In biblical times, the concept of gentlewomen, though not explicitly named as such, can be understood through the portrayal of women who exhibited qualities of grace, kindness, and virtue. The Bible provides numerous examples of women who embodied these traits, serving as models of godly character and influence.

Proverbs 31 Woman

The archetype of a gentlewoman is perhaps best illustrated in Proverbs 31:10-31, where the "wife of noble character" is described. This passage highlights a woman who is industrious, wise, and compassionate. She is praised for her strength and dignity, and her ability to provide for her household with diligence and care. Proverbs 31:26 states, "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." This verse underscores the gentlewoman's role as a source of wisdom and guidance, reflecting her inner grace and strength.

Ruth

Ruth is another exemplary figure who embodies the qualities of a gentlewoman. Her account, found in the Book of Ruth, showcases her loyalty, humility, and kindness. Despite her own hardships, Ruth remains devoted to her mother-in-law Naomi, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay" (Ruth 1:16). Her gentle spirit and steadfastness ultimately lead to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, highlighting the far-reaching impact of her virtuous character.

Esther

The Book of Esther presents another example of a gentlewoman in the person of Queen Esther. Her courage and wisdom are evident as she navigates the dangerous political landscape of the Persian court to save her people. Esther's approach is marked by grace and strategic thinking, as seen in Esther 5:1-2, where she gains favor with King Xerxes through her respectful and poised demeanor. Her account illustrates the power of a gentlewoman to effect change through courage and faith.

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is revered for her humility and obedience to God's will. Her response to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:38, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word," exemplifies her gentle and submissive spirit. Mary's role in the life of Jesus and her presence at key moments in His ministry highlight her as a model of faithfulness and devotion.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further emphasizes the virtues associated with gentlewomen. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, women are encouraged to cultivate "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." This passage underscores the value placed on inner beauty and character over outward adornment. Similarly, Titus 2:3-5 instructs older women to teach what is good, encouraging younger women to love their families and live self-controlled, pure lives.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, gentlewomen are portrayed as individuals who embody grace, wisdom, and strength. Their accounts and the teachings of the Bible provide a framework for understanding the qualities that define a gentlewoman, offering timeless examples of godly character and influence.(n.) Plural of Gentlewoman.

Knox in St. Andrews Castle: the Galleys: 1547-1549
... by the rulers on the murderers mainly to the revengeful nature of Mary of Guise;
the Cardinal having been "the comfort to all gentlewomen, and especially to ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iii knox in st.htm

The Son of the Murket
... They were noblemen and gentlewomen of Memphis, freed for an evening from the restraint
of pretentious affairs and spared the awesome repression of potentates ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvii the son of.htm

Wesley's Letters and Friends
... Tuesday, 23."We embarked again on board the Freemason, with six other cabin passengers,
four gentlemen, and two gentlewomen, one of whom was daily afraid of ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesleys letters and friends.htm

Against Embellishing the Body.
... comic poet the sensible woman says, "What can we women do wise or brilliant, who
sit with hair dyed yellow, outraging the character of gentlewomen; causing the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii against embellishing the body.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... better than a kite. Young ladies, and young gentlewomen too, Do no small
kindness to my Pilgrim show. Their cabinets, their bosoms ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

On visiting the Sick
... Christian world. Let not the gentlewomen, or even the countesses in England,
be ashamed to imitate those Princesses of the blood! Here ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... consumptive hospitals, and hospitals for the incurable; ragged schools; penitentiaries;
homes for destitute infants; associations of gentlewomen for charitable ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.
... March 17th, three gentlewomen came to see him, and after exhorting them to read
the word, and be much in prayer, and much in communion with God, he said, "My ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr samuel.htm

Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2
... mountebanks? What, dost thou make thyself a mountebank, and yet art not ashamed?
Why is it ye permit not your gentlewomen to do so? Is ...
/.../homily xvii ephesians iv 32.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Garnock.
... as seventy ministers sent unto the ward to take it, and they said, it was not a
head to suffer upon: when they had done, they sent in two gentlewomen with the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 7.htm

Gentlewomen (3 Occurrences)
...Gentlewomen (3 Occurrences). ... Acts 17:12 As the result many of them became believers,
and so did not a few of the Greeks--gentlewomen of good position, and men. ...
/g/gentlewomen.htm - 7k

Rank (42 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:50 But the Jews influenced the gentlewomen of rank who worshipped with them,
and also the leading men in the city, and stirred up persecution against ...
/r/rank.htm - 21k

Gently (19 Occurrences)

/g/gently.htm - 12k

Leading (101 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:50 But the Jews influenced the gentlewomen of rank who worshipped with them,
and also the leading men in the city, and stirred up persecution against ...
/l/leading.htm - 36k

Gentlewoman (1 Occurrence)

/g/gentlewoman.htm - 6k

God-fearing (24 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:4 Some of the people were won over, and attached themselves to Paul and
Silas, including many God-fearing Greeks and not a few gentlewomen of high rank ...
/g/god-fearing.htm - 13k

Worshipped (81 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:50 But the Jews influenced the gentlewomen of rank who worshipped with them,
and also the leading men in the city, and stirred up persecution against ...
/w/worshipped.htm - 32k

Won (24 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:4 Some of the people were won over, and attached themselves to Paul and
Silas, including many God-fearing Greeks and not a few gentlewomen of high rank ...
/w/won.htm - 13k

Including (90 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:4 Some of the people were won over, and attached themselves to Paul and
Silas, including many God-fearing Greeks and not a few gentlewomen of high rank ...
/i/including.htm - 33k

Influenced (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:50 But the Jews influenced the gentlewomen of rank who worshipped with them,
and also the leading men in the city, and stirred up persecution against ...
/i/influenced.htm - 7k

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