What does the Bible say about mothers?
The Bible presents a rich and multifaceted picture of mothers and their vital place in God’s plan for families and communities. From the nurturing care of a mother for her newborn to the wisdom passed down to future generations, the Bible honors the role of mothers as a gift from God. The Scriptures also use maternal imagery to describe God’s own care for His people, showing that the love of mothers reflects something of God’s heart.
This article will explore how the Bible portrays mothers in the family, in spiritual formation, and as an image of God’s covenant love.
The Calling and Care of Mothers in the Bible
In Scripture, mothers are entrusted with the early care and nurture of children. This includes meeting physical needs such as food, clothing, and shelter (Proverbs 31:15, 21), as well as forming moral foundations for wise and godly living (Proverbs 1:8–9).
Key aspects of a mother’s biblical calling include:
Nurturing and teaching — Passing down faith and values (2 Timothy 1:5).
Guiding behavior — Instilling habits of kindness, diligence, and responsibility.
Providing stability — Creating a safe home environment for growth.
The Bible also highlights that a mother’s influence often extends well beyond childhood. Even in adulthood, children are called to honor their mother (Exodus 20:12), and the presence of grandchildren is seen as a blessing (Proverbs 17:6).
Honoring Mothers as a Command from God
The Bible consistently teaches that honoring mothers is both a moral duty and a source of blessing. The fifth commandment links honoring one’s father and mother with God’s promise of well-being and longevity in the land (Deuteronomy 5:16).
This honor is expressed through:
Respect and obedience in youth.
Care and provision in adulthood (Proverbs 23:22).
Public recognition of their godly influence (Proverbs 31:28–31).
The way the Bible frames honor toward mothers reflects the covenantal value of family relationships as part of God’s kingdom order.
The Bible’s Maternal Imagery for God
Remarkably, the Bible sometimes describes God’s care for His people using maternal language. In Isaiah 49:15, God compares His faithfulness to that of a mother nursing her child, declaring that His love is even greater. Isaiah 66:13 pictures God comforting His people “as one whom his mother comforts.” These images show that the tenderness, protection, and self-sacrifice seen in mothers reflect attributes of God Himself.
This maternal imagery also points to the Gospel, where God gathers His people with compassionate care, sustaining them as they await the fullness of His kingdom.
Love, Intimacy, and the Lessons of Motherhood
The Bible’s teaching on mothers is not limited to biological roles. In the Song of Solomon, the imagery of parental instruction and nurturing love frames the context for marital intimacy. While the focus of the Song is romantic love, it is set within a worldview where family instruction — often passed on by mothers — teaches the meaning of love that is self-giving and faithful. This shows that a mother’s role in shaping how love is understood has lasting influence.
Conclusion: What the Bible Teaches About Mothers
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible honors mothers as essential to God’s design for human flourishing. Their nurturing care, wisdom, and sacrificial love not only sustain families but also reveal something of God’s own character. In Christ, the role of mothers finds its fullest meaning — pointing to the ultimate comfort, provision, and steadfast love found in God. For believers, honoring mothers is more than a cultural tradition; it is a way of honoring the God who created family life to reflect His covenant love.
Bible verses about mothers:
Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
Deuteronomy 5:16, "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
Proverbs 1:8–9, "Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck."
Proverbs 6:20, "My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching."
Proverbs 17:6, "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."
Proverbs 31:28–29, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"
Isaiah 49:15, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."
Isaiah 66:13, "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Ezekiel 19:2, "What was your mother? A lioness! Among lions she crouched; in the midst of young lions she reared her cubs."
2 Timothy 1:5, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well."
