This list of matriarchs differs from the usual four.

Sarah is undisputedly the matriarch of the nation of Israel even though she bore only one son, the son of promise. Her tenure is followed by Rebekah, who had two sons; only one received the promise. Leah, the third matriarch, bore six sons and Jacob's only daughter. But she was the first wife and was, no doubt, influential in raising Rachel's two boys, as well as the boys of the servant wives. Asenath is included in this numbering. Given that her husband received the double blessing, her two sons are tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh.

Each of the mothers had very different personalities and backgrounds. Each had influence in her time and has wisdom to share with believers of our day.