'WISE WOMEN' AND 'MOTHERS'

These are terms found in numerous places in scripture and when compared to general history, they may constitute titles. A "wise woman" could be found in many cultures as a recognized position within a community. To define the word in relation to woman as only meaning "cunning", "craftsperson" (as a weaver) or "skillful" fails to apply equally the same use of the term for men. In a similar manner, "Mothers" can be a title in just the same manner that men of note were called "Fathers" in the Old Testament. It is seen as a honorific in the New Testament. The women who were "Mothers of Israel"may have been called that as a title of honor and it may be indicative of their role in the spiritual, cultural, or emotional development of their society.