Power of a Woman in the Bible
The power of a woman in the Bible is manifested through good works, courage, excellent leadership skills, and ministry work.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a great example. Her earnings enabled her to buy fields, plant vineyards, pay wages, make clothing and bedding, and help the poor.
Deborah, a judge, is a courageous and God-fearing woman whom God used to free the people of Israel from the enemy's oppression. Priscilla, a minister of the Lord, courageously spreads the Word of God in and out of season. Mary Magdalene, the first woman to see Jesus after he had been resurrected, served Jesus all the days of her life.
We will look at the power of women as depicted in God’s word through their service to their Lord God. Read on.
Power of a Woman in the Bible
The Proverbs 31 Woman!
One of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament is Proverbs 31. It shows what powerful, strong women can do. While most women disagree with it or find it too demanding, it reveals the power of a woman in the Bible.
You see, when God created man, he felt it wasn’t good for him to be alone. He created a helper (woman) for him. Proverbs 31 tells us the role of a woman as a helper.
Despite having servant girls, the Proverbs 31 woman wakes up before dawn to make breakfast for her family. Proverbs 31:15
“She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.”
Proverbs 31:15
The Bible also says that her lamb burns late into the night.
“Her lamp goeth not out by night.”
Proverbs 31:18
Indeed, she is not lazy; she is hardworking and a great role model for her children!
From verse 19, we know what she is doing at night: spinning thread with her hands and twisting fiber with her fingers.
“She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.”
Proverbs 31:19
With wool and flax, she makes clothes for her household to stay warm throughout winter.
“She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.”
Proverbs 31:13
She makes her own carpets (other versions say covering for her bed)!
Verse 22 a. “She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry;”
She gets food for her family from afar. Verse 14. “She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.”
She suffers nothing from laziness!
“And eateth not the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:27b
The Bible warns against laziness. Such an attitude results in poverty. Proverbs 14:23
“In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”
Proverbs 14:23
This woman is also an investor. She sells sashes and belted linen garments.
“She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.”
Proverbs 31:24
She ensures that all her dealings are profitable. The Bible says that she laughs without fear of the future because she knows it is secure.
Verse 25. “Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.”
Ephesians 4:28 encourages us to work hard to have enough for ourselves and the poor around us.
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.”
Ephesians 4:28
This is what this woman was doing: helping the poor with her income and giving them food, clothing, and money.
Verse 20. “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
According to Matthew 5:7, God will show her mercy.
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
Besides ensuring that she, her husband, and her children have clothes, warm bedding, and enough food, she also adorns herself. She dresses with purple gowns and fine linen.
Verse 22b. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
The woman in Proverbs 31 speaks with wisdom, earning her respect from her husband, slave girls, and society. Regardless of her social and financial status, with warm-heartedness, she gave instructions to her slave girls.
Verse 26. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.”
You see, in Colossians 4:6, the apostle Paul commands the church to season their speech with salt so they will know how to answer everyone.
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.”
Colossians 4:6
This is what this woman always did. What a woman of virtue!
Due to her hard work and character, everyone in the family, including the children, praises her. The Bible says that her children bless her, and her husband says she surpasses all the capable and virtuous women in the world!
“Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, ‘saying : Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.”
Proverbs 31:28-29
Oh, how sweet this is!
What’s more? She was a wife of noble character who added value to her husband’s life. Her husband was a civic leader/an elder.
He was well-known and highly honored by the elders who sat with him at the city’s gates. All her life, she brought good to her husband, not harm.
“A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain. She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:10-12
“Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30
Though charm is deceptive and beauty fades, a God-fearing woman is always highly praised!
Esther: The Queen
Esther was raised by her uncle Mordecai after losing her parents. She is a great example of a powerful woman in the Bible. After she and other young women went through a period of transformation to determine who would become the queen, Esther found favor in the sight of the King, so she became the queen in place of the rebellious Vashti.
Soon after, Esther is faced with a great challenge that requires her to demonstrate her brevity, resilience, faith, and confidence in God.
According to the Book of Esther, Haman planned to annihilate her people. Mordecai, her cousin, wouldn’t be an exception; neither would she!
While this was happening, it was unlawful to go before King Xerxes 1 (also known as Ahasuerus) if he hadn’t called you in. Understanding the seriousness of the matter, Esther, though living in luxury, called a fast. She, her maids, Mordecai, and all the Jews had to fast for three days and nights to call on the name of the Lord for deliverance from the enemy, Haman.
>> Read more about the Esther Fast
“Then Esther bade them return answer unto Mordecai, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:15-16
She was ready to lose her life or position in the palace, but not just sit and wait to see Haman destroy her people.
After fasting and praying, Esther bravely and courageously approached the King and informed him of the planned massacre of her people by Haman.
Not only did she find favor before the King, hence her life spared, but the King approved her requests.
“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom. And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
Esther 5: 1-4
This paved the way for the deliverance of the Jews and the destruction of Haman and his people.
“So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: for we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my peace, although the adversary could not have compensated for the king's damage. Then spake the king Ahasuerus and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.”
Esther 7: 1-6
Priscilla
It’s possible that Priscilla was a gospel minister or leader in the early church. She and her husband served alongside Paul.
Not only did they support Paul in his ministry, but she and her husband, Aquilla, also opened their home for believers to fellowship there.
Priscilla and Aquilla were well-versed in God’s word. According to the book of Acts, Apollos was only aware of John’s baptism, which he taught in the temple of the Lord. When Priscilla and Aquilla heard him, they invited Apollos into their home and taught him the word more adequately.
“This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John:”
Acts 18:25
It’s clear that Priscilla was a godly woman who was well-grounded in God’s word. She could accurately and confidently teach it to others as God commands in 2 Tim 2:2.
“And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim 2:2
Deborah, a Major Judge and Prophetess in Israel
Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophetess who fearlessly performed judicial functions in ancient Israel. According to the book of Judges, she is the only female judge in the Bible. She played an important role in Israel in the face of adversity.
She was a wise, strong woman of God who was used to settle disputes among God’s people.
“And she dwelt under the palm-tree of Deborah between Ramah and Beth-el in the hill-country of Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”
Judges 4:5
It’s Deborah’s faith in God and the God-given gift in her that earned her respect in Israel. She was a great influencer, explaining why Barak said he would not go to war if she wasn’t going with him.
“And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go; but if thou wilt not go with me, I will not go.”
Judges 4:8
God gave her instructions that would be key in winning battles; for example, she instructed Barak to take 10,000 men with him onto the battlefield against Sisera. Deborah also mentioned that, through a woman, God would give Barak victory.
“And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding, the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor; for Jehovah will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.”
Judges 4:9
“And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which Jehovah hath delivered Sisera into thy hand; is not Jehovah gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.”
Judges 4:14
Through her, God destroyed an enemy who had oppressed his people for more than twenty years!
“And the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.”
Judges 4:3
Deborah’s story clearly illustrates the power of a woman in her God-given role.
“But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; there was not a man left.
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And he turned in unto her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him. And he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No. Then Jael Heber's wife took a tent-pin, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the pin into his temples, and it pierced through into the ground; for he was in a deep sleep; so he swooned and died. And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will show thee the man whom thou seekest. And he came unto her; and, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the tent-pin was in his temples.
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.”
Judges 4:16-24
Deborah is a good example of how women can be important figures in leadership and that men don’t have to fear following their decisions, especially when faced with a challenge.
Mary Magdalene
After Jesus cast out seven demons from her, Mary Magdalene’s life took a new turn. Her gratitude is demonstrated in her devotion to Jesus, even supporting his ministry with her money.
“And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary that was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuzas Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered unto them of their substance.”
Luke 8:1-3
Mary Magdalene’s acts of courage are demonstrated by being present during the crucifixion of Jesus, a time when most of the believers were hiding and denying knowing him.
She was also the first woman to see the resurrected Jesus Christ. It’s clear that Mary Magdalene, often confused with Mary of Bethany, became a personal friend of Jesus when Jesus healed her.
“But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher. Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God. Mary Magdalene cometh and telleth the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and that he had said these things unto her.”
John 20:11-18
From the above scripture, it’s possible that this brave woman was in the upper room with the apostles when the Holy Spirit came upon them.
The Samaritan Woman
According to John 4:28-30, after realizing Jesus was a true prophet, the Samaritan woman returned to her town and spread the word about him.
“So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people, Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ? They went out of the city, and were coming to him.”
John 4:28-30
In other words, she spread the good news to her people, who, in turn, came to see Jesus and listen to him.
Before she met Jesus, she was living an adulterous life. When she met Christ Jesus and believed his words, she was transformed and started spreading the good news to others.
As a result, many people in her town came to listen to Jesus and believed in him. She played a pivotal role in bringing many souls to the kingdom of God.
“And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did.”
John 4: 39
Embracing Biblical Role Models: Strong Women in the Old and New Testaments
Though I have mentioned just a few, many other powerful women quoted in the Old and New Testaments played crucial roles. Not only are these women powerful and brave, but they’re also great role models for modern women who think they’re inferior and incapable!
This does not mean strong women should not be submissive to their husbands! No! According to the Word of God, Christian women should be submissive to their husbands regardless of whether they are in business, ministry, stay-at-home Moms, or undertaking leadership roles.
Powerful, strong women, as depicted in the Bible, can be imitators of God. They can lead a quiet life, free from sexual immorality, foolish talk, and other corrupt things.
Woman, regardless of your position in your family, church, and society, you can demonstrate the power of a woman in a godly manner.
This article was originally written and published by Motherhood Truth
