Esther. Miriam. Abigail. Junia. Priscilla.
When we consider women’s leadership in the Bible, these are the names that stand out—those with official titles, platforms, and resources that extend far beyond what most of us have today.
And rightfully so. We study these women leaders in the Bible because they have each led boldly, influenced nations, and shaped the course of biblical history.
But God also used some unlikely women leaders to fulfill His good purposes and change the course of history.
Shiphrah and Puah: Hebrew Midwives
In the book of Exodus, Shiphrah and Puah received a terrifying order from Pharaoh. He demanded that Hebrew women kill every boy born but allow the girls to live.
The heartbreaking decree meant that women had to choose to obey God or follow a powerful leader’s command. Both choices carried significant consequences for Hebrew women.
But Shiphrah and Puah feared God and refused to adhere to the order. When Pharaoh learned of the midwives’ defiance, he demanded, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?”
The midwives responded, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them,” (see Exodus 1:18-19).
God rewarded their faithfulness and gave the women families of their own.
The midwives show us that a high-ranking position isn’t a requirement to be a woman leader in the Bible. Instead, it’s how you stand firm when the world asks you to compromise your faith.
God doesn’t need you to have a platform to change history. All it takes is the courage to do the right thing when the moment arrives.
Rahab: A Prostitute from Jericho
Rahab, a prostitute who lived in Jericho, is another example of an unlikely woman leader in the Bible. The Israelites planned to overtake Jericho and had spies in the city. Rahab offered to let the spies stay in her home.
The king of Jericho called for Rahab to turn over the spies. She didn’t listen and instead hid them under stalks of flax on her roof—outsmarting the king’s men by sending them in the wrong direction.
Before she helped the men escape by a rope out her window, Rahab told the spies, “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you will also deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign that you my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death,” (see Joshua 2: 12-13).
When the Israelites returned to destroy and overtake Jericho, only Rahab and her family were spared. Through bold faith, she grafted herself into Jesus’ family tree.
What can we learn from Rahab’s story? Your past doesn’t define who you are right now. God can take our messes and broken pieces in exchange for His glory. Don’t let a story from your past hold you back.
Instead, encourage others when you are vulnerable and share how God has worked in your life.
The Samaritan Woman: An Unlikely Evangelist
In John 4, we find Jesus at a well with a Samaritan woman, who came to draw water. He asked her for a drink. The Samaritan woman responded, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?”
For clarity, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (see John 4:9). Jesus told her about the living water and how those who drank it would never be thirsty again. She was intrigued and asked to try it.
Jesus tells her to get her husband to try the water too. The Samaritan woman says that she does not have one. With this, Jesus astonishes her. He says she has had five husbands, and the man who lives with her now is not her husband.
The woman returns to town and tells everyone to come see the man who knew everything she ever did. And here we see that because of another unlikely woman leader in the Bible, the townspeople came to believe that Jesus was the Savior.
What can we learn from the Samaritan woman? Authentic women leaders don’t pretend to be perfect. She shared her story with others and, in turn, led people to Jesus.
When you are honest about your journey, you give others permission to be honest about theirs. Like the Samaritan woman, your imperfect testimony can help lead others to Jesus.
Jael: An Unlikely Warrior
In Judges 4, Deborah, the prophetess, commands Barak to gather an army to defeat Sisera. Barak says he will go, but only if Deborah tags along. She agrees, but she also states that the glory will be given into the hands of a woman.
Sisera flees on foot and finds himself in the tent of Jael. She invited him in, gave him a warm drink, and waited for her moment. While he slept, she took a tent peg, and in one hit, ended Sisera.
Her courage was so legendary that Deborah and Barak sang about her: “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent dwelling women most blessed,” Judges 5:24.
What can Jael teach us? Discernment when it counts is often the mark of a strong leader. It’s in those single, split-second moment decisions—the now or never moments in time.
Sometimes, you need to seize your opportunity and use whatever you have on hand to accomplish the task God sets before you.
God Uses Unlikely Leaders
It is amazing to look at these unlikely women leaders in the Bible and realize that even without fancy titles, perfect backgrounds, or public platforms, they stepped up and showed bold faith with whatever they had available to honor God.
Their lives remind us that it isn’t about being the most qualified person in the room.
Remember, you don’t need a crown or fancy title to lead. God can use your unique perspective, resourcefulness, and story to make a difference in a way no one else can. If God used a prostitute, a widow, and a woman at the well, you can rest assured that Jesus can and will use you as a leader, too.
When God calls, all you need is a willingness to step out in bold faith when the time is right.
More Inspiration for Biblical Leadership
These women are just the beginning. The Bible is full of ordinary women who said yes to God in extraordinary moments—women whose stories still speak to what it looks like to lead with faith, courage, and whatever you have on hand. Here are some additional resources worth exploring.
- Biblical Wisdom for Women in Ministry Leadership
- Jezebel in the Bible: Influence, Identity, and Inner Growth
- 3 Inspiring Examples of Boldness in the Bible
Entrusted to Lead
A practical tool for women who are called to leadership roles in any area of life, Entrusted to Lead offers biblical insight and real-life encouragement for how to navigate their leadership journey.
Warrior of Eden
There’s a reason you’ve always known God has big plans for you—He’s created you with great purpose. In Warrior of Eden, Beth Guckenberger draws on God’s original intention for women to embolden us to use our gifts as full participants at church, at work, and at home.
