Lois and Eunice
Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
Grandmother and mother of Timothy — passed down the Scriptures and an unfeigned faith.
Paul names Lois the grandmother and Eunice the mother of Timothy as those in whom an 'unfeigned faith' first dwelt (2 Timothy 1:5). From a child Timothy had known the holy scriptures through them (3:15).
Her Story
Eunice was a Jewess who believed; her husband was a Greek (Acts 16:1). From the cradle she and her mother Lois taught Timothy the Scriptures. Paul met him at Lystra and took him on the apostolic journeys. Years later, writing from prison, Paul recalled their faith with thanksgiving — three generations of believing women and one son fitted for ministry by their hands.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Lois — grandmother; Eunice — mother (2 Timothy 1:5)
- 2Eunice a Jewess who believed; husband a Greek (Acts 16:1)
- 3Taught Timothy the holy scriptures from a child (2 Timothy 3:15)
- 4Their 'unfeigned faith' commended by Paul
Key KJV Scriptures
"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
Why It Matters
Generational faith is one of the great quiet forces of the gospel. The pastor of Ephesus was shaped at his mother's knee.
Application for Today
Teach the Scriptures to the children. The next generation of the church is being formed in your kitchen and your prayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Lois and Eunice live?
Lystra in Lycaonia (Acts 16:1) — where Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey.
Continue Your Study
Read the full chapters (KJV)
Pillar hub
Women of the Bible
Browse every woman of the Bible — matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples.
Related women of the Bible
Hannah
The praying wife whose tears birthed Samuel the prophet — her song became a pattern for Mary's Magnificat.
Mary
The virgin mother of Jesus — handmaid of the Lord, whose womb received the eternal Word made flesh.
Hagar
Sarah's Egyptian handmaid and mother of Ishmael — the first to call God 'Thou God seest me.'
Tamar
Daughter-in-law of Judah and mother of Pharez — named in the genealogy of Christ.
Zipporah
Daughter of Jethro and wife of Moses — saved his life with the circumcision of their son.
Jochebed
Levite mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam — hid her son and gave him to the river by faith.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Lois and Eunice Bible Quiz
The grandmother and mother of Timothy, women of unfeigned faith.
Why Is Israel Called the Holy Land?
History & Origins
How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt?
History & Origins
Mothers
Bible verses about mothers — KJV Scripture on the theme of mothers with devotion
Michael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and cont
Rehoboam in the Bible
The King Who Divided Israel
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.