Chosen by God: A Look at Unnamed Women in the Bible

While there are many women in the bible that are well-known and remembered for their roles and significance in God’s story, there are also several unnamed women whose stories have left us with valuable lessons and lasting impact.

You will probably always remember the story of Sarah, the woman who bore a child in her old age. Or the story of Hannah and how she fulfilled her vow to God after her struggle with barrenness.

But there are also numerous women in the bible whose stories have introduced them to us. Their unique stories unveil them showing us their pains, struggles, weaknesses, faith and how they overcame. And one unique thing about these women was that they had something that revealed them. It was either their situation, predicament or where they were from.

One of these women was caught in the act of adultery. Talk about how you are introduced to the world. Another one of such unnamed women in the bible was a reputable sinner in the city. There was one who had an issue of unending blood flow for twelve long years.

Another of these nameless women in the bible was a Canaanite woman with a family problem. And there was one who had an infirmity that had lasted for 18 long years. Lest I forget the woman at the well had been through several failed marriages and currently had a live-in lover when she came face to face with Jesus.

We often remember and identify with these women through their stories, and God chooses to reveal them to us through their different situations and circumstances. Their identity will always remain anonymous to us, however God shows us that each of these women matter and have a plan and purpose in his story.

Some Unnamed Women in the Bible

1. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)

I have often tried to imagine how this woman was able to touch the hem of Jesus garment in a pressing crowd. We all know how easy it is to get lost in a mammoth crowd. But not this woman who had bled continuously for 12 long years. Her mind was made up and her miracle of healing was sure if only she could touch the hem of Jesus garment. Though unnamed, her story points us to the power of faith and the compassion of Jesus.

2. The Poor Widow who gave all she had (Mark 12:41-44)

In this passage, Jesus observes how a poor widow gives two small coins as an offering in the temple. This woman’s action caught Jesus’s attention and he uses her story to teach us about giving. Although her name is not mentioned, Jesus praises her action and points out that her small gift is more significant than those who gave larger offerings.

3. The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)

In this story, a woman is caught in the act of adultery, brought before Jesus by the Pharisees and about to be stoned to death. Her life was about to end but a chance encounter with Jesus changes the entire trajectory of her story. Mercy prevails over judgement and the compassion of Jesus revealed.

4. Lot’s Wife (Genesis 19:26)

This woman known to us as Lot’s wife is not named in the Bible. But her story is well-known and teaches us about the consequences of disobedience. As God’s judgement came upon the city of Sodom & Gomorrah, he commanded Lot and his family not to look back at the burning city as they fled. This woman disobeyed God’s command by looking back and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt.

These are just a few examples of these nameless women in the bible. Their names maybe unknown, but their stories teach us important lessons and give us perspective about faith, hope, courage, disobedience, mercy and God’s love. Moreover, their stories have left deep impressions in the souls of many and will continue to impact generations after us.

5 Women in The Bible Who Chose to Challenge Tradition and Leadership

This week, I am introducing this new series tagged – Unnamed Women in the Bible. Join me over the next few weeks as I delve deep into the lives of these women, their unique stories and the many lessons we can learn from their lives.

I am encouraged knowing that even when you seem lost, weak, broken and helpless, God is still in the business of rewriting the story of our lives.

You have been chosen by God and your story is an important part of God’s story. You matter to God, and he wants to use your story to make a difference in the world. Every part, piece and fragment of your story matters because God has always been in the story.

Will you join me as we learn from these unnamed women in the bible?