Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of a "timid woman" can be explored through various scriptures and narratives that highlight the characteristics, roles, and spiritual journeys of women who may have exhibited timidity or humility. The Bible presents a nuanced view of timidity, often associating it with humility, gentleness, and a quiet spirit, which are seen as virtues in the eyes of God.Biblical Examples: 1. Mary, Mother of Jesus: Mary is often depicted as a humble and obedient servant of the Lord. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive the Messiah, Mary responded with humility and submission, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her response reflects a quiet strength and willingness to accept God's will, despite the potential social repercussions and personal challenges. 2. Hannah: In 1 Samuel, Hannah is portrayed as a woman of deep faith and quiet perseverance. Her initial timidity is seen in her silent prayers and tears at the temple, where she poured out her soul to the Lord in her distress over being childless. Her prayerful demeanor and vow to dedicate her son to God demonstrate a profound trust in God's provision and timing (1 Samuel 1:10-11). 3. Esther: Initially, Esther's timidity is evident in her reluctance to approach King Xerxes uninvited, as doing so could result in her death. However, encouraged by her cousin Mordecai, she overcomes her fear and acts with courage and wisdom to save her people. Her account illustrates how God can use a seemingly timid woman to accomplish great purposes (Esther 4:11-16). Virtues of Timidity: The Bible often associates timidity with virtues such as humility, gentleness, and a quiet spirit. In 1 Peter 3:4, women are encouraged to cultivate "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight" . This passage suggests that a gentle and quiet demeanor is valued by God and can be a powerful witness to others. Contrasts and Encouragements: While timidity can be seen as a virtue, the Bible also encourages believers to overcome fear and timidity through faith in God. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" . This verse highlights the balance between possessing a gentle spirit and embracing the boldness that comes from the Holy Spirit. Role in the Early Church: In the early church, women played significant roles despite societal constraints. Their contributions often required overcoming timidity to serve the community and spread the Gospel. For example, Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, taught Apollos more accurately about the way of God (Acts 18:26). Her involvement in teaching and ministry reflects a balance of humility and boldness. Conclusion: The biblical portrayal of timid women reveals a complex interplay between humility, faith, and courage. While timidity is often associated with gentleness and a quiet spirit, the Bible also encourages believers to rely on God's strength to overcome fear and act boldly in faith. Through the examples of women like Mary, Hannah, and Esther, Scripture demonstrates how God can use a humble and gentle spirit to achieve His divine purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 19:16In that day shall Egypt be like to women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shakes over it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:37 Jeremiah 51:30 Nahum 3:13 Library Woman's Position in the Army Hymn for all Hours A Miracle Within a Miracle The Looks of Jesus On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who ... The Present, a Dispensation of Means. With Jairus The Larger Part of Womankind, However, have had to Fight for ... The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ Christ's Touch Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |