Biblical Womanhood: What It Is and What It Isn't

Biblical womanhood is simple. Over the past month, I’ve laid the foundation of what a woman is and that the cultural narrative doesn’t match the biblical standard.

But you still might wonder, what is this simplistic, holistic, and biblical life? What steps must I take to reach this level of “spiritual holiness?”

A life based on biblical womanhood doesn’t come at a certain age or after “X” amount of kids. It’s not about living a cookie-cutter life that replicates one particular woman or people group.

At its core, it reflects our God-given design and unique nature God has given us. Living in biblical womanhood is two-sided: following a biblical model given to us through scripture and finding our own rhythm through our personal walk with God.

On the first side, there’s an outline every woman can follow. That design is based on the Proverbs 31 woman.

When you pull apart each verse and every attribute of the Proverbs 31 woman, you realize how practical it is for our lives. We see through the passage each of her qualities being showcased. Homemaking, personal style, housework, working outside the home, serving her husband and children, and having likable characteristics. She’s a well-rounded woman with qualities I encourage you to embrace.

Outside of the model Proverbs 31 woman, a level of individuality is required for biblical womanhood. It depends on each woman’s personal walk with God. We have an inherent personality and specific characteristics God designed for us. These are gifts, talents, callings, and preferences. For example, you might choose to only work inside the home while another woman works an exclusively corporate job. Neither is wrong because God has placed a different calling on each women’s life.

Below, I’ve outlined what biblical womanhood is and isn’t. At the core of biblical womanhood, it’s about fulfillment.

Fulfill what God has called you to do to fulfill God’s overall plan of spreading the gospel.

What biblical womanhood isn’t:

Primitive / Antiquated

Being a Christian woman doesn’t mean wearing skirts to your ankles and throwing away your makeup. In fact, a biblical woman knows her beauty and embraces it. Homemaking and submission sound antiquate, but understanding and using these tools in a healthy context brings joy and simple satisfaction.

(Click here to read more about submission: https://www.julietteclairemarie.com/post/that-dreaded-s-word)

A power/ control dynamic

You hear submission, and you bolt! But biblical womanhood or wifehood isn’t in place to create an environment for abusive relationships. Women have freedoms, personal interests, and characteristics that no one can change. Following traditional roles based on the Bible does not strip a woman of her inherent liberties and rights. Biblical women focus on a woman’s God-given role and how to do it to the best of their ability.

Associated with a specific denomination

Being a biblical woman doesn’t mean you must become a nun or adopt the principles of a specific denomination. God’s direction and word over our lives supersede man-made denominations. Biblical womanhood is not an exclusive group with strict religious undertones. It’s a way of life every female believer should walk in.

Being more concerned about appearances than loving others

The holier than thou persona: That’s not an attitude a Biblical woman would have. No matter how long your quiet time is, how you dress, or what you feed your family; if you do not embody Christ’s love, it’s all for nothing. Whether someone is a believer or an unbeliever, a biblical woman should be marked by her ability to exhort and lift other women in praise. If you feel your experience with other believers has been cliquey, shallow, and empty — I’m sorry. That is not the representation of godly women I strive to showcase.

What biblical womanhood is:

Embracing femininity

As I said above, biblical women know their beauty. Feminity is beautiful. It’s how you speak, walk, engage with others, and so much more. Unfortunately, femininity is a remarkable trait that is not encouraged nearly enough. Yet, it’s noticed, and it’s a lovely quality. Embracing your femininity is attractive and signifies your confidence in who God made you.

Practicing simple, holistic habits (walks, homemaking, hospitality, dressing well, etc.)

You’ll see me focus on this area very heavily in the future. From my blog to Instagram reels; these qualities refine, edify, and bring honor to a woman. It’s the small actions like greeting your husband after work and how you present yourself and your home. From your home, clothes, and the conversations in between; these traits are used to share your testimony.

Using every action is an opportunity for worship.

In a couple of weeks, I am writing a full article on worship. If you do anything for the Glory of God, it’s worship. From washing the dishes to folding the laundry, every task has an opportunity for worship. Being mindful of every action and choosing to do it for God’s glory is worshipful. It helps slow down our minds, refocus on our tasks, and reminds us that what we do is not for ourselves but for the glory of God.

Living a life of service

Lastly, being a Biblical woman is hallmarked by a servant’s heart. This ranges from serving your husband to a stranger at the store. The faster you realize this world is not about us and our comfort, the quicker you recognize the joy of living a freedom-filled biblical life.

When I say a biblical life is simple, I’m not suggesting that there’s no work to be done. Being a woman rooted in God’s word can often be laborsome. But the difference between the secular and Christian worlds is that we know this is temporary. Nothing on earth is about us. But how we showcase ourselves and impact the world has a reflection on who we are. A biblical woman can live simply because she is not living for herself. Her kindness is what gives her beauty. Her well-curated home is what makes her hospitable. And her constant state of prayer gives her a heart of worship. This type of life is simple because it’s mindful, and our thoughts are on Christ -- the giver of rest, peace, and joy.