Models for all women abound in the Bible

Women are outnumbered by a ratio of more than six to one in biblical references. However, that doesn't mean women — especially mothers — weren't a very significant influence in early Christianity.

And this Mother's Day is a good time to look back and celebrate the matriarchs of scripture.

Almost 1,200 men are mentioned in the Bible, but fewer than 200 women. And some mothers in the Bible aren't even mentioned by their specific names, yet they played prominent roles in key events.

For example, Noah's wife. She is mentioned five times in Genesis Chapters 6 through 8 simply as "Noah's wife," though she obviously assisted Noah through his ordeal of preparing for the flood and afterward.

Without this supporting mother and grandmother, would man have survived the flood?

Other women also have important roles — though not starring roles — in scripture. The mother-in-law of Peter comes to mind, as does the mother of James and John.

Here is an alphabetized capsule look at 10 other prominent women in the Bible. Some are remembered for being matriarchs, others exhibited the kind of wisdom and care for people that have been traditionally associated with motherhood.

Deborah: Her tale of charismatic leadership is told twice, once in Judges Chapter 4 in prose and again in the next chapter in "The Song of Deborah."

How this remarkable woman rose to become the only female judge of Israel — and even a war leader of some 10,000 soldiers — isn't clear

Elizabeth: As the wife of Zechariah the priest, she was advanced in years with no children when an angel told her she would miraculously give birth to a son — John the Baptist (Luke Chapter 1.) Her story parallels the stories of other aging women who gave birth to prominent leaders, including the mother of Samuel the prophet.

Esther: The wife of King Ahasuerus has an entire Old Testament book named after her. She was Jewish and was said to be very beautiful. At great risk to herself, she declared her lineage after a decree to put all Jews to death was announced, and she was able to reverse the ruling.

Eve: As the first woman and mother, she was the wife of Adam and played a leading role in the history of the world. Though some Christian faiths may think of her as the devil's gateway, others consider her a noble Christian.