Women in the Bible

Soroush-e Din va Andisheh Khabargozari-ye Ketab-e Iran (IBNA) – Mohammad Hassan Abolhassani; The book “Interpretation of the Old Testament with an emphasis on women-related narratives” written by Nasrin Heidarzadeh Esfahani has been published in 250 copies in 1403 (Persian calendar year, corresponding to 2024-2025) by Kavir Publications. The subtitle of this book is “Re-reading the Role and Status of Women in the Torah” and it offers a comprehensive study of important women in Old Testament stories and feminist interpretations of this book in 802 pages. The author has considered the study of the book effective and useful for several areas: 1) Comparative studies of women’s rights and religions, 2) Comparative studies of Abrahamic religions, 3) Interpretive studies of the Bible. Two main questions are raised in this book: 1) How are women depicted in the Old Testament and Jewish religious texts? and 2) What interpretations do Jewish and Christian scholars have of the narratives related to women in the Torah?

The character of fifteen women is examined in detail in this book: Eve (wife of Adam), Sarah (mother of Isaac), Hagar (mother of Ishmael), Rebekah (wife of Isaac), Leah (wife of Jacob), Rachel (mother of Joseph), Lot’s wife, Huldah (a prophetess), Abigail (wife of David), Esther (wife of Ahasuerus), Queen Vashti (wife of Ahasuerus), Deborah (a prophetess), Miriam (sister of Moses), Zipporah (wife of Moses), Elisheva (wife of Aaron).

In addition to the Old Testament, the author also refers to key texts and other Jewish references, such as Halakha, Talmud, Mishnah, Gemara, Midrash, and Minhag.

At the beginning of the book, we encounter a key quote: “Rosemary Radford Ruether, in response to the question of why feminist interpretations of the Bible are necessary, says: The problem is that the voices of women, both religious and non-religious, have never been heard, and for hundreds of years, the only experience used to interpret and explain the Bible was that of men. Feminist interpretations of the Bible were part of women’s liberation struggles because they allowed them, alongside fighting for the recovery of their lost rights, to also believe in the Bible. In fact, feminist interpretations of the Bible are a method for connection and solidarity between religiosity and the realization of women’s rights. These interpretations reinterpret sacred texts and remind both male and female readers that the Bible inherently has a positive view of women.” This statement can convey the importance of writing such a book.

Chapter one, titled “Introductions,” discusses several foundational topics that are likely suitable for entering the book: religious intellectualism, the necessity of dialogue among Abrahamic religions, the view of Abrahamic religions regarding the word ‘infidel’, the credibility of the Bible from the perspective of Christians and Jews, and an introduction to Jewish history. Characteristics for religious intellectualism are enumerated in this chapter; such as offering a refined and revitalizing reading of religion, shifting attention from politics to ethics, emphasizing self-sufficient reason, and connecting with modernity. Furthermore, the author has listed the commonalities among Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions and emphasized the necessity of dialogue among them. The author believes it is not enough to view Christianity and Judaism only from an Islamic perspective, but rather these religions must be understood as their believers and critics know them. In fact, the beliefs and criticisms of members of a religion are of great importance to it.

A Feminine Perspective on the Bible

In chapter two, titled “Jewish Feminist Theology,” a comprehensive explanation of the necessity and nature of the feminist perspective on the Bible is presented. Some experts believe there are two general approaches to feminist biblical interpretation: a) finding phrases and quotes in opposition to traditional texts, i.e., texts that have led to oppression and discrimination against women, b) viewing the Bible as a whole because this book offers a theological method for critiquing patriarchy. New hermeneutical approaches allow readers of the Bible to interpret the text differently than in the past. Historical hermeneutics, literary hermeneutics, and reader-response hermeneutics are important trends in hermeneutics. Feminists use a reader-response approach and challenge traditional Jewish and Christian views on gender relations by highlighting the role of women in the Bible.

Janice Moulton believes that one of the egregious mistakes in reading the Bible has been to use the word ‘man’ as a neutral noun to refer to humanity as a general species, but over time, it has lost its neutrality and been equated with the male gender. Feminists believe that in traditional theology, the language of God has been likened to male language, men have been introduced as more similar to God compared to women, men have been presented as representatives of God and leaders of the church and society, and women have been presented as instruments under the control and guidance of men; thus, women and the feminine experience and perspective have disappeared from the Bible and been neglected. Given this situation, feminist interpreters seek to re-examine the role of women in this book and extract arguments against the prevailing patriarchy from the Bible. In general, the following roles can be considered for Christian feminist theology: challenging church patriarchy, critiquing the church’s spiritual hierarchy that does not allow women access to ecclesiastical positions, demanding the promotion of women’s status in the church institution, recognizing the equal spiritual and moral capabilities of women and men, emphasizing reproductive rights, integrating and using gender-neutral pronouns in biblical readings, equality of women and men in family matters, and equal relationships between spouses according to the Bible.

Characteristics of Women in Judaism

The Old Testament and other Jewish sources mention both positive and negative characteristics for women. For example, a woman is honored as a mother; the fifth commandment of the Ten Commandments of Moses mentions the necessity of respecting parents. In Judaism, the complementary role of man and woman for each other is indicated; in the Midrash, it is stated: ‘He who has no wife has no goodness, no helper, no blessing, and no prosperity.’ Similarly, in the Book of Proverbs, we encounter a beautiful description of women: ‘A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidservants…. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.’ In the Talmud, it is said: ‘Any man who does not have a wife is not a worthy man.’ It is also said: ‘The Holy One, blessed be He, granted women more understanding and comprehension than men.’ According to the Torah, a Jewish girl or woman must agree to marry a man, so forced marriage is void. Jewish texts refer to women’s greater compassion and sympathy. Huldah was a Jewish prophetess and a relative of the prophet Jeremiah, who was summoned to Joshua. In response to the question of why Jeremiah was not summoned and Huldah was, one Jewish commentator referred to women’s compassion and sympathy and suggested that Huldah might offer a kinder prophecy than Jeremiah. The Talmud states that women are more loyal than men, and their piety and righteousness are also greater. Of course, negative characteristics are also mentioned for women, such as that they talk more and have idle curiosity, or that they are more superstitious and weak-willed.

Conclusion

In other chapters of the book, one or two important female figures in the Bible are discussed, presenting the relevant verses and narratives, along with their feminist interpretations. Studying the book can play an important role in understanding the image of women in the Old Testament and Jewish and Christian traditions.