The Power of a Woman In The Bible: 8 Strong Women

The power of a woman in the Bible is both subtle, but strong. When God created humans, He created two distinct, but similar, genders called male and female. This is recorded in Genesis 1:27. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (KJV)

Two genders, man and woman, were made in the image of God, their Creator. This verse does not say that the woman is inferior or superior to man. Rather, they are equal, but different, and each gender has their God-given roles to play. When a man and a woman do what God has created them to do, within the bounds of their God appointed gender, they are powerful. How women use their power, and the important role they play in society, differs from men. The power of a woman many times is subtle and many times private, yet a woman’s power can be great.

Just because many women don’t have public leadership roles, even in the church, does not mean they are not powerful behind the scenes. Women have a great influence in their homes, on their husbands, their children, and society. But many times, the power of a woman is not recognized as such. Women have strength, and they use it, sometimes for good and sometimes for evil. Sometimes the strength of the woman is disguised, and at other times, it is evident.

The Bible describes various strong females and showcases the power of woman, sometimes in surprising ways. The stories of strong women in the Bible should be role models for Christian women today, at least when these women showed their strength in a way that pleased God. Here are some of the great women of the Bible.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Eve

Eve was the first woman created. God formed her, not as He created Adam, from the dust of the ground, but from a rib of the already created Adam. Adam’s rib was symbolic of her (and all future women) relationship with her husband. She was to be a counterpart to her husband, a friend, an equal. Today, women are helpers who are suitable to their husbands, their male counterparts.

Adam needed Eve. After God created His wonderful creation, He repeatedly said that it was “good.” But the first “not good” was when Adam was the only human. God’s observation and solution is found in Genesis 2:18. “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (KJV)

But when sin entered the world, it was Eve who first sinned, not Adam. This is related in 1 Timothy 2:14. “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” The serpent deceived Eve, the woman, not the man, Adam. After Eve ate the forbidden fruit, she then shared it with her husband.

This is how the Bible describes what they did. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Genesis 3:6 (KJV)

Adam knew what he was doing when he accepted and ate from the tree that God told him not to eat from. He realized his wife had been deceived, but he loved his wife so much that he was willing to be punished with her.

 But after Eve literally ate them out of house and home, and she realized exactly what she had done, she must have been crushed. Her guilt must have been tremendous, possibly overwhelming. She may have considered ending her life by jumping off the nearest cliff! But she didn’t. She put her past indiscretions behind her, and with God’s grace and his help, she moved forward. She became the mother of all living. Eve showed her character by continuing her life. She became an example of all the future daughters of Eve, who, like their original mother, also sin, sometimes in very great ways, but then repent of their sinful deeds and move forward.

Eve did not have an easy life, but she was a powerful woman who had faith in her God.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Sarah

Sarah’s story is another example of the power of a woman in the Old Testament. Sarah, whose name originally was Sarai, was the wife of the patriarch Abraham. The Bible does not give much detail about Sarah, but it shows that she was a very submissive woman. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter used Sarah as an example for women today. Here is how he counseled women to be submissive by using Sarah as an example.

1 Peter 3:1 “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time, the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” (KJV)

The word “conversation” does not only mean talking, but also the manner of life. The power of Sarah was both strong and subtle. It may be difficult to be submissive, but Sarah showed her obedience to God as she submitted herself, and her will, to the decisions of her husband. God blessed this strong lady with her first and very own biological son at the age of 90!

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Rebekah

Rebekah’s story is interesting, since she used her strength dishonestly. Rebekah knew that her youngest son, Jacob, fervently desired the blessings of God. So, as a good mother, she helped him get it. What was not good was she helped Jacob to lie, cheat, and steal in order to get the blessings of God.

Rebekah was blessed with twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Esau came first. As firstborn, he was entitled to the “birthright.” Among other things, this was a special blessing from God. As her boys grew up, Jacob became his mother’s favorite. He, unlike his brother Esau, had a desire for spiritual things, including the great blessing of God normally given to the firstborn son. Jacob wanted this but realized that Esau was in line to inherit the blessing from his father, Isaac.

One day, in a weak moment, Jacob persuaded Esau to sell him the coveted birthright, and Esau agreed to give Jacob this spiritual blessing in return for a bowl of soup.

The boys knew about their agreement, and Jacob must have shared this with his mother, Rebekah. When Rebekah’s elderly husband, Isaac, decided it was time to give their sons a final blessing, and to divide their future inheritance, Rebekah hatched a plot for Jacob to masquerade as Esau so that Jacob, not Esau, would receive the coveted spiritual blessing. But Jacob at first resisted his mother’s plan. Here is the Bible’s description from Genesis 27:11-13.

“And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau, my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:

12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

13 And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.” (KJV)

Their plot worked. Isaac gave God’s blessing, the blessing of the firstborn, to his younger son, Jacob. When Esau found out about this trickery, he swore he was going to kill his brother, Jacob. If Jacob was dead, then he would get the inheritance, which he was supposed to have received.

When Rebekah realized how angry Esau was with Jacob, she planned an escape route for Jacob. He was to leave the area, at least until Esau’s anger cooled down, and then Jacob fled for his life from his angry brother. This was the last time Rebekah may have seen her favored younger son, because years later, when Jacob returned home to see his father, the Bible never mentions Rebekah.

Rebekah used her power to help deceive and trick both her husband and her other son. It was God’s will for Jacob to receive the blessing reserved for the first-born son. However, it was not God’s will that he should lie, cheat, and steal to get it. Rebekah seemed to be oblivious to the benefit of God’s blessings. All she wanted was to help her son get what he wanted.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Deborah

Deborah’s story is unique in that she was the only female judge of ancient Israel. The Book of Judges describes the nation of Israel when they did not have a king and were ruled by a series of twelve judges. This is how the Bible describes Deborah in Judges 4:4-5. “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.” (KJV)

Why Deborah was a judge in ancient Israel instead of her husband is unknown, but this woman was powerful and played a pivotal role in an Israelite victory. The people of Israel had been oppressed for twenty years under Jabin, the king of Canaan. The military might of this king was great, as he had 900 iron chariots. Under Deborah’s leadership, God directed her to summon the warrior Barak and promised him the victory. But Barak was afraid to go ─ unless Deborah went with him!

Here are the Bible verses describing their conversation.

Judges 4:6-9 “And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” (KJV)

The powerful woman that Deborah alluded to in her prophetic speech was Jael, who killed Sisera. After Sisera’s men were discomforted by the army of the Israelites, Sisera himself fled for his life on foot. Jael kindly invited him into her tent to rest safely and gave him milk to drink and a place to sleep. But while he was sleeping, she pounded a tent peg, a very large nail, into his head and killed him.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Esther

Queen Esther is an important woman in the Bible. This orphaned Jewish girl turned Persian queen makes for a wonderful account full of royal intrigue, complete with a satisfying ending. But the Book of Esther is more than just a story, as it is a true historical account. God placed Esther in a difficult situation so she could deliver her people, the Jews, from utter destruction. Esther’s husband, the king, decided that killing all the Jews in the kingdom was an excellent idea. (He was oblivious to the fact that his queen was a Jew!)

When Esther’s Godly cousin, Mordecai, heard about the plot to kill their people, he pleaded with her, and encouraged her to use her position to intervene for her people with the now famous words: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (KJV)

Although the Esther and the king were married, she could not just tell him not annihilate the Jews. Royal protocol called for feminine wiles but also bathed in fasting and prayer for divine help. Esther showed herself to be a powerful woman. She completed her mission, interceded with the king, and saved the Jewish race in an explanatory manner in a humble and feminine way.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ The Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs chapter 31 begins with these words: “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” Proverbs 31:1 (KJV)

This chapter is famous because of the depiction of a Godly woman found in Proverbs chapter 31, verses 10-31. The woman who voiced these words was wise, teaching her son what to look for in a future wife. This strong woman also gave the pattern of showing ladies how to conduct themselves in a way that is pleasing, both to God and to their family.

The description of this excellent wife in verses 10 to 12 tells us, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (KJV)

As the description unfolds in the rest of the chapter, it is obvious the power of this woman is subtle. Her power lies in her hard work ethic while she cares for the needs of her household, including her husband, children, and even servants. She does so all the while juggling a business. The example of this woman, and all the women throughout the centuries who have tried hard to emulate this unnamed gracious woman, is in the lady’s self-sacrifice and service to others. Her hard work and service to others is a strength that is both feminine and impressive.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Considering powerful women of the Bible, the virgin Mary must be included. It was this woman, this virgin, who God selected to give birth to the physical body of Jesus Christ. The immaculate conception is described in Matthew 1:18. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” (KJV)

Mary’s strength is enduring the shame of an unwedded pregnancy. When Mary told Joseph that she was expecting, he did not understand or even believe her as to Who was the source of her baby. Mary had to endure Joseph’s disappointment and heartbreak, possibly wondering what would become of her. According to Jewish law, Joseph could have had an unfaithful fiancée stoned to death!

Joseph’s thoughts and God’s intervention are described in Matthew 1:19-20. “Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (KJV)

God, knowing that He wanted Mary to have Jospeh as her husband, graciously sent the angel Gabriel to explain to Joseph exactly what his wonderful fiancée had agreed to do for God. Mary was a powerful woman because she obeyed God blindly, not knowing how or even if God would work out things for her future with Jospeh. But even after Joseph understood Who was the Father of Mary’s baby, and the great thing she agreed to do for God, others did not know. Mary and Joseph had to deal with the severe cultural stigma, and the supposed falsehood of fornication, for most, if not all, of their lives.

Years later, when Jesus was an adult, the mysterious circumstances of His birth were still being gossiped about. The Bible talks about this when it shows a “dig” from the religious leaders, the scribes and the Pharisees, who said to Jesus in John 8:41, “We be not born of fornication” (KJV). The scribes and the Pharisees were alluding to the common belief that, thirty-plus years earlier, Jesus was the product of fornication.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was one of the many disciples of Jesus Christ. Very little is known about her, although all four Gospel writers mention her by name. She was not an apostle, as that office was reserved specifically for men, but she was very special to Jesus. This Mary was a powerful lady, both before and after she encountered Jesus. The most informative verse describing her is in Mark 16:9. “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” (KJV)

When Jesus met Mary, her source of power was satanic, since she had seven devils in her. But when she met Jesus, and He cast them out of her, her alliance changed. Out of a glad and free heart, she became one of Jesus’ faithful followers and was present when He was crucified. After His death, she, along with some other ladies, came to anoint His body. But it was Mary, specifically Mary Magdalene, not even Mary, Jesus’ mother, who had the distinct privilege of being the first person to see the risen Christ!

After the risen Christ appeared to her, she had the privilege of telling the news of to the apostles. The Gospels primarily focus on men during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. However, observing the good works of Mary Magdalene in the ministry of Jesus highlights the fact that women were also important figures, but in a different capacity.

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ Christian Women Today

A strong Christian woman may or may not be in some sort of leadership capacity in the local church today. But despite their title, or lack thereof, women have a crucial role to play in helping, both directly and indirectly, with the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Just being a faithful member of a church is being of service, both to God and to the congregation. The Apostle Paul, when he wrote to the pastor Titus, described the role of older women in the church. He said in Titus 2:3-5, “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” (KJV)

To do what these verses instruct women takes power, especially the power of self-control. A godly woman is a woman who is self-disciplined, and self-discipline takes work to accomplish. A woman’s self-discipline is a subtle, but vitally important and extremely godly trait. 

Power of a Woman in the Bible ─ The Position of a Woman

In the introduction of this article, I said the power of a woman differs from that of a man. This difference in power is partly because of a woman’s God-given position. The Apostle Paul describes a woman’s position in 1 Corinthians 11:3. “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (KJV)

He then repeats this injunction in Ephesians 5:23. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” (KJV)

Although God made Eve from a bone in the side of Adam, and His plan was for a husband and wife to walk together as equals, in every relationship, marriage included, there must be a leader, a boss, a head. In the natural world, a creature with two heads is an anomaly. So, too, it is true in a marriage. It needs a head, a single head. But just as a creature needs a head, it, too, needs a body. A body without a head is dead and a head without a body is useless. In this illustration, compared to marriage, the husband is the head, and the wife is his body, as both are necessary.

 Just because God made the husband the head over the woman does not give the woman a demeaning position. In the marriage relationship, God says the man is the head, the leader. This God-given position of the husband does not mean that he should lord over his wife and force her to be subservient to him. Rather, what God means is that the husband, after considering his wife’s feelings, desires, wishes, and emotions, makes his decision that the wife should obediently follow.

The term “powerfully submissive woman” seems to be an oxymoron at first, but in submission is power. It is a powerful woman who controls her prideful spirit and graciously obeys God by submitting to the leadership of her husband. No submission is rebellion, both to God and her husband.

Women are powerful creatures. They wield much influence in the world, and even in the church today. If you are a woman reading this, thank God that He has given you the unique power of a woman. Ask Him to help you use your power and your position in your personal circle of influence to honor and glorify Him.

If you are a Christian woman reading this, you have the power, strength, and a responsibility to be a Godly example, a faithful friend, and a good testimony of Jesus Christ, both to other Christian ladies and to the unsaved as well. The Holy Spirit living inside you is the Source of your power to fulfill your feminine responsibilities.

As you strive to do so, not only will you be a powerful woman in your own right, but you will also do your part in showing respect to God’s Word. God wants powerful, submissive ladies to silently, but effectively, influence the world for Him today. An unknown wise person said, “Never underestimate the power of a woman.” To put a spin on this quote, it can be said, “Never underestimate God’s power through a woman sold out to Him.” May you be that woman.

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