Miriam
Prophetess and Sister of Moses
The prophetess who watched over baby Moses and led Israel's women in worship after the Red Sea.
Miriam is the first woman in the Bible called a prophetess (Exodus 15:20 KJV). As a girl she watched her baby brother Moses in the basket; as an adult she led Israel's women in worship after the Red Sea. Micah 6:4 lists her with Moses and Aaron as God's deliverers.
Her Story
She stood by the Nile to see what would happen to her baby brother and arranged for his own mother to nurse him in Pharaoh's house (Exodus 2:4-8). Decades later, after the Red Sea opened, she took a timbrel and led the women: 'Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously' (15:21). She also spoke against Moses over his Cushite wife and was struck with leprosy for seven days — restored when Moses prayed for her (Numbers 12). She died in Kadesh and was buried there (Numbers 20:1).
What Scripture Teaches
- 1First woman called a prophetess (Exodus 15:20)
- 2Watched over Moses in the bulrushes (Exodus 2:4-8)
- 3Led Israel's women in worship at the Red Sea
- 4Listed with Moses and Aaron as deliverers (Micah 6:4)
- 5Disciplined with leprosy for speaking against Moses (Numbers 12)
- 6Died and buried at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea."
"And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? and the LORD heard it."
"For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."
Why It Matters
Miriam shows the dignity of female leadership in worship and prophecy — and the danger of envy in even the most gifted servants. God honoured her and disciplined her, and both teach us.
Application for Today
Lead worship like Miriam at the sea — and guard your tongue like Miriam at Hazeroth. Gifts do not exempt from humility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Miriam struck with leprosy?
Numbers 12 — she and Aaron criticised Moses over his Cushite wife and challenged his unique prophetic office. God defended Moses publicly and disciplined Miriam, sparing Aaron from the leprosy though not from the rebuke.
Did Miriam ever marry?
Scripture is silent. She is consistently identified by her relationship to Moses and Aaron. Her legacy is her ministry, not her marriage.
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
Deborah
Prophetess, judge, and mother in Israel — summoned Barak to victory over Sisera and sang the song of triumph.
Huldah
The prophetess consulted by King Josiah when the lost Book of the Law was found in the temple.
Jael
The Kenite woman who killed Sisera with a tent peg — 'blessed above women in the tent' (Judges 5:24).
Sarah
Wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac — the matriarch through whom God kept His covenant promise.
Eve
The first woman, made from Adam's side, mother of all living and recipient of the first gospel promise.
Rebekah
The willing bride for Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau — chosen at the well by God's providence.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Miriam in the Bible
The Prophetess and Worship Leader
Miriam Bible Quiz
The prophetess and sister of Moses who led Israel's women in song after the Red
Judges 6:12 — Meaning & Devotional
Identity
Judges 6:12 Commentary
In-depth study • Identity & Calling
Judges 5:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Victory and Rest
Who Was Miriam in the Bible?
People & Characters
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.