Some Bible verses about women emphasize their essential societal role, while others restrict their behavior and autonomy. For example, in the book of Proverbs, women are praised for their wisdom and strength, with verses such as “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25). In the New Testament, women are also praised for their faith and devotion, with several prominent female figures, such as Mary Magdalene and Lydia, highlighted for their contributions to the early church.
However, there are also passages in the Bible that have been used to justify the subordination of women to men and limit their opportunities and agency. For example, in the New Testament, there are instructions for women to submit to their husbands and to remain silent in church (Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35). These passages have been interpreted in different ways, with some arguing that they reflect the cultural norms of the time and are not relevant today. In contrast, others maintain that they are still applicable and should be followed.
From the beginning, women have played significant roles in shaping the course of history, both in the Bible and the world. The Bible also contains many powerful verses celebrating women’s unique value, worth, and role, providing encouragement, guidance, and inspiration for women everywhere. This article will explore some of the most influential Bible verses about women and how they can inspire and empower women today.
Bible Verses About Women
1. Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
2. Genesis 2:18
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'”
3. Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
4. 1 Corinthians 11:7
“For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.”
5. Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
These verses demonstrate that women are not inferior to men but equal in worth and dignity as fellow bearers of God’s image. Women have an essential societal role, with unique talents and contributing abilities.
Women as companions and helpers to men
6. Genesis 2:18
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'”
7. Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
8. 1 Peter 3:1-2
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
9. Ephesians 5:22-23
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”
10. Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
These verses emphasize the importance of women as companions and helpers to their husbands, as well as the role of submission and respect in marriage. Women are called to be supportive and respectful partners to their husbands, while husbands are called to love and cherish their wives.
Women as mothers and caretakers
11. Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
12. Proverbs 31:27
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
13. Titus 2:3-5
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
14. Psalm 113:9
“He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!”
15. Proverbs 6:20-22
“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”
These verses demonstrate women’s critical role in nurturing and caring for their families, passing on wisdom and values, and creating a loving and stable home environment. This role is highly valued and respected in the Bible as a crucial part of God’s design for families and communities.
Women as leaders and prophets in the Old Testament
Although women were often overlooked as leaders in ancient societies, the Old Testament includes several examples of women who held positions of authority and served as prophets, judges, and rulers.
- Deborah – Judges 4-5. Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led the Israelites to victory against the Canaanites. She was respected and sought after for her wisdom and counsel.
- Huldah – 2 Kings 22:14-20. Huldah was a prophetess who prophesied during the reign of King Josiah and was consulted for her interpretation of the Book of the Law.
- Miriam – Exodus 15:20-21. Miriam was a prophetess who led the Israelites in worship and praise after they crossed the Red Sea. She was also the sister of Moses and Aaron.
- Esther – Book of Esther. Esther was a Jewish queen who courageously used her position to save her people from destruction.
- Ruth – Book of Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite widow who showed great loyalty and faithfulness to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, and eventually became an ancestor of King David.
These women demonstrate that God values the leadership and contributions of women and that they are just as capable as men of fulfilling essential roles in society and the work of God.
Women’s roles in the early Christian church
Women played important roles in the early Christian church, serving as disciples, evangelists, and leaders. Here are some examples from the New Testament:
- Mary Magdalene – Mark 16:9-11. Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus who witnessed his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. She was the first to see Jesus after his resurrection and was commissioned to tell the disciples.
- Phoebe – Romans 16:1-2. Phoebe was a deaconess in the church at Cenchreae and was commended by Paul for her service to the church.
- Priscilla – Acts 18:24-26; Romans 16:3-5. Priscilla was a teacher and missionary who, along with her husband Aquila, helped to instruct and mentor Apollos in the faith.
- Junia – Romans 16:7. Junia was a female apostle highly esteemed by the other apostles and known for her work in spreading the gospel.
- Lydia – Acts 16:14-15, 40. Lydia was a wealthy merchant who became one of Paul’s first converts in Philippi and hosted a church in her home.
These women were instrumental in spreading the gospel and building up the early church, demonstrating that women have an essential role in the work of God and the community of believers.
Women’s role in society and culture
Women as businesswomen: Proverbs 31:16-18
“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”
Women as artists and crafters: Exodus 35:25-26
“Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair.”
Women as rulzers: Judges 4:4-5
“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.”
Women as teachers: Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Women as helpers and supporters: Romans 16:1-2,
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
Women as wise counselors: 2 Samuel 14:1-3,
“Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, ‘Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don’t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead. Then go to the king and speak these words to him.'”
Women as examples of faith: Hebrews 11:11,
“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.”
Bible Verses About Women’s Self-worth
16. Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
17. Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
18. 1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
19. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
20. Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
21. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
22. Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
23. Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
24. 1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
25. Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Bible Verses About Women’s Roles
26. Genesis 2:18
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.'”
27. Proverbs 31:10-31
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
28. 1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
29. Titus 2:3-5
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
30. Ephesians 5:22-24
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”
31. Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
32.1 Timothy 2:11-15
“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.”
33. 1 Peter 3:1-6
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands.”
34. Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
35. Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.”
Bible Verses About Women’s Beauty
36. 1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
37. Song of Solomon 4:7
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”
38. Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
39. Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
40. 1 Timothy 2:9-10
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
41. Isaiah 62:3
“You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”
42. Song of Solomon 1:15
“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.”
Bible Verses About Women’s Rights
No specific Bible verses address women’s rights as a modern concept. However, several poems acknowledge the equality of men and women in God’s eyes and the value of women. Here are a few examples:
43. Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
44. Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
45. Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
46. 1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
47. Proverbs 31:10-31
This passage describes a woman respected and valued for her intelligence, work ethic, and contributions to her family and community. It portrays a positive view of women as capable, respected members of society.
Bible Verses About Women’s Head Covering
Several verses in the Bible mention head covering for women. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 states, “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
This passage suggests that women should cover their heads while praying or prophesying as a sign of respect and submission to God and their husbands. Some interpret this as a requirement for women to wear head coverings during church services, while others believe it only applied to the cultural context of the time and place it was written.
Several other passages in the Old Testament mention head coverings for women, such as in Numbers 5:18 and Isaiah 3:18-23. However, the reasons for the head coverings in these contexts may differ from those in the New Testament.
Bible Verses About Women’s Menstruation
Several verses in the Bible mention menstruation or a woman’s menstrual cycle. In Leviticus 15:19-30, it is stated that a woman who has a discharge of blood during her menstrual cycle is considered unclean and must go through a period of purification before being allowed to participate in certain religious rituals. Additionally, anyone touching her or her belongings during this time is considered unclean.
In Leviticus 20:18, sexual relations are forbidden during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The New Testament does not mention menstruation directly, but there are several references to women’s bodies and the importance of maintaining sexual purity.
It’s important to note that these passages should be interpreted in their cultural and historical context and not used to shame or discriminate against women for a natural bodily function. Many modern Christians do not view menstruation as a source of impurity or shame. Instead, they emphasize the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender or biological processes.
Bible Verses About Women’s Clothing
Several Bible verses mention women’s clothing and dress, often emphasizing modesty and humility. Here are a few examples:
48. 1 Timothy 2:9-10
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
49. 1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
50. Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
51. Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.”
It’s important to note that these verses should be interpreted in their cultural and historical context and not used to shame or control women’s clothing choices. Christians have varying beliefs and interpretations on modesty and dress, and it’s essential to approach the subject with sensitivity and respect for individual differences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible is filled with powerful verses that celebrate and affirm the value, worth, and role of women in society and the eyes of God. These verses serve as a source of encouragement, hope, and inspiration for women today, reminding them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and have a unique purpose and calling in life. Whether facing adversity, seeking guidance, or needing a reminder of their inherent worth, women can turn to these powerful Bible verses for strength and inspiration.
