Commentary 25/02/27 Matriarchs, queens, women - Female figures in biblical tales

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Etching by Pietro del Po, The Canaanite (or Syrophoenician) woman asks Christ to cure her daughter of a demonic possession(Photo: Wikipedia)

By Vincenzo Anselmo SJ

Published: February 27, 2025 07:32 AM GMT

Updated: February 27, 2025 07:33 AM GMT

Biblical stories are usually read as narratives written from a male perspective, with the main roles assigned to men: patriarchs, judges, kings, prophets. In reality, however, female genius is creatively present in the pages of Scripture, which narrates more than patriarchal stories.

At decisive moments in the biblical story, it is the women who make the difference, intervening to untie the knots and resolve issues along the path of the history of salvation.

We will focus here on three biblical women who play a crucial role within the narrative arc of the two Testaments. They were present at decisive transitions from one generation to the next, bringing about a qualitative change in the paths of others.

The women in focus are Rebecca and Bathsheba in the Old Testament and the Syrophoenician woman in the Gospels.

Read the complete article here.

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