Is it biblical to refer to God as 'God the Mother'?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Scripture uses motherly imagery at times to describe God’s compassion but only to say His care is like that of a mother. For example, God gives birth (Deuteronomy 32:18), nurtures (Hosea 11:3–4), feeds (Isaiah 49:15), and comforts (Isaiah 66:13). However, these verses are not meant to define Him as female, only to use human examples to illustrate God’s tender actions toward His people.

While God may act in a caring manner like a mother, the Bible consistently refers to Him using masculine terms and titles. He calls Himself a husband to His people (Isaiah 54:5) and is described as King, not queen (1 Samuel 12:12). When His Son, Jesus, taught the disciples to pray, He taught them to address God the Father as “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9). Likewise, believers are to cry out to Him as Father through the Spirit (Romans 8:15).

Motherly metaphors help us understand aspects of God’s care, but Scripture never calls Him “Mother,” only “Father.” Because we cannot understand God apart from how He reveals Himself, we must refrain from referring to Him by terms He has not used for Himself.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Several Old Testament passages use this kind of motherly imagery to illustrate God’s tenderness toward us. God speaks of carrying and nourishing His people as a mother would her child (Hosea 11:3–4). He compares His unfailing memory and compassion to that of a nursing mother toward her infant (Isaiah 49:15). He promises comfort to His people using the picture of a mother comforting her child (Isaiah 66:13). These metaphors highlight the warmth and nearness of God’s care but do not establish His identity as a mother.
• In addition to these metaphors, Scripture consistently speaks of God using masculine pronouns. “Know that the LORD, he is God” (Psalm 100:3), and “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure” (Psalm 147:5). Israel sang, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2). God is consistently referred to with he and him, never she or her, reinforcing that motherly imagery is metaphorical rather than a statement about God’s identity.
• The Old Testament also consistently speaks of God with masculine titles and pronouns. He is Israel’s Father (Deuteronomy 32:6), Israel’s husband (Isaiah 54:5), and the King (not Queen) over His people (Psalm 47:2; Psalm 95:3). Unlike the metaphorical illustrations of His care, these masculine terms are God’s chosen self-descriptions. So, while He may act with a mother-like gentleness, He reveals Himself as Father, never as Mother.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He was clear about how He is to be addressed. He instructed them to pray, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Additionally, Jesus consistently referred to God as Father in His teaching, His prayers, and His explanations of God’s relationship to His people (Matthew 6:32, 11:27; Mark 14:36; Luke 10:21-22; John 14:6-9, 20:17). In every case, “Father” is the chosen and authoritative term Jesus gives for how God wants to be known.
• The rest of the New Testament does the same. Paul wrote that believers “have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15). He also blessed “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) and made clear that our identity as God’s children is rooted in knowing Him as Father. No New Testament writer ever called God “Mother,” even metaphorically; the consistent and relational name God gives His people is, therefore, Father.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Parents speak to children in ways they can understand. So they don’t convince kids to clean their plates by talking about protein and Vitamin C, but by telling them they’ll grow up “big and strong” if they eat what they should.

Our heavenly Father reveals Himself in ways we can understand. That includes using images drawn from both fathers and mothers to show His care, strength, patience, and compassion. But those helpful illustrations do not mean we should extrapolate other titles for Him. From Genesis to Revelation, God consistently reveals Himself with masculine titles and pronouns, teaching us to call Him Father.

Words have meaning, and if we start using non-biblical titles like “God the Mother,” we risk imagining a different kind of god than the One who actually exists. God calls Himself Father on purpose, and we should never deviate from that.

UNDERSTAND

• Motherly imagery in Scripture illustrates God’s care but doesn’t define His identity.
• God consistently reveals Himself using masculine titles and pronouns.
• Jesus and the New Testament teach us to address God as Father, never Mother.

REFLECT

• How does understanding God as Father, rather than Mother, shape the way you relate to Him personally?
• How do motherly metaphors for God help you grasp aspects of His character without changing His identity?
• How do you ensure that you reflect God accurately to those around you by the way you talk about Him?

ENGAGE

• How do motherly images of God in Scripture deepen our understanding of His care while maintaining His identity as Father?
• Why do you think Jesus consistently taught His disciples to address God as Father, and what does that imply for our worship today?
• How can we help others understand the importance of calling God by the titles He has revealed without diminishing His loving character?