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A Woman's Place Is in the Story: Seeing Women in the Biblical Narrative
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26How We Misread the Bible When Women Are Left Out Ignore them, vilify them, or treat them as isolated cameos—these have been common approaches to Christian teaching about the women in the Bible. As a result, we not only miss the significance of women in the biblical narrative but also misunderstand important questions in the text more broadly. Scholar Sandra Glahn argues that we need to rightly recognize the nature of biblical narrative by seeing the women in the stories as essential. In A Woman's Place Is in the Story, Glahn models how we can better read stories in their literary context and understand why the original authors included what they did. She reexamines both well-known and neglected passages, such as Tamar and Judah, the Hebrew midwives, Abigail, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Even when they seem to be minor characters, biblical women are key to moving the plot forward and revealing truths about God. In this book, you'll explore how leaving women out of the biblical story changes the plot and meaning that was intended, how distorting women as they appear in the biblical story affects the way we view women in general, and how misunderstanding how women appear in the story affects the way we view God. Women have always been part of the whole story of God. With A Woman's Place Is in the Story, discover how rightly seeing women in the biblical narrative leads to more faithful interpretation and application for the benefit of all God’s people. It’s time to tell the whole story.
240 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Sandra L. Glahn
34 books104 followersDr. Sandra Glahn is a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. She is the author or co-author of more than twenty-five books, including Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament and her forthcoming work (August 2026), A Woman's Place Is in the Story: Seeing Women in the Biblical Narrative.
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January 15, 2026Preaching often centers the male experience--Bible stories about men, illustrations about men, practical applications for men. As a result, many women wonder whether they have a place in God's story. Dr. Glahn introduces us to many forgotten women who are central to the plot of the Bible and whose stories are essential reading if we want to understand God's purposes. She teaches us to read more carefully, to reconsider negative stereotypes, and to reenter God's story as full-fledged participants. A compelling book with a crucial message!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I first heard about Sandra Glahn's new book I was super excited! I love learning more about the women in the Bible and the stories they tell. I've read so many books on this topic that it feels like I might run out of new things to learn. Never. Some of the women covered in the book include Tamar, the women of the Exodus, Abigail, the daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, Tirzah), etc. We even get a chapter on Jezebel which was a treat. I'm glad someone else noticed that the whole "jezebel spirit" craze is inaccurate as Jezebel was most known for murder and idolatry and not "sexual sin".
There was so much to chew on in this book. Some things I've heard before with slight differences, and others were like a revelation. I never before noticed the parallels in the story of the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus in John chapters 3 and 4. John is always focusing on light and dark and the contrast of Nicodemus coming in the night while the Samaritan met with Jesus in the middle of the day in the next chapter was fascinating. One a teacher of teachers, the other a downtrodden woman with a rough life (on top of being a Samaritan). Seeing it now, just opens up so much more to learn from these two stories.
I hope more men, and not just women, will read this book and others like it. If all of scripture is profitable for learning, correction, etc. then men can certainly learn a lot from these women. There was a quote near the end of the book that really got me: "Consequently, female congregants end up more biblically literate than the males because they get the whole story rather than a version that neglects the women. Teach it all." As we live in a society where biblical illiteracy is rampant, much must be done to reverse that course. So we must teach it all to all. I will definitely be recommending this book and hopefully adding it to my collection as soon as possible.
There was so much to chew on in this book. Some things I've heard before with slight differences, and others were like a revelation. I never before noticed the parallels in the story of the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus in John chapters 3 and 4. John is always focusing on light and dark and the contrast of Nicodemus coming in the night while the Samaritan met with Jesus in the middle of the day in the next chapter was fascinating. One a teacher of teachers, the other a downtrodden woman with a rough life (on top of being a Samaritan). Seeing it now, just opens up so much more to learn from these two stories.
I hope more men, and not just women, will read this book and others like it. If all of scripture is profitable for learning, correction, etc. then men can certainly learn a lot from these women. There was a quote near the end of the book that really got me: "Consequently, female congregants end up more biblically literate than the males because they get the whole story rather than a version that neglects the women. Teach it all." As we live in a society where biblical illiteracy is rampant, much must be done to reverse that course. So we must teach it all to all. I will definitely be recommending this book and hopefully adding it to my collection as soon as possible.
February 28, 2026
A review given in exchange for the ARC via NetGalley.
I chose to read this book because it showed up at the perfect time. I’ve been thinking about women in the Bible as I’ve been learning more of its stories. I even made a list of their stories summarized but as pointed out it is not all of them and only a certain interpretation. The book felt like the mentor I needed in this moment. Something I’ve been debating in my biblical studies is attempting to see myself in the stories and the powerful women who were behind many of the greats. I think also I’ve been reading and thinking a lot about gender and feminism in the church. It is reminiscent of feminist literature in understanding how women in society focusing on religion are forgotten, selected, and vilified adding to that larger discussion. Her writing style is welcoming without intimidation from someone who is not very knowledgeable of Biblical teachings. She is also incredibly well researched, knowledgeable, and organized. I was hoping for some helpful additions of a genealogy tree or this version did not include the indexes she will add in the final copy. I enjoyed how she kept pointing out that patriarchy is present but not inherent to God’s word. It really questions what a lot of the common modern beliefs of Christianity are especially in the role of women. I think it’s important in understanding really what the message of Christianity is through the characters in the story. She utilizes the pieces of rhetoric and storytelling: plot, name, characterization, voice, and setting to tell the story of the women who are often forgotten or misconstrued. In terms of the audience and although not entirely sure I think it could value anyone at any stage of their spiritual journey or biblical journey if they are simply trying to understand the Bible. I could see it used in an academic sense. Or as I have had it a welcoming read to look at the Bible and its stories a little differently. If I were to offer this to someone I’d offer it to someone who is curious or at least welcome to the discussion at looking at the Bible and its stories especially of the women differently. It doesn’t hurt that she really is a good writer entering little anecdotes to seemingly unrelated popular culture references. She sounds real and so does how she paints the women, with the research and knowledge to back it up of course. I just really like where religious books that I see normally pushed feel angry or abrasive, this book sits down over tea or coffee and has a discussion. I really appreciated the warm and welcoming hand this book offered. I will be taking my thoughts and notes onward in my journey.
I chose to read this book because it showed up at the perfect time. I’ve been thinking about women in the Bible as I’ve been learning more of its stories. I even made a list of their stories summarized but as pointed out it is not all of them and only a certain interpretation. The book felt like the mentor I needed in this moment. Something I’ve been debating in my biblical studies is attempting to see myself in the stories and the powerful women who were behind many of the greats. I think also I’ve been reading and thinking a lot about gender and feminism in the church. It is reminiscent of feminist literature in understanding how women in society focusing on religion are forgotten, selected, and vilified adding to that larger discussion. Her writing style is welcoming without intimidation from someone who is not very knowledgeable of Biblical teachings. She is also incredibly well researched, knowledgeable, and organized. I was hoping for some helpful additions of a genealogy tree or this version did not include the indexes she will add in the final copy. I enjoyed how she kept pointing out that patriarchy is present but not inherent to God’s word. It really questions what a lot of the common modern beliefs of Christianity are especially in the role of women. I think it’s important in understanding really what the message of Christianity is through the characters in the story. She utilizes the pieces of rhetoric and storytelling: plot, name, characterization, voice, and setting to tell the story of the women who are often forgotten or misconstrued. In terms of the audience and although not entirely sure I think it could value anyone at any stage of their spiritual journey or biblical journey if they are simply trying to understand the Bible. I could see it used in an academic sense. Or as I have had it a welcoming read to look at the Bible and its stories a little differently. If I were to offer this to someone I’d offer it to someone who is curious or at least welcome to the discussion at looking at the Bible and its stories especially of the women differently. It doesn’t hurt that she really is a good writer entering little anecdotes to seemingly unrelated popular culture references. She sounds real and so does how she paints the women, with the research and knowledge to back it up of course. I just really like where religious books that I see normally pushed feel angry or abrasive, this book sits down over tea or coffee and has a discussion. I really appreciated the warm and welcoming hand this book offered. I will be taking my thoughts and notes onward in my journey.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sandra Glahn’s A Woman’s Place Is in the Story is a readable, accessible, intelligent, and deeply engaging work that refuses to offer clichéd answers or sidestep difficult questions. By examining how Scripture presents key women, Glahn challenges both stereotypes and longstanding misunderstandings.
She combines solid hermeneutical discipline with a clear focus on narrative. Her reading is attentive—context, structure, and canon all in view. This is a technical book, but it never feels heavy. What I found particularly compelling is how it exposes and corrects the “lens” through which we often read the text. It models a grammatico-historical approach that takes the narrative arc seriously, rather than defaulting to isolated passages or proof texts. That has direct implications for how Scripture is handled, especially in teaching and preaching.
This book deserves to be required reading for those who preach and teach—and more broadly, for anyone who cares about rightly understanding the narrative of Scripture and how Scripture genuinely portrays and dignifies women. It needs to be read by men and women!
She combines solid hermeneutical discipline with a clear focus on narrative. Her reading is attentive—context, structure, and canon all in view. This is a technical book, but it never feels heavy. What I found particularly compelling is how it exposes and corrects the “lens” through which we often read the text. It models a grammatico-historical approach that takes the narrative arc seriously, rather than defaulting to isolated passages or proof texts. That has direct implications for how Scripture is handled, especially in teaching and preaching.
This book deserves to be required reading for those who preach and teach—and more broadly, for anyone who cares about rightly understanding the narrative of Scripture and how Scripture genuinely portrays and dignifies women. It needs to be read by men and women!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of those books that is more on the academic side, but an important topic that I believe needs to be addressed within the Christian community.
*A Woman’s Place Is in the Story* by Sandra L. Glahn invites readers to step back and truly see the women in Scripture—not as side characters or brief mentions, but as essential to the unfolding story of God. And honestly, this is something I needed to read because of the teachings I personally had about women's roles within the church.
What I appreciated most was how the author didn’t just highlight women in the Bible, but showed how leaving them out actually changes the meaning of the story itself. It made me reflect on how often we unintentionally skim past these moments, missing the depth and intention behind them.
In my experience, these have been left out from teachings also.
If you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible and seeing it from a fresh, thoughtful perspective, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that is more on the academic side, but an important topic that I believe needs to be addressed within the Christian community.
*A Woman’s Place Is in the Story* by Sandra L. Glahn invites readers to step back and truly see the women in Scripture—not as side characters or brief mentions, but as essential to the unfolding story of God. And honestly, this is something I needed to read because of the teachings I personally had about women's roles within the church.
What I appreciated most was how the author didn’t just highlight women in the Bible, but showed how leaving them out actually changes the meaning of the story itself. It made me reflect on how often we unintentionally skim past these moments, missing the depth and intention behind them.
In my experience, these have been left out from teachings also.
If you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible and seeing it from a fresh, thoughtful perspective, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book takes a look at the stories of women in the bible. I was expecting the books to be centered about women and while it is, the the story is well framed within the story about the men around them. It's done well and I am glad the author chose this viewpoint, I wasn't quite expecting it.
The author also surrounds the stories with little anecdotes from her life.
The view at the bible stories is done extremely well and I liked the differential discussion and the look at the framing of women's stories within the bible and what it tells us. The last chapter talks about ways we can approatch women and women in the bible better.
The books has questions in the back, so this could be a great book for a small group.
I recived a review copy of the book trough NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author also surrounds the stories with little anecdotes from her life.
The view at the bible stories is done extremely well and I liked the differential discussion and the look at the framing of women's stories within the bible and what it tells us. The last chapter talks about ways we can approatch women and women in the bible better.
The books has questions in the back, so this could be a great book for a small group.
I recived a review copy of the book trough NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 5
I loved this book! I have often struggled with retaining interest in theological books I pick up as they can be very 'surface-level'. Itching you for more but not properly scratching it.
I went in with a lot of doubts like, "I don't think this will be good." or "I will just go through it for the sake of it". However, I was in for a pleasant surprise.
I feel empowered to be honest. It is not often that we hear about how women contribute in the Bible in ways other than certain areas which are considered 'traditionally feminine' or popularized people like Jael. This opened my eyes to how everyone can shine in their life, no matter the circumstances, you are there for a reason. It genuinely spoke to me like what a 'self-help' book is supposed to be.
You may think you are less because you are a woman, and even if you aren't one, life may sometimes seem to have a very foggy future for you, but this book spoke to me by saying that, "In the foggy vision of your future, let our God, Jesus Christ, guide your path and your sight will be as clear as crystal."
P.S. Thank you to NetGalley, Sandra L. Glahn and IVP Academic for giving me a free copy to read and review!💙
I loved this book! I have often struggled with retaining interest in theological books I pick up as they can be very 'surface-level'. Itching you for more but not properly scratching it.
I went in with a lot of doubts like, "I don't think this will be good." or "I will just go through it for the sake of it". However, I was in for a pleasant surprise.
I feel empowered to be honest. It is not often that we hear about how women contribute in the Bible in ways other than certain areas which are considered 'traditionally feminine' or popularized people like Jael. This opened my eyes to how everyone can shine in their life, no matter the circumstances, you are there for a reason. It genuinely spoke to me like what a 'self-help' book is supposed to be.
You may think you are less because you are a woman, and even if you aren't one, life may sometimes seem to have a very foggy future for you, but this book spoke to me by saying that, "In the foggy vision of your future, let our God, Jesus Christ, guide your path and your sight will be as clear as crystal."
P.S. Thank you to NetGalley, Sandra L. Glahn and IVP Academic for giving me a free copy to read and review!💙
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Woman’s Place Is in the Story by Sandra L. Glahn is an insightful and inspiring read that shines a light on the often-overlooked women in the biblical narrative. I used this book as a supplement to my personal Bible studies, reading it and then looking up each woman in Scripture to dive deeper. Glahn carefully unpacks each story with clarity and depth, helping readers see the courage, faith, and influence of these women in a fresh, meaningful way. It not only deepened my respect for these women but also provided insights I could share with others. This book encourages reflection, discussion, and a fuller understanding of Scripture.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am a very early reader of this one, so I'll wait to give a full review. But it's an easy 5-star, highly recommended book you'll want to plan your book budget around come next August. Glahn taps her deep understanding of both storytelling and the Bible as she shows how a number of women in the biblical text are essential to the story of the Bible itself. Not cameos, not tokens...essential. Along the way, we are treated—and I do mean it's a treat!—to a mini-lesson on writing, literature, and the elements of excellent storytelling, straight from Glahn's long experience as a writing professor, author, and journalist.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
God loves us all, even women.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with this complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this book are completely my own.
I loved this book! It was so eye opening, showing how we often misinterpret/miss the message of the Bible by sticking with the human made patriarchal system that often leaves out female characters. This is empowering and it made me feel more loved. And not because men were put down but because this book treats us as equals. It was very well done.
Overall 5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with this complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this book are completely my own.
I loved this book! It was so eye opening, showing how we often misinterpret/miss the message of the Bible by sticking with the human made patriarchal system that often leaves out female characters. This is empowering and it made me feel more loved. And not because men were put down but because this book treats us as equals. It was very well done.
Overall 5/5
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I cannot give this book enough of a glowing endorsement. It is precisely the type of book I seek out when desiring to grow in my understanding of the Bible. Not only has it opened my eyes to seeing how literary devices can inform my reading of the biblical text, it has caused me to revisit some of the theological assumptions I've had based on interpretations that may have gaps or even glaring errors. Every chapter in this book touches on a woman who may have been misunderstood throughout church history, bringing that woman to life and clarifying why the narratives about them have been written the way they were. The story about the woman at the well has completely transformed my way of thinking and it's made me realize how easily church teachings have moved away from the wonder of Jesus’ divine revelation to focusing on what may or may not have been the woman's lifestyle choices.
In unlocking cultural nuances, textual traditions, and societal values, Sandra Glahn invites us to evaluate the place of women in God's kingdom. What stands out most in this book is that every detail in the Bible is inspired by God; whether a woman is explicitly named or whether her identity is omitted for good reason (and there are some, contrary to what we may think), there is a purpose behind it and it can be a significant part of what God is communicating to us. In a world—including some Christian churches—where women's voices have been eroded, how refreshing is it that God elevates women, featuring them in the most unexpected places in the Gospel story? Readers who care about rightly dividing the word of truth and how it impacts our views and treatment of women will immensely benefit from A Woman's Place Is in the Story.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to Intervarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
In unlocking cultural nuances, textual traditions, and societal values, Sandra Glahn invites us to evaluate the place of women in God's kingdom. What stands out most in this book is that every detail in the Bible is inspired by God; whether a woman is explicitly named or whether her identity is omitted for good reason (and there are some, contrary to what we may think), there is a purpose behind it and it can be a significant part of what God is communicating to us. In a world—including some Christian churches—where women's voices have been eroded, how refreshing is it that God elevates women, featuring them in the most unexpected places in the Gospel story? Readers who care about rightly dividing the word of truth and how it impacts our views and treatment of women will immensely benefit from A Woman's Place Is in the Story.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to Intervarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
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