Women as Deceivers in the Hebrew Bible

Abstract

Using Eve, Rebekah, and Delilah as examples, the concept of women viewed as deceivers in the Hebrew Bible is examined. Even a superficial reading of their stories substantiates that the focus of the Hebrew Bible, and most scholarly studies to date, are patriarchal in nature. These three women are significant figures who defied the patriarchy of their times. Although their actions are immediate, it is possible that their initial intention were to overturn men’s suppression of women throughout the ages.