Female friendships in the Bible should encourage, strengthen, and inspire us. In the Bible we come across a number of friendships that can be models for us; strong and lovable woman friendships. From Ruth and Naomi to Mary and Elizabeth, the Bible manifests the women walking together in solidarity, unity, and selfless love.
Now, let’s read some biblical models for godly female friendship.
Ruth and Naomi
Friendship between Ruth and Naomi has been one of the most well-known female friendships in Scripture. It has been another example of a cordial relationship between a mother in law and daughter in law. As both of them lost their husbands, those two women were able to build up between them a remarkable relationship of loyalty and devotion.
Though Ruth was from Moab and Naomi from Bethlehem, their distinction of origin did not stop Ruth from clinging to Naomi after the death of her father-in-law. When Naomi decided to return to Judah, Ruth insisted on going with her, saying: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Ruth served Naomi in many practical ways. She diligently gathered grain in Boaz’s field to provide food for both of them. She honored and obeyed Naomi’s wisdom. When Naomi urged Ruth to enter into marriage with their kinsman Boaz, Ruth trusted her judgment.
Mary and Elizabeth
Another set of friendship in the Bible is the one between Mary and Elizabeth. Their timely and close fellowship strengthened each other during their miraculous seasons of life. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus, Mary traveled to Judah to stay with Elizabeth, who has been six months pregnant, carrying John the Baptist in her womb.
Both women were carrying babes, destined for greatness in God’s plan of salvation. The Lord knew, they needed companionship and confirmation as they walked along those unusual paths. The friendship between Mary and Elizabeth offered just that, a sisterhood grounded on the wonders of God’s glory revealed in their wombs.
At Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit cried out in a loud voice and said:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Luke 1:42-44).
Imagine how encouraging must have been those words for Mary in the early days of her confusing pregnancy. Through Elizabeth, God affirmed the angel’s message and Mary’s unique role in the coming of the Savior.
Mary responded praising God with the iconic Magnificat and stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. Their time together allowed both women to process their miraculous pregnancies and brace for the road ahead. Rejoicing in God’s goodness they helped each other spiritually.
The friendship between Elizabeth and Mary reminds us how precious it is to have sisters in Christ, who fully believe in God’s work in our lives. They bless us through their words, prayers, understanding, and accompaniment on our faith journeys.
Priscilla and Aquila
A biblical friendship between a husband and wife has been marked by the spiritual mentoring between sisters. Priscilla and Aquila were a powerhouse couple in the early church, traveling alongside Paul as “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3).
This Spirit-filled pair, disciples and believers from Ephesus and Rome, even by laying down their necks for the sake of the gospel (Romans 16:4). Notably, Priscilla seemed to take an active teaching role alongside her husband. When the preacher Apollos came to Ephesus with an incomplete understanding of the gospel, Luke writes:
“When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26).
Why Priscilla is named first here, rather than Aquila, as many might have expected? Many Bible scholars believe that it signals Priscilla’s prominent position in instructing Apollos. Her grasp of the Scripture and ability to teach (probably among women in particular) was an incredible asset to the early church.
Priscilla’s example reminds us that women have an indispensable role in the Christian fellowship and growth. We all gain wisdom and strength when women openly exercise their spiritual gifts for God’s glory. Most likely Priscilla depended on her sisters in Christ to help anchor the faith. And through her ministry, she was able to increase that same blessing.
Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome
The gospels also highlight a cohort of female followers who accompanied Jesus during His earthly ministry. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome consistently witnessed to Jesus’ preaching, healings, and miracles firsthand. They followed Jesus very closely even through his death, burial, and resurrection.
These women supported Jesus’ ministry in tangible ways. Luke 8 notes that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, “and many others provided for [Jesus and His disciples] out of their own means.” They rendered financial support for His earthly ministry, no doubt, also serving the team behind the scenes.
Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome then remained by Jesus at the cross while the disciples fled. Matthew 27:56 describes scene:
“Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”
The gospels also specifically name Mary Magdalene as among the women who visited Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. They, thus, became the very first witnesses of the resurrection of Christ.
These loyal and courageous women bore witness to Jesus both in His earthly suffering and heavenly glory. Imagine the conversations they may be having when they come together in heaven! They helped build up steadfast community despite terrifying circumstances. And their sisterhood now testifies to the veracity of the Savior they loved and served.