a Hebrew word meaning 'young woman' or 'virgin' depending on translations

the idea that women should be equal to men

the belief that Mary was born without the stain of original sin by the grace of God

'anointed one'; chosen by God to bring a new age of peace

Mary, mother of Jesus

Religious education

In this unit pupils will take a hermenutical reading of scripture to assess the status of women in the Bible. Through a series of key stories they will analyse how women are portrayed and how these stories have been interpreted and re-interpreted over the centuries.

Matriarchs: are the women of the Bible victors or victims?

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

'{{}}' is a Hebrew word meaning 'young woman' or 'virgin'.

Matthew links his story of the birth of Jesus to the prophecy of {{}} about the birth of the Messiah.

when Mary agreed to bear a child whilst still a virgin.

the belief that Mary was born without the stain of Original Sin.

another name for the ‘anointed one’; chosen by God to bring a new age of peace.

when Mary agreed to give birth to a child whilst still a virgin.

the belief that Mary can pray to God on behalf of other Christians.

Sacred paintings, which can help Christians to connect more deeply with their religion when they pray, are called {{}}.

{{}} is the idea that women should be equal to men. 

The Book of Esther is a biblical story set in {{}}.

The Jewish diaspora refers to the communities of Jews living outside of the land of ancient __________ following exile. 

Esther, a Jew, was taken to be a {{}} for King Xerxes and was then promoted to his wife. 

In the story of Esther, {{}} was plotting against the Jews.

The term 'patriarchy' is formed from words meaning '__________' and 'to rule'.

Feminist theologians interpret the concubines named in the Bible as victims because we never hear them {{}}.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Mary, mother of Jesus

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.