The term "lady" in the context of the Bible often refers to a woman of noble character or high social standing. While the Bible does not frequently use the term "lady" in the same way modern English does, it does provide examples of women who embody the virtues and responsibilities associated with being a lady.

Biblical References:

1. 2 John 1:1 : "The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—" This verse is part of the salutation in the Second Epistle of John. The "chosen lady" is a term of respect and endearment, possibly referring to a specific woman leader in the early church or symbolically to a church congregation. The use of "lady" here suggests a person of spiritual maturity and leadership.

2. Proverbs 31:10-31 : This passage describes the "wife of noble character," often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 woman." While not explicitly called a "lady," she exemplifies the qualities associated with a godly woman: strength, wisdom, industriousness, and fear of the Lord. "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). This passage is frequently cited in discussions about biblical womanhood and the ideal characteristics of a lady.

3. Esther: The Book of Esther presents Esther as a quintessential biblical lady. As queen, Esther demonstrates courage, wisdom, and faith. Her account highlights the role of a woman in a position of influence and her ability to effect change through bravery and reliance on God.

4. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: While not directly referred to as a "lady" in the biblical text, Mary is venerated for her obedience, humility, and faith. Her response to the angel Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant," (Luke 1:38) exemplifies her submission to God's will, a characteristic esteemed in biblical womanhood.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In biblical times, the concept of a "lady" would have been closely tied to social status, family lineage, and moral character. Women of noble birth or those married to men of high standing were often referred to with terms denoting respect and honor. However, the Bible frequently emphasizes character over social status, highlighting virtues such as faithfulness, wisdom, and fear of the Lord as the true markers of a noble woman.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the notion of a "lady" in the Bible transcends mere social standing and is deeply connected to spiritual virtues. The Bible upholds the dignity and worth of women, encouraging them to pursue godliness and to use their influence for righteous purposes. The examples of women like the "chosen lady," the Proverbs 31 woman, Esther, and Mary serve as models for Christian women, illustrating how they can live out their faith in various roles and circumstances.

Practical Application:

Christian teachings often encourage women to emulate the virtues of biblical ladies, focusing on inner beauty, strength of character, and devotion to God. In contemporary Christian communities, the term "lady" may be used to honor women who exhibit these qualities, serving as role models for others in their faith journey.7640. shobel -- flowing skirt, train
... leg. From an unused root meaning to flow; a lady's train (as trailing after
her) -- leg. 7639, 7640. shobel. 7641 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7640.htm - 5k

Our Lady's Candle-Mass
... THE INNER WAY SERMON VII Our Lady's Candle-Mass. How we may offer ourselves,
night and day, unto God in holy discipline; in prayer ...
/.../tauler/the inner way/sermon vii our ladys candle-mass.htm

Martin Lightfoot's Song {346}
... Then by there came a white, white dove, Flew off Our Lady's knee; Sang 'It's
I will be your true, true love, If you'll be true to me.'. ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/martin lightfoots song 346.htm

A Little Boy's Experience.
... One day as a young lady was walking up the street, she saw a little boy running
out of a shoemaker's shop, and behind him was the old shoemaker chasing him ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/a little boys experience.htm

Letter iv. Personal Habits.
... illness of two members of the family, the spare rooms were not available and I was
without delay or warning shown to the private room of a young lady member of ...
/.../letter iv personal habits.htm

Vocation
... When our Lady came to cure Stanislaus, she told him absolutely that he must become
a Jesuit. ... Since our Lady has commanded me, she will find a way.". ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter ix vocation.htm

Trust.
... TRUST. "I Am Trusting Jesus""A Young Lady's Trust. The other Sunday,
when I was speaking on "Trust," a person came to me next ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/trust.htm

Eve and Mary Continued.
Serious Hours of a Young Lady. <. ... The virtues which adorn the heart
of a young lady are concealed from her own knowledge. ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter vi eve and mary.htm

School Days
... Sodalities were rare in those days; but the college boys of Vienna had a sodality,
devoted to the honor of our Lady, and under the patronage of Saint Barbara. ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter v school days.htm

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... The lady in the plain dress was addicted to the habit of using snuff. The lady
in the fashionable dress abhorred such a filthy practise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm

Pauline Enters the Carmel
... 5]. When my sufferings grew less, my great delight was to weave garlands
of daisies and forget-me-nots for Our Lady's statue. We ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter iii pauline enters the.htm

Lady's (8 Occurrences)
...Lady's (8 Occurrences). ... Deuteronomy 22:16 and the young lady's father shall tell
the elders, "I gave my daughter to this man to wife, and he hates her; (WEB). ...
/l/lady's.htm - 9k

Refresh (18 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:5 It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning,
and he rose up to depart: and the young lady's father said to his son-in-law ...
/r/refresh.htm - 13k

Merry (38 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:6 So they sat down, ate, and drank, both of them together: and the young
lady's father said to the man, "Please be pleased to stay all night, and let ...
/m/merry.htm - 18k

Sustain (28 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:5 It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning,
and he rose up to depart: and the young lady's father said to his son-in-law ...
/s/sustain.htm - 15k

Strengthen (105 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:5 It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning,
and he rose up to depart: and the young lady's father said to his son-in-law ...
/s/strengthen.htm - 37k

Father-in-law (25 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:4 His father-in-law, the young lady's father, retained him; and he abode
with him three days: so they ate and drink, and lodged there. ...
/f/father-in-law.htm - 15k

Enjoy (68 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:6 So they sat down, ate, and drank, both of them together: and the young
lady's father said to the man, "Please be pleased to stay all night, and let ...
/e/enjoy.htm - 26k

Lady (37 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Elect lady. To ... earl. The wife of a baronet or knight
has the title of Lady by courtesy, but not by right. ...
/l/lady.htm - 22k

Lodge (64 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:4 His father-in-law, the young lady's father, retained him; and he abode
with him three days: so they ate and drink, and lodged there. ...
/l/lodge.htm - 29k

Early (157 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:5 It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning,
and he rose up to depart: and the young lady's father said to his son-in-law ...
/e/early.htm - 40k

Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.org

Is it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus