For Mother’s Day: Mothers of the Bible Quiz

The Old and New Testaments are replete with accounts of mothers: some who occupied public positions; some who moved easily in prominent places; and often faithful women who quietly fulfilled duties in their own homes.

These mothers could expect to enjoy their children’s love, obedience and respect. In turn, a good mother would give her all for the welfare, success and moral guidance of her children. I’ve found Bible mothers to be an interesting mix.

Out of curiosity I decided to see how many mothers and their sons are named in the Bible. As I counted through the listing and biographies of named women in the Bible (as found in Women in Scripture, Carol Meyers, 2000), I found approximately 73. Of that number, perhaps a dozen or so were readily familiar to me. The rest were lost in a confusion of unpronounceable names and unknown locations.

I thought it might be fun to see how many of the following you recognize and remember.

Meet mothers at the well

I’ve envisioned the local well as the gathering place for women in ancient times. Women not only went there to get their daily supply of water, but they probably used the trip as an opportunity to catch up on the latest news and the local gossip.

Following is an imaginary day at the well when some biblical mothers (both Old and New Testament) meet and spend time talking about their sons.

See if you can identify each mother and her son(s). The answers and biblical references are at the end of this post.

Mothers of the Bible quiz

1. “I guess I am living proof that you are never too old, if God deems it so. I grew old with a constant ache in my heart all my married life. Year after year passed, and I was not able to bear a child for my husband Zacharias. To be barren and endure such a reproach—how difficult it was and how many tears were shed!

“Until, that is, that wonderful day when my husband was visited by an angel. It scared him half to death, but the messenger Gabriel brought an unbelievable message: We were to have a child at last! When my time had come, I brought forth a beautiful baby boy whom we named _____. My name is _____.”

2. “My boys grew up strong and courageous—all three of them. From the time they were little boys they were drawn to weapons, fighting and physical prowess. Why, one of my sons could run as fast as a gazelle. I certainly had my hands full!

“They were well known during a time of turbulence between Israel and Judah after King Saul died. Two of them were among King David’s mighty men, and one became the captain of the king’s host. Sadly they all lost their lives in violent ways. Their names are _____, _____ and _____. My name is _____. I am King David’s sister.”

3. “I, too, know what it is like to be barren. It is only because of my husband’s pleading prayer and the Lord’s mercy that I finally conceived not one baby but twin baby boys! I should have known what their lives would be like just by the way they were born. The younger one (my favorite) was holding on to his brother’s heel when he was born, and they were rivals for many years to come! Of course, I didn’t help matters any by playing favorites. Eventually they decided to reconcile. Their names are _____and _____. I am _____.”

4. “I had two children already and would have rejoiced when a third was born except for one thing. My newborn son was under a death sentence! I secretly kept him with me for three months, nursing and caring for him while Pharaoh’s servants relentlessly fulfilled his latest edict: kill all Hebrew baby boys.

“In desperation, my daughter and I devised a plan to save my baby’s life, and by God’s grace he was spared. All three of my children grew to be leaders: my daughter Miriam among the Israelite women, and my sons _____ and _____ served as God’s instruments and spokesmen among the tribes of Israel. My name is _____.”

5. “The challenges I met were more of a personal nature. I am a Jewess, but my husband was a Greek gentile and an unbeliever. So I was the one to make sure that my son would grow up knowing the Holy Scriptures, though I’m not sure I could have done it without the help of my faithful mother. When he was a young man, he was drawn to a teacher named Paul who was suffering much persecution because of his preaching. My son eventually became Paul’s traveling companion and even served as his representative to various churches. My son’s name is _____. I am his mother, _____. His grandmother is _____.”

6. “I was not only barren, my husband, Elkanah, had a second wife who easily bore him sons and daughters, and she made my life miserable! She taunted me in her jealousy because she knew my husband loved me best, even without children. Every year Elkanah would go and present his offerings to the Lord and give me a double portion, but my reproach was more than I could bear.

“In desperation, I prayed to the Lord of Hosts, telling Him that if He gave me a son, I would give him to His service all the days of his life. He heard my prayer, and my wonderful son was born. I named him _____. My name is _____.”

See the answers below.

Karen Meeker enjoys learning about the women in the Bible, especially the mothers of Bible heroes.

For more about mothers, see:

• Things My Mama Taught Me
• Mother-in-Law or Mother-in-Love?
• The Mother of Christ: Would God Choose You?

Answers: 1. John, Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-80).

2. Joab, Abishai, Asahel, Zeruiah (2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 2:16).

3. Esau, Jacob, Rebekah (Genesis 24-29).

4. Aaron, Moses, Jochebed (Exodus 2, 6).

5. Timothy, Eunice, Lois (1 Timothy 1:5, 15).

6. Samuel, Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2).