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About the Marriage Covenant?

    Marriage & Family

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Marriage and Divorce?

    Marriage & Family

    Situation

    Marriage Struggles

    Scriptures for couples navigating conflict, distance, or difficulty in their mar

    Situation

    Navigating an Interfaith Marriage

    Scriptures for Christians married to a spouse of a different faith or no faith.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Motherhood

    10 curated KJV verses

    Keep Going

    Continue Exploring Scripture

    You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.

    Today's Verse

    Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.

    Verses by Topic

    Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.

    Bible Miracles

    Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.

    Angels & Spiritual Warfare

    Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.

    Bible Genealogies & Family Trees

    Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.

    Women of the Bible

    Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.