Scripture's mothers are specific people in difficult circumstances: Hannah praying in distress, Mary singing about upheaval, mothers in exile.
Motherhood is also used as a picture of how God comforts, which says something about how the work is valued.
Compiled and reviewed by the Verse & Light editorial team · last reviewed 2026-09-20 · Scripture quoted from the World English Bible
“Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:”
Context: A poem of praise; the children's blessing at the end is the part most often overlooked.
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.””
Context: God's comfort described in maternal terms, to a people returning from exile.
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him. Therefore I have also given him to the LORD. As long as he lives he is given to the LORD.” He worshiped the LORD there.”
Context: Hannah's words after years of grief over childlessness — joy here is hard-won.
“Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.”
Context: Mary's song, sung by a young woman in a precarious position, about God's reversal of status.
“For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. My frame wasn’t hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them.”
Context: About being formed and known before birth; often read by mothers waiting or grieving.
“My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching; for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.”
Context: A mother's teaching is placed alongside a father's as something that adorns a life.
Original devotional writing by the Verse & Light editorial team — not part of the Bible text
God, this work is constant and often unseen. Give me strength for today, patience for tonight and grace for myself. Amen.
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