Persons of the Bible: Letter Q
The letter Q contains only a few names, but each one offers a window into God’s work among both His people and the nations. We encounter Qohelet, the wise Teacher whose reflections on life point us toward the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. We meet queens—Vashti, whose refusal sparked unexpected change; the Queen of Sheba, who honored the Lord after witnessing Solomon’s wisdom; and Esther, the courageous queen whom God used to preserve His people. And we see early believers like Quartus, a quiet example of the fellowship that strengthened the early church. Together, these names remind us that God works through wisdom, courage, humility, and the faithful decisions of individuals in every position of life.
Qohelet
Qohelet is the Hebrew title for the “Teacher” or “Preacher” traditionally associated with Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes. Qohelet speaks with deep honesty about the fleeting nature of life, the limits of human wisdom, and the necessity of fearing God. Though not a personal name in the usual sense, it functions as a personified role and provides profound theological insight that points forward to Christ, in whom true wisdom and meaning are found.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 12:8–14
Quartus
Quartus was a Christian greeted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, remembered simply as “a brother,” showing the close bond among early believers.
Scripture: Romans 16:23
Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon to test his wisdom and left praising the God of Israel. Jesus later referred to her earnest search for wisdom as a testimony against unbelief.
Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1–13; 2 Chronicles 9:1–12; Matthew 12:42
Queen Vashti
Vashti was the queen of Persia who refused King Ahasuerus’ command to appear at his feast. Her removal set the stage for Esther’s rise and for God’s preservation of the Jewish people.
Scripture: Esther 1:9–22
Queen Candace
“Candace” was the dynastic title of Ethiopian queens. One such queen ruled during the time of the Ethiopian eunuch who encountered Philip and believed the gospel.
Scripture: Acts 8:27
Queen Esther (Hadassah)
Esther, also known as Hadassah, was the Jewish queen of Persia who courageously risked her life to intercede for her people. Through her wisdom, bravery, and faith, God delivered Israel from destruction. Her story foreshadows Christ’s saving work and shows how God raises individuals “for such a time as this.”
Scripture: Esther 2–9
Though the list of names beginning with Q is short, their impact is lasting. From the wisdom of Qohelet to the boldness of Esther, from searching hearts to faithful servants, each one contributes to the unfolding story of redemption.
As we move to the letter R, we will continue tracing the lives of those who fill the pages of Scripture—discovering how God uses both the well-known and the humble to reveal His character and guide His people toward the hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
