Who was Noah's wife?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not name Noah's wife, though some traditions call her Naamah, Emzara, and other names, but this is not biblical. Noah’s wife was one of the eight people saved from the flood and is the mother of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who became the ancestors of the post-flood population. Noah’s wife played a supportive role in sustaining and rebuilding life after the flood. Her example calls us to see the importance of faithfulness and support within a family during adversity. We can learn from her to value the often unsung, but crucial roles we play in our families and communities.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The name of Noah's wife is never specifically mentioned in the Bible. Some traditions teach that her name was Naamah (Genesis 4:22), but this is not certain.
• Noah's wife is mentioned in the context of the story of the Great Flood. She is one of the eight people who entered the ark and were saved from the floodwaters (Genesis 7:7; 7:13; 8:16; 8:18).
• Noah's wife is the mother of Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These sons and their wives were saved in the ark with Noah and his wife and became the ancestors of the post-flood human population (Genesis 6:18; 7:7; 7:13).
• Noah’s wife played a supportive role as part of Noah's family, helping to sustain and rebuild human life after the flood (Genesis 9:1–17).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Second Peter 2:5 generically mentions Noah’s wife as one of the eight people who were saved from the flood: "If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Though Noah's wife is not named in the Bible, her presence and role during the Great Flood offer significant insights for personal application today. She stands as a testament to the importance of faithfulness and support within a family. Despite not being a central figure in the narrative, her willingness to follow Noah into the ark and her contribution to sustaining and rebuilding life afterward highlight the value of supporting and working alongside loved ones in times of adversity. It also reveals her faith, as she followed Noah into the ark and was saved. We can learn from Noah's wife by recognizing the often unsung, but crucial roles we play in our families and communities. Her example encourages us to faithfully support and strengthen those around us, trusting in God's plan even when our own role may seem less visible or acknowledged. By doing so, we contribute to the greater good and help build a foundation of faith for future generations.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not reveal the name of Noah's wife. Various traditions suggest names like Naamah or Emzara, but these are not found in the biblical text.
• Noah's wife was one of the eight people who entered the ark and was saved from the floodwaters, along with Noah and their three sons and their sons' wives.
• Noah’s wife played a crucial supportive role in sustaining and rebuilding human life after the flood.

REFLECT

• How do you handle roles and responsibilities that may go unrecognized in your life?
• How can you show faithfulness and support in challenging situations, inspired by Noah's wife?
• How can you trust in God’s plan when your own contributions seem insignificant?

ENGAGE

• In various Jewish traditions and other extra-biblical texts, Noah’s wife is given names such as Naamah, Emzara, or others, but these names and details are not found in the canonical biblical text.
• What can we learn from Noah’s wife about recognizing and appreciating others in our community, especially in less visible roles?
• How can we actively encourage and uplift those who contribute significantly but often go unrecognized or unsung?