You’ve probably heard the word “queen” used in the Bible and wondered what it means.
Was there just one queen who ruled over everyone? Or were there many queens with different roles? Get ready to dive into the royal world of queens in the Bible and discover their true significance.
This eye-opening look at all the queens mentioned will uncover their diverse positions and purposes.
You’ll learn about powerful ruling queens like the Queen of Sheba and Queen Esther.
You’ll also find out about the wives of kings who held the title “queen.” One thing’s for sure – there’s more to these biblical queens than meets the eye.
Their stories and influence are richer than you realize.
Continue reading to unveil the full meaning of “queen” in the Bible.
The Different Hebrew and Greek Words Translated as “Queen”
Malkah: The Hebrew Word for Queen
In the Old Testament, the most common Hebrew word translated as “queen” is malkah.
This word refers to the queen’s mother, the mother of the reigning king.
The queen’s mother held an important and influential position in the royal court.
For example, Bathsheba was the queen mother of Solomon’s kingdom.
The malkah was not necessarily the king’s wife or consort.
She was the king’s mother and held a place of honor and authority because of her relationship with the king.
The Malkah often acted as an adviser to the king and advocated for the people.
Gebirah: Queen Consort
Another Hebrew word translated as “queen” is rebirth, which refers to the queen consort—the wife of the reigning king.
The Deborah held a position of honor as the king’s spouse but did not necessarily wield political power or act as an adviser like the Malkah.
Basileia: The Greek Word for Queen
In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as “queen” is basileia.
This word refers to a queen consort, the wife of a king.
For example, the “queen of the South” who visited Solomon was a basilica, a queen consort from Sheba.
By understanding the different Hebrew and Greek words behind the English word “queen,” we gain a deeper understanding of the roles and positions of queens in the Bible.
Whether Malkah, Deborah, or basilica, queens held important places of honor and authority in the royal courts of the ancient world.
Prominent Queens in the Old Testament
The Old Testament features several notable queens who wielded power and influence.
One of the most well-known is Queen Esther.
Esther used her position as queen to save the Jewish people from slaughter.
When the king’s advisor Haman plotted to kill all Jews in the kingdom, Esther’s uncle Mordecai urged her to appeal to the king.
At the risk of her own life, Esther revealed Haman’s evil plan to the king, who then had Haman executed instead.
Esther is revered for her courage, faith, and willingness to sacrifice for her people.
Another prominent queen was Bathsheba.
Originally the wife of Uriah, Bathsheba became involved with King David after he spied on her bathing.
Their affair produced a son, Solomon.
Although David’s actions were reproachable, Bathsheba proved herself a capable queen and mother.
She ensured Solomon’s succession to the throne and was later valued as an advisor to King Solomon.
Finally, there’s Queen Jezebel, the Phoenician wife of King Ahab.
Jezebel promoted the worship of false gods and persecuted the prophets of Yahweh.
She’s portrayed as a scheming and manipulative queen who leads Ahab further into unfaithfulness.
Although not always portrayed positively, the queens of ancient Israel were strong, influential women who shaped history.
They demonstrate that women in power can be used for good or evil purposes, just like anyone else.
Ultimately, they show how God can work through anyone to accomplish His will.
Queens in the New Testament and Early Church
In the early days of Christianity, queens and other women in leadership played an important role in the growth and spread of the faith.
For example, Acts 8 mentions Candace, the queen of Ethiopia, whose treasurer was converted and baptized by Philip.
Candace likely had influence over religious matters in her kingdom, so her treasurer’s conversion was significant.
Bernice and Drusilla
The book of Acts also refers to Bernice and Drusilla, sisters of King Agrippa.
Bernice was married to her uncle Herod, tetrarch of Galilee, but left him for another man.
Drusilla was married to Felix, the Roman governor of Judea.
Both women were present when Paul gave his defense of the Christian faith before Agrippa, Bernice, and Drusilla.
Paul’s eloquent speech almost persuaded Agrippa to become a Christian.
Although Bernice and Drusilla were not converted at that time, their presence shows that women of high social standing were involved in the early spread of Christianity.
Priscilla
One of the most prominent women in the early church was Priscilla, who worked alongside her husband Aquila as a “fellow laborer” in the Gospel.
Acts 18 describes them as Christians who had been expelled from Rome.
They became friends and ministry partners with Paul.
Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos, an eloquent preacher, into their home and “explained to him the way of God more accurately” – suggesting Priscilla was actively involved in theological discussions and teaching.
The examples of Candace, Bernice, Drusilla, and Priscilla show that queens and other high-status women contributed to the growth of the early Christian movement in important ways.
While they lived in male-dominated societies, these women found avenues to exercise influence and even authority in the church through their royal status, financial patronage, and theological acumen.
Their presence in the New Testament highlights the key role that women played in the spread of the Gospel from the very beginning.
Symbolic and Figurative Uses of “Queen” in the Bible
In the Bible, the word “queen” is used not just literally but also symbolically and figuratively.
As a symbol, the queen represents power, authority, and leadership.
Several passages refer to God as the “King of kings” – implying that He reigns over all earthly rulers.
By extension, God is portrayed as the husband of Israel, His chosen people, who is the “queen” or bride.
The Queen of Heaven
Some passages refer to a “Queen of Heaven” – a pagan goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and other groups.
Worshipping the Queen of Heaven was seen as idolatry by the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who condemned the practice.
The Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to test his wisdom.
Her visit shows how Solomon’s wisdom and riches were renowned even by foreign rulers.
The Queen of Sheba is portrayed as a seeker of truth and wisdom, in contrast with those who worshipped pagan deities.
The Bride of Christ
In the New Testament, the church is portrayed as the “bride of Christ”.
For example, Ephesians 5 compares the relationship of husband and wife to that of Christ and the church.
The church is the pure and spotless bride, who submits to Christ as her head, just as a wife should submit to her husband.
A Symbol of Splendor
The queen is also used as a symbol to represent splendor, riches, and glory.
For example, in Psalm 45, the king’s bride is described in glowing terms: “All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.” This depicts the queen as the pinnacle of beauty, clothed in the finest gold and jewels to showcase the king’s majesty and power.
So in short, the word “queen” in the Bible represents not just a literal queen or ruler, but also symbolic concepts of power, authority, purity, wisdom, splendor, and devotion.
The queen is a multifaceted metaphor, used by biblical authors to illustrate spiritual truths about God, His people, and His church.
Queen Biblical Meaning FAQs
What does the title “queen” represent in the Bible?
In the Bible, the title of “queen” represents power, authority, and leadership over a kingdom.
Queens were consorts to kings and helped govern kingdoms.
For example, Queen Esther was the consort of King Ahasuerus in the Persian Empire and used her position to help save the Jewish people.
Queen Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab of Israel and influenced him to turn away from God.
Are there any positive examples of queens in the Bible?
Yes, there are several positive examples of queens in the Bible.
Queen Esther bravely risked her life to save the Jewish people from annihilation.
The Queen of Sheba respected King Solomon’s wisdom and gave lavish gifts in tribute.
King Lemuel’s mother, mentioned in Proverbs 31, was a wise and virtuous woman who taught her son to lead justly.
What kind of power or authority did queens have?
Queens in the Bible had varying degrees of power and authority depending on their relationship with the king.
Some queens like Esther and the Queen of Sheba acted as advisors, using their wisdom and influence to guide the king.
Powerful queens like Jezebel and Athaliah directly interfered in affairs of state and promoted the worship of false gods.
However, most queens lived in the shadow of their husbands and exercised authority mainly over their households and courts.
What responsibilities did queens have?
The primary responsibilities of queens were to provide counsel to the king, bear royal heirs, and manage the royal household.
Queens were also expected to demonstrate virtue, loyalty, and devotion to the king and God.
Their royal duties included overseeing servants, ensuring the king’s comfort, hosting official banquets, and representing the monarchy with dignity and grace.
Some queens also acted as patrons of the arts commissioned great building works, or made alliances through strategic marriages of their children.
In summary, queens in the Bible were powerful and complex figures who supported and sometimes rivaled kings in governing ancient kingdoms.
Their royal titles gave them authority and responsibility, but also limitations within a patriarchal system.
Still, the most virtuous queens were able to wisely lead and positively impact their people.
