When we talk of Influential Women in the Bible, there is a positive and negative aspect of it. So many women in the Bible influenced positively like; (Esther, Deborah, Mary, etc.) and they impacted so well on their families and their generations.
While others like; (Delilah, Jezebel, etc.) did the reverse and the aftermaths of their actions were felt within their families and their entire community.
Influential Women in the Bible
In today’s society, there is a wide gap between what the world says and what God says about the influence and value women can offer to God and humanity.
The world presents it that to have any significant influence; we must act in a certain way that conforms with what society validates as influential and valuable.
Satisfactorily, the Bible teaches that the quiet influence of a gospel-centred life has eternal significance in often unexpected ways and these Influential women in the Bible contributed positively and vis-a-vis to their families, the body of Christ and the society at large.
1️⃣ Rachel: Wife of Jacob and Mother of Joseph, was an Influential Woman in the Bible
Rachel became the wife of Jacob, but only after her father Laban had deceived Jacob into first marrying Rachel’s sister Leah. Jacob favoured Rachel because she was prettier.
Rachel’s sons became heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. She was very influential by giving birth to children who presented themselves as vessels of honour unto God and the entire Christendom.
2️⃣ Joseph the Son of Rachel was also Influential in the Bible
Joseph and the offspring of Rachel were very influential in the Bible, saving Israel during the deadly famine.
Again, Benjamin’s tribe, another offspring of Rachel, produced the Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary of ancient times. The love between Rachel and Jacob serves as an example to married couples of God’s abiding blessings.
3️⃣ Sarah: the Mother of all Nations
Sarah received an extraordinary honour from God. As Abraham’s wife, her offspring became the nation of Israel, which produced Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world.
But her impatience led her to influence Abraham to father a child with Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian slave, starting a conflict that continues today.
Finally, at 90, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, through a miracle of God. From Sarah, we learn that God’s promises always come true, and his timing is always best.
4️⃣ Rebecca: Intervening Wife of Isaac
Rebecca was barren when she married Isaac and unable to give birth until Isaac prayed for her. When she delivered twins, Rebekah favoured Jacob, the younger, over Esau, the firstborn.
Through an elaborate trick, Rebecca helped influence the dying Isaac into giving his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau. Like Sarah, her action led to division. Even though Rebecca was a loyal wife and loving mother, her favoritism created problems.
Rebecca became one of the most influential Women in the Bible.
5️⃣ Leah: Wife of Jacob Through Deceit
Leah became the wife of Jacob through a shameful trick. Jacob had worked seven years to win Leah’s younger sister Rachel. On the wedding night, her father Laban substituted Leah instead. Then Jacob worked another seven years for Rachel, the love of his life
Leah lived a heartbreaking life trying to win Jacob’s love, but God specially graced Leah. Her son Judah led the tribe that produced Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Leah is a symbol of people who try to earn God’s love, which is unconditional and free for the taking.
6️⃣ Jochebed: Mother of Moses
Jochebed, the mother of Moses, influenced history by surrendering what she treasured most to the will of God. When the Egyptians began killing the male babies of Hebrew slaves, Jochebed put baby Moses in a waterproof basket and set it adrift on the Nile River.
Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted him as her son. God arranged it so Jochebed could be the baby’s wet nurse. Even though Moses was raised as an Egyptian, God chose him to lead his people to freedom. The faith of Jochebed saved Moses to become Israel’s great prophet and lawgiver.
7️⃣ Eve: First Woman Created by God
Eve was the first woman, created by God to be a companion and helper for Adam, the first man. Everything was perfect in the Garden of Eden, but when Eve believed the lies of Satan, she influenced Adam to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, breaking God’s commandment.
Eve’s lesson was costly. God can be trusted but Satan cannot. Whenever we choose our selfish desires over those of God, there are bound to be regrettable repercussions.
8️⃣ Miriam: Sister of Moses
Miriam, Moses’ sister, played an important role in the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, but her pride got her in trouble.
When her baby brother floated down the Nile River in a basket to escape death from the Egyptians, Miriam intervened with Pharaoh’s daughter, offering Jochebed as his wet nurse.
Many years later, after the Jews crossed the Red Sea, Miriam was there, leading them in celebration. However, her role as a prophetess led her to complain about Moses’ Cushite wife. God cursed her with leprosy but healed her after Moses’ prayers.
9️⃣ Rahab: Unlikely Ancestor of Jesus
Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho. When the Hebrews began to conquer Canaan, Rahab harbored their spies in her house in exchange for her family’s safety.
Rahab recognized the True God. After the walls of Jericho fell, the Israelite army kept their promise, to protect Rahab’s house.
Rahab became the ancestress of King David, and from David’s line came Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Rahab played a key role in God’s plan of salvation for the world and she is named one of the influential Women in the Bible.
🔟 Deborah: Influential Female Judge
Deborah played a unique role in Israel’s history, serving as the only female judge in a lawless period before the country got its first king.
In this male-dominated culture, she enlisted the help of a mighty warrior named Barak to defeat the oppressive general Sisera.
Deborah’s wisdom and faith in God inspired the people. Thanks to her leadership, Israel enjoyed peace for 40 years.
1️⃣ 1️⃣ Ruth: Virtuous Ancestor of Jesus
Ruth was a virtuous young widow. So upright in character that her love story is one of the favorite accounts in the entire Bible. When her Jewish mother-in-law Naomi returned to Israel from Moab after a famine, Ruth pledged to follow Naomi and worship her God.
Boaz exercised his right as kinsman-redeemer, married Ruth, and rescued both women from poverty. According to Matthew, Ruth was an ancestor of King David, whose descendant was Jesus Christ.
1️⃣ 2️⃣ Hannah: Mother of Samuel
Barren for many years, Hannah prayed unceasingly for a child until God granted her request. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel.
What’s more, she honored her promise by giving him back to God. Samuel eventually became the last of Israel’s judges, a prophet, and a counsellor to kings Saul and David.
We learn from Hannah that; when your greatest desire is to give glory to God, he will grant that request, which is why, today, Hannah is counted among the most influential women in the Bible.
1️⃣ 3️⃣ Bathsheba: Mother of Solomon
Bathsheba had an adulterous affair with King David, and with God’s help, turned it into good. David slept with Bathsheba when her husband Uriah was off to war. When David learned Bathsheba was pregnant, he arranged for her husband to be killed in battle.
Nathan the prophet confronted David, forcing him to confess his sin. Although the baby died, Bathsheba later bore Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. Bathsheba showed that God can restore sinners who come back to him with repentant hearts.
1️⃣ 4️⃣ Esther: Influential Persian Queen
Esther saved the Jewish people from destruction, protecting the line of the future Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was selected in a beauty pageant to become queen to the Persian King Xerxes. However, a wicked court official, Haman, plotted to have all the Jews murdered.
Esther’s uncle Mordecai convinced her to approach the king and tell him the truth. The tables quickly turned when Haman was hanged on the gallows meant for Mordecai.
The royal order was overridden, and Mordecai won Haman’s job. Esther stepped out in courage, proving God can save his people even when the odds seem impossible.
1️⃣ 5️⃣ Mary: Obedient Mother of Jesus
Mary was a touching example in the Bible of total surrender to the will of God. An angel told her she would become the mother of the Savior, through the Holy Spirit.
Despite the potential shame, she submitted and gave birth to Jesus. She and Joseph married, serving as parents to the Son of God.
During her life, Mary bore much sorrow, including watching her son crucified on Calvary. But she also saw him raised from the dead. Mary is revered as a loving influence on Jesus, a devoted servant who honored God by saying “yes”.
1️⃣ 6️⃣ Elizabeth: Mother of John the Baptist
Elizabeth, another barren woman in the Bible, was singled out by God for a special honor. When God caused her to conceive at an old age, her son grew up to become John the Baptist, the mighty prophet who heralded the coming of the Messiah.
Elizabeth’s story is much like Hannah’s, laced with strong faith and hope in God.
Through her steadfast belief in God’s goodness, she played a role in God’s plan of salvation. Elizabeth teaches us God can step into a hopeless situation and turn it upside down in an instant.
1️⃣ 7️⃣ Martha: Anxious Sister of Lazarus
Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary, often opened her home to Jesus and his Apostles, providing much-needed food and rest.
She is best remembered for an incident when she lost her temper because her sister was paying attention to Jesus’ teachings, rather than helping out with the meal.
However, Martha showed rare understanding of Jesus’ mission. At the death of Lazarus, she told Jesus, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
1️⃣ 8️⃣ Mary of Bethany: Loving Follower of Jesus
Mary of Bethany and her sister Martha often hosted Jesus and his apostles at the home of their brother Lazarus. Mary was reflective, contrasted with her action-oriented sister.
On one visit, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening, while Martha struggled to fix the meal. Listening to Jesus was the path she chose.
Mary was one of several women who supported Jesus in his ministry, both with their talents and money. Her lasting example teaches that the Christian church still needs the support and involvement of believers to carry on the mission of Christ.
1️⃣ 9️⃣ Mary Magdalene: Unwavering Disciple of Jesus
Mary Magdalene stayed loyal to Jesus even after his death. Jesus had cast seven demons out of her, earning her lifelong love.
Over the centuries, many unfounded stories have been invented about Mary Magdalene. Only the Bible’s account of her is true.
Mary stayed with Jesus during his crucifixion when all but the Apostle John fled. She went to his tomb to anoint his body. Jesus loved Mary Magdalene so much.
Mary Magdalene is favoured among the Influential Women in the Bible. She was the first person Jesus appeared to after he rose from the dead.
2️⃣ 0️⃣ Influential women in the Bible: they Influenced Negativity
Potiphar’s Wife
…Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” – Genesis 29: 6-7
You may be asking how in the world is Potiphar’s wife a leader or have influence. It’s subtle but it’s there. It shows you a great contrast between Joseph’s character and hers.
The Bible mentions that Joseph was a hottie, but I think Potiphar’s wife was also attracted to the power and position Joseph had obtained in the household.
Potiphar’s Wife When she couldn’t get what she wanted from Joseph, she used her authority and influence to strip him of his leadership role. Power tripping at its best, she thought. She was controlling and manipulative.
2️⃣ 1️⃣ Herodias: Salome’s Mother
Herodias, Salome’s mother asked for John the Baptist’s head, a typical example in this category of women. She misled her daughter into making unhealthy choices and decisions.
She could have made the daughter request for a scholarship, an employment opportunity, a house, a car, a horse etc., but she requested for a God’s servant’s head.
It was not as if she wanted to do anything with it but she just wanted him dead. The killing of the man of God did not contribute anything to her life but she achieved her evil agenda.
2️⃣ 2️⃣ Delilah
Delilah, the betrayer of her husband, Sampson. Sampson we all know, was a very powerful man in the Bible. He killed the lion, killed the Philistines and did so many powerful things, of course, that was his calling from birth.
He was born a warrior.
The Philistines wanted to end his life by all means. Delilah was the only access that was available to be used as a channel to materialize their agenda and she was readily available.
She was bribed and she gave in to their demand to end Sampson’s life. Sampson’s hair was shaved and he lost all his strength. He was used as a cartoon to display at the philistines gathering.
What kind of a wife are you to your husband? Do you keep his secrets? Do you wish him dead? can any amount of money deliver your loved ones to the hands of his enemies? Do think about all this.
2️⃣ 3️⃣ Eve: Adam’s Wife
Eve misled the entire human race. She did not keep to her part of the bargain. She ate the forbidden fruit and cajoled Adam to equally eat from the fruit.
She disobeyed God and the entire generation now suffers the consequences of her disobedience. Do you support your husband to do evil? Do you encourage him to do what is right in the sight of God?
Even with Eve’s negative influence on the first Man, Adam, she is still counted among Influential Women in the Bible
2️⃣ 4️⃣ Jezebel: She’s one of the Most Popular and Influential Women in the Bible
Jezebel was a queen that married king Ahab, the king of Israel and they ruled as king and queen. By the virtue of her position as the Queen, she gained a place in the holy book, as one of the most Influential Women in the Bible.
Jezebel convinced her husband to kill Naboth, she masterminded and got her way. On that fateful day, the king returned with a gloomy appearance.
Jezebel enquired and he mentioned that he wanted to buy a plot of land that belonged to Naboth.
The Queen assured the husband that she will get it for him by all means. She devised a way to forcefully get it from Naboth and she succeeded. Naboth was killed.
She took possession of the land but it did not last. God avenged. They died woefully without enjoying the land. Covetousness is a sin and a deadly one.
Final Thoughts
These influential women of the Bible impacted not only the nation of Israel but also eternal history. Some were saints; some were scoundrels. A few were queens, but most were commoners. All played a key role in the spectacular Bible story.
Each woman brought her unique character to bear on her situation, and for this, we still remember them centuries later.
Although we have seen some Influential Women in the Bible who made negative decisions, when God places us with a level of influence or position, we must watch our hearts and stay accountable to healthy people around us. It’s easy to let power, favour, and honor rule our decisions.
This gives room for pride and the endnote is doom, disgrace, shame and in the worst case death.
Influential Women in the Bible have contributed their quota to the scripture and served as a reference point for current-day Christians.
Stand out and be counted among the influential women in the Bible of our contemporary time, with a positive impact on your family, society and the body of Christ.
