Throughout church history, whether women should preach has stirred passionate debate. In complementarian-leaning churches, the office of pastor and hence the pulpit is a reserve for men, while egalitarian-leaning churches embrace the role of women pastors. Amidst the differing perspectives, one question remains: what does the Bible actually say about women preaching? This article answers the question of women preachers in the Bible and hopefully brings clarity to the issue of women in ministry.
Far from being silent figures in the background, throughout God’s word, women were active participants in God’s redemptive work. As we shall see, women played critical roles in advancing God’s kingdom. Though not strictly described as female pastors, the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are full of examples of women leaders who carried out varied leadership roles.
Quick Assessment
Why does your prayer life keep falling flat?
It's usually one of four things — and each one needs a completely different strategy to break through. This 2-minute assessment tells you exactly which pattern is blocking you.
Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment.
2. Huldah
Source: freepik
Role: Prophetess consulted during Josiah’s reform.
2 Kings 22:14
“…they went to Huldah the prophetess… and she said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord…’”
3. Miriam
Role: Prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron, led Israel in worship.
Exodus 15:20-21
Then Miriam the prophetess… took a tambourine… and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.
The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.
5. Sarah
Role: Wife of Abraham, mother of Isaac, a model of faith.
Genesis 17:16
I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.
6. Hagar
Source: freepik
Role: Egyptian servant of Sarah, the first person to name God.
Genesis 16:13
So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.’
7. Rebekah
Role: Wife of Isaac, mother of Jacob and Esau, strategic in fulfilling God’s promise.
Genesis 25:23
And the Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb… and the older shall serve the younger.’
8. Leah and Rachel
Role: Wives of Jacob, mothers of the tribes of Israel.
Genesis 29:32-35
32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben,… 33 She conceived again and bore a son, … And she called his name Simeon. 34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said,… Therefore his name was called Levi. 35 And she conceived again and bore a son,… Therefore she called his name Judah.Then she ceased bearing.
The Book of Genesis 30:22-24
22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add to me another son!”
9. Shiphrah and Puah
Role: Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh to save Hebrew babies.
Exodus 1:17
But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.
10. Zipporah
Role: Wife of Moses, intervened to save Moses’ life through obedience.
Exodus 4:25-26
“Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin… So he let him alone…”
11. Rahab
Source: freepik
Role: Canaanite woman of faith, hid the Israelite spies, ancestor of Jesus.
Joshua 2:11
For the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
12. Jael: women preachers in the Bible
Role: Killed Sisera, the enemy of Israel, with a tent peg and delivered Israel.
Judges 4:21
But Jael… took a tent peg… and she drove the peg into his temple… So he died.
13. Ruth
Role: Moabite widow, model of loyalty and faith, ancestor of David.
Ruth 1:16
For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
14. Hannah
Role: Mother of Samuel, woman of prayer and prophecy.
1 Samuel 1:27-28
“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition… Therefore I have lent him to the Lord…”
15. Abigail
Role: Wise and courageous, prevented David from bloodshed, and later became his wife.
1 Samuel 25:32-33
And David said… ‘Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt…’
16. The wise woman of Tekoa
Role: Used by Joab to influence King David.
2 Samuel 14:2
“Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman…”
17. The Shunammite Woman
Role: Hospitable to Elisha, received a miracle, and showed great faith.
2 Kings 4:30
Then the mother of the child said, ‘As the Lord lives… I will not leave you.’ So he arose and followed her.
18. Esther
Source: freepik
Role: Queen of Persia, risked her life to save the Jewish people.
Esther 4:14
“…And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
19. Naomi
Role: Mother-in-law and mentor to Ruth, and played a strategic role in God’s redemptive plan.
Ruth 3:1
“Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, ‘My daughter, should I not seek rest for you…?’”
20. Bathsheba
Role: Mother of Solomon, advocated for his kingship.
1 Kings 1:17
“She said to him, ‘My lord, you swore to your servant by the Lord your God, saying, Solomon your son shall reign after me…’”
21. Queen of Sheba
Role: Sought wisdom from Solomon, recognized God’s greatness.
1 Kings 10:9
Blessed be the Lord your God… who has made you king… to do justice and righteousness.
In summary: women preachers in the Bible
The Old Testament features a diverse and inspiring group of women who contributed significantly to the unfolding story of God’s people. These women acted as leaders, prophets, warriors, protectors, nurturers, and influencers, often in times of crisis or transition.
Figures like Deborah, a judge and prophetess, and Huldah, a prophet during King Josiah’s reform, show that God entrusted women with spiritual authority and leadership. Miriam, the sister of Moses, led Israel in worship, while Esther used her royal position to save her people, showing great courage and faith.
Others contributed through acts of wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chose the God of Israel and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus. Hannah’s fervent prayers and dedication brought forth the prophet Samuel. Women like the Shunammite woman, Abigail, influenced kings and preserved peace through discernment and courage.
Even women like Rahab, a foreigner and former prostitute, played a crucial role in Israel’s victory and lineage. Though not all were preachers, their lives reveal God’s intentional use of women to shape nations, preserve His people, and advance His redemptive plan. They offer powerful examples of faith, courage, and leadership for all generations.
Female leaders in the New Testament
Source: freepik
Right from Jesus’ time, women played significant roles in the body of Christ. We see them serve in the pastoral role in church leadership or as local church elders in New Testament churches. Here are examples of these esteemed women:
1. Prophetess Anna
Role: A prophetess
Luke 2:36-37
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day.
2. Priscila/ Prisca
Role: Teacher and ministry partner with her husband Aquila; taught Apollos
Romans 16:3-4
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
1 Corinthians 16:9
The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
3. Junia(s)
Role: Noted as an outstanding early church apostle
Acts 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
4. Phoebe
Role: Deaconess of the church of God in Cenchreae.
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.
5. Euodia and Syntyche
Roles: Contended alongside Apostle Paul for the gospel.
Philippians 4:2-3
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
6. Lois and Eunice
Source: freepik
Role: Women in Timothy’s life who shaped his faith
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
7. Nympha
Role: Hosted a church in her home
Colossians 4:15
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
8. Persis
Role: Beloved and hardworking in the Lord.
Romans 16:12
“…Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord.”
9. Tryphena and Tryphosa
Role: Laborers in the Lord.
Romans 16:12
“Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphena and Tryphosa.”
10. Philip’s Four Daughters
Role: Prophetesses.
Acts 21:9
“He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.”
11. Lydia: women preachers in the Bible
Role: First European convert; hosted Paul and other believers.
Acts 16:14-15
The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized… she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’
12. Susanna
Role: Financial supporter of Jesus’ ministry.
Luke 8:3
“…and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”
13. Joanna
Role: Supporter of Jesus’ ministry; one of the first witnesses to the resurrection.
Luke 8:3
“…and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager… provided for them out of their means.”
Gospel of Luke 24:10
“Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles.”
14. Martha of Bethany
Source: freepik
Role: Proclaimed faith in Christ’s divinity, hosted Jesus.
John 11:27
She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.’
15. The Samaritan woman at the well
Role: Evangelist to her community.
John 4:39
Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’
16. Mary Magdalene
Role: Witness of the resurrection, the first to proclaim the risen Christ.
Luke 8:2-3
“…and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene… and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”
John 20:18
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’—and that he had said these things to her.
17. Mary, the mother of Jesus
Role: Chosen vessel of the Incarnation, prophetic voice (Magnificat), early Church member.
Luke 1:38
And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’
Acts 1:14
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
In summary: women preachers in the Bible
Forget about gender roles. The New Testament highlights numerous women who played vital roles in Jesus’s ministry and the early Church’s growth. These women were not merely background figures but leaders, teachers, prophets, evangelists, and financial supporters who advanced the gospel through their faith, courage, and obedience.
Mary Magdalene was the first to proclaim the risen Christ, the Samaritan woman evangelized her entire village, and Priscilla helped disciple the eloquent preacher Apollos. Lydia opened her home to Paul and helped establish the church in Philippi, while Phoebe served as a deacon and carried Paul’s letter to the Romans, likely explaining it to the recipients.
Other women, such as Junia (noted as “outstanding among the apostles”), Philip’s four prophetic daughters, and the laborers Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, were recognized for their spiritual leadership and gospel work. Women like Nympha hosted house churches, and many others like Joanna, Susanna, Euodia, and Syntyche offered financial and ministerial support.
These examples reveal a consistent pattern: women were actively proclaiming God’s Word, shaping Christian communities, and serving alongside men as valued coworkers in Christ. Their legacy challenges the Church to honor and empower Christian women in ministry, just as the early Church did.
Verdict: Does the Bible prohibit women from preaching?
Source: freepik
Evidently, the practice of women preaching is not foreign to the Bible. From the examples in the Old and New Testaments, God is not shy about using women to preach the Word of God and build His kingdom in other ways.
Well, it’s important that we understand these verses in light of the broader biblical narrative.
First, Scripture interprets Scripture. When we see women like Deborah leading Israel as a judge and prophet, Huldah being consulted on the authority of God’s word, or Priscilla teaching Apollos, we recognize that God has empowered women to teach, lead, and speak prophetically. These examples are not anomalies—they intentionally affirm women’s God-given gifts.
Second, Paul himself commended women in ministry. For example: Phoebe the deacon, Junia the apostle, and Euodia and Syntyche, who contended for the gospel alongside him. These women weren’t silent, nor were they restricted. Rather, they were honored for their leadership and contribution.
Finally and most importantly, the resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s hence worth remembering that Jesus chose women as the first proclaimers of that good news (John 20:17-18). Mary Magdalene was sent to tell the apostles, effectively becoming “the apostle to the apostles.”
Right application: women preachers in the Bible
When these two passages of the Bible are read in isolation, they seem to restrict women. But when interpreted in the context of the whole New Testament, including Jesus’ radical inclusion of women and Paul’s affirmation of female coworkers in ministry, it becomes clear that Paul’s intention was not to silence women but to address certain cultural practices specific to those churches.
Scholars have posited that in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Apostle Paul addressed orderliness in the church. The Corinthian church was a diverse and chaotic congregation known for disorder during worship gatherings (1 Corinthians 11-14). So, Paul’s overarching goal in this section is orderliness in worship, not suppressing women’s voices.
And for 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul’s concern appears to be uninformed or domineering teaching in a church prone to pagan influence and false teaching, not the fact that the teacher is a woman. He uses temporary language to address a specific crisis in Ephesus. This text must be understood in context, not as a blanket prohibition.
So, when objections are raised, we must ask: Are we aligning ourselves with the spirit of the gospel or the traditions of men? In Scripture, God consistently calls and equips men and women to serve, lead, and speak His truth. The real question is not whether women can preach, but whether the Church is willing to embrace the fullness of God’s design.
Grace for all
Grace is not gender-sensitive. Nowhere does the Bible suggest that God considers gender when God calls people for leadership roles. Consider what these Scriptures say:
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.
Acts 2:17-18
And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
God pours His Spirit on all (male and female) and calls them to different ministries, even pastoral ministry and preaching in church services.
Ladies, you are not second-class citizens. You are precious gems created in the image and likeness of God, who calls you to serve Him even as pastors. Don’t allow anyone to put you down.
General biblical passages about women
Source: freepik
Titus 2:2-5
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.
Acts 2:17
And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
1 Timothy 2:1-5
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Acts 21:9
He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
Divine order
1 Corinthians 11:3, 5
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.
But every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Titus 1:6-9
6 If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Psalm 68:11
The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:
Proper femininity
Source: freepik
1 Timothy 2:8-10
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
First Timothy 3:1-5
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
Ephesians 5:22-23
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 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.
1 Peter 3:1
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,
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 31:1-3
The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Revelation 2:20
But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Joel 2:28-29
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Luke 4:43
But he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”
Matthew 27:55
There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,
Mark 15:40-41
There were also women looking on from a distance… and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.
Source: freepik
1 Timothy 2:11-12
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.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
Conclusion: Women Preachers in the Bible
Throughout Scripture, women played vital roles as leaders, prophets, teachers, and bold witnesses of God’s truth. From Deborah and Huldah in the Old Testament to Mary Magdalene, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia in the New Testament, God consistently used women to lead, proclaim, and advance His kingdom.
While a few passages have been interpreted as restricting women from preaching, their cultural and historical contexts suggest they were addressing specific local issues, not establishing universal prohibitions. When we consider the full witness of Scripture, it becomes clear that women preachers in the Bible were not exceptions—they were part of God’s design. The Church today is called to honor and affirm their voices in the work of the gospel.
Kendrick Ong'anya is a freelance Christian writer based in Nairobi, Kenya. As a believer in Christ, he is passionate about writing Christian content to deepen believers' faith, even while drawing those who are yet to believe into the fold. He is open to collaborating with individuals and organisations to curate blog posts, articles, devotionals, prayer guides, verse/ chapter commentary, and e-books, among other Christian content. You can follow Kendrick on Facebook.
“He uses temporary language to address a specific crisis in Ephesus”
No, he uses eternal creation language – 2:13-14: “For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.”
“He uses temporary language to address a specific crisis in Ephesus”
No, he uses eternal creation language – 2:13-14: “For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.”