Moses' sister, a prophetess who led women in worship.
Miriam
Named in 12 verses across 5 books, first in Exodus 15:20.
מִרְיָםMiriam
The name means “rebellion.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Miriam Written by AI
Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and a prominent figure in the Exodus narrative. She first appears in Exodus 15:20 to 21, where she is described as a prophetess who led the women of Israel in worship and dance after the crossing of the Red Sea. This event highlights her leadership role among the women and her musical abilities. However, Miriam's life was not without controversy. In Numbers 12:1 to 15, she and Aaron criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman and challenged his authority as God's chosen leader. As a result, God punished Miriam with leprosy, but she was healed after Moses interceded on her behalf. This incident serves as a warning against questioning God's appointed leaders. Miriam's death is recorded in Numbers 20:1, which takes place near the end of the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Her significance in Israel's history is further emphasized in Micah 6:4, where she is mentioned alongside Moses and Aaron as one of the leaders God sent to guide the people out of Egypt.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Miriam, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Their rebellion. (1.) The sister of Moses and Aaron (Ex. 2:4-10; 1 Chr. 6:3). Her name is prominent in the history of the Exodus. She is called “the prophetess” (Ex. 15:20). She took the lead in the song of triumph after the passage of the Red Sea. She died at Kadesh during the second encampment at that place, toward the close of the wanderings in the wilderness, and was buried there (Num. 20:1). (See AARON; MOSES.)
(2.) 1 Chr. 4:17, one of the descendants of Judah.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names her
- Exodus 15:20
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.
- Exodus 15:21
And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”
- Numbers 12:1
Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.
- Numbers 12:4
And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,
- Numbers 12:5
and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,
- Numbers 12:10
As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,
- Numbers 12:15
So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.
- Numbers 20:1
In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried.
- Numbers 26:59
and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.
- Deuteronomy 24:9
Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.
- 1 Chronicles 6:3
The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
- Micah 6:4
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses before you, as well as Aaron and Miriam.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.