Bible Verses About Mothers
The Bible honours mothers for their strength, wisdom and love. Proverbs 31:25-29 describes a mother clothed with strength whose children call her blessed, Exodus 20:12 commands us to honour our mothers, and Isaiah 49:15 uses a nursing mother's love to show how God will never forget his people.
Scripture is full of mothers: Hannah praying for a child, Mary pondering everything in her heart, Eunice passing on her faith to her son Timothy. The Bible also uses a mother's love to describe God himself. These verses are for honouring mothers, encouraging tired ones and remembering those we have lost.
Mothers in scripture
Hannah waited years for a child and then gave him back to God. Mary held the wonder of her son's birth quietly in her heart. Eunice and her mother Lois handed down a faith that shaped Timothy's whole life. Their stories honour the hidden work of mothering.
I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.
1 Samuel 1:27-28 (BSB)
Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.
Luke 1:46-49 (BSB)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 (BSB)
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
2 Timothy 1:5 (BSB)
Strength, wisdom and teaching
Proverbs closes with a portrait of a woman whose strength and wisdom bless her whole household. Earlier chapters ask children to hold onto a mother's teaching as something precious to wear. These verses make lovely words for a card.
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”
Proverbs 31:25-29 (BSB)
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 (BSB)
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9 (BSB)
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Proverbs 6:20 (BSB)
Honouring your mother
Honouring parents is one of the Ten Commandments, and it does not end when we grow up. Even on the cross, Jesus made sure his mother would be cared for. These verses invite us to say thank you, and to look after our mothers as they age.
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20:12 (BSB)
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 23:22 (BSB)
May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:25 (BSB)
When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:26-27 (BSB)
God's mother-like love
Scripture does not shy away from describing God's care in a mother's terms. He comforts his people as a mother comforts her child, and carries the young close to his heart. If you are a weary mum, these verses are for you as much as about you.
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!
Isaiah 49:15 (BSB)
Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psalm 131:2 (BSB)
As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:13 (BSB)
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Isaiah 40:11 (BSB)
For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.
Psalm 139:13-14 (BSB)
A prayer
Loving God, thank you for mothers and for every woman who has cared for me like one. Bless them with strength for the hard days and rest for the tired nights. Where they feel unseen, remind them that you see every hidden act of love. Comfort those who are missing a mother today, those grieving a child, and those who long to be a mother. Help me to honour the women who raised me, with my words and with my care. Amen.
Questions people ask
What is a good Bible verse for Mother's Day?
Proverbs 31:25-29 is the most popular choice, celebrating a woman clothed with strength whose children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:30 and 2 Timothy 1:5 also work well in a card. For a new mum, Psalm 139:13-14 is a beautiful reminder that God shapes every child in the womb.
What does the Bible say about honouring your mother?
Exodus 20:12 includes honouring your father and mother among the Ten Commandments, and Ephesians 6:2-3 repeats it as the first commandment with a promise. Proverbs 23:22 adds that we should not neglect our mothers when they grow old, which makes honour a lifelong commitment.
Who are the great mothers in the Bible?
Well-known mothers include Sarah, Hannah, Jochebed who hid baby Moses, Naomi, Elizabeth and Mary the mother of Jesus. Lois and Eunice are honoured in 2 Timothy for passing on their faith. Their stories include waiting, courage, loss and deep faithfulness.
Is there a Bible verse for someone who has lost their mother?
Psalm 27:10 says the Lord will receive us even if a father or mother forsakes us, and Isaiah 66:13 promises God's comfort like a mother comforting her child. Psalm 34:18 is also gentle for fresh grief. Mother's Day can be painful, so a short verse with your own kind words can mean a lot.
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Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is in the public domain.