Gen 1:26-28, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.' " God gave both the man and the woman two tasks: to create families (populating the earth) and to subdue the earth, or, to be stewards or caretakers of God's creation. Man and woman were to rule over God's creation, and both were created in God's image.

Many claiming to understand the Bible, view a woman's function as being subordinate to a man, the word EZER in the original Hebrew overturns that idea. Woman was not created to serve the man, but to serve as an aid, along side helping him. Without the woman, the man is not in a good circumstance! Gen 2:18, "The LORD God also said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.' " Without her, the man's condition was "not good." God's intention in creating the woman for the man, was for the two to be partners in the many tasks involved as they serve as stewards in God's creation.

Warning this article will tell God's Role for Women. If  you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone!

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Scripture shows examples of women working in various capacities. Women have the ability to generate income and manage their resources wisely, showing that women are not limited to domestic responsibilities but can actively participate in economic growth.

Gen 29:9, "While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess." This verse highlights Rachel’s role as a shepherdess, which was traditionally a male-dominated occupation. Women have the capacity to work in physically demanding; traditionally male-dominated fields. It emphasizes that women have the inherent ability to excel in various work environments, including occupations that require strength, skill, and dedication.

Exo 1:16-21, Shiphrah and Puah are Two Midwives who defy Pharaoh. One consequence of the woman's sin was greater pain in childbirth (Gen 3:16). Midwives have been part of human experience for as long as we have historical records. In Exodus 1 this particularly female vocation takes center stage in a political context as the midwives had the courage to "do the right thing" and obey God.

Josh 2:1-22, Rahab an Innkeeper and a prostitute helped to hide God's servants and embraced God's laws and turned her life to obedience to God.

Deborah was chosen by God to be a judge because the men of her day were weak and lazy. Jdg 4:4-5, "Now Deborah, a woman prophet, the wife of Lapidoth, was judge of Israel at that time. 5 And she had her seat under the palm-tree of Deborah between Ramah and Beth-el in the hill-country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel came up to her to be judged." She trusted a man, Barak to lead an army against their enemies and another woman Jael helped to kill the leader Sisera. (Jdg 4:20-21).

Ruth’s attitude towards work, shows her determination to provide for herself and Naomi. Women can be self-sufficient individuals who actively seek opportunities for sustenance and economic stability. Ruth 2:2 "Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 'Please let me go to the fields and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I find favor.' And she said to her, 'Go, my daughter.' "

Esther was a Jew who had favor as a queen: Est 2:16-17, "So Esther was taken in to King Ahasuerus in his house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his rule. 17 And Esther was more pleasing to the king than all the women, and to his eyes she was fairer and more full of grace than all the other virgins: so he put his crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti." Because of slander, all Jews in a certain area were threatened with death. However, Queen Esther, of Jewish descent, at the risk of her own life stepped up to save her people. Est 4:16, "… After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!"

1Ti 5:14, "I would have younger widows marry, bear children (this includes Spiritual widows a woman who had been unequally yoked to a man who had continued to be abusive, contentious, selfish, and controlling and was not a believer and treated her as worthless; is not bound to such a man and is free as though she had never been married, and is thus a spiritual widow{1Co 7:15}), manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander." This verse encourages young widows to remarry, bear children, and manage their households effectively. This affirms women have valuable contributions to make in their homes and society and advises against giving room for criticism or negative judgment by fulfilling these responsibilities diligently. LINK->God is NOT Honored by an Abusive Marriage.

We read in the next scripture about a woman with an industriousness and entrepreneurial spirit: Pro 31:24, "She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants." This verse describes a woman who not only crafts beautiful garments but also actively engages in the business aspect of selling her products to merchants. It portrays the ability of women to create and market their products; demonstrating their aptitude for commerce and their potential for financial independence.

Pro 31:17, "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." The verse just quoted, portrays the strength and determination of women in their work. It recognizes women possess physical and mental abilities to undertake various tasks with vigor and excellence.

The following verse shows that a woman is fully aware of her responsibility in caring for her family and household by providing sustenance and nurturing her family. She is also capable of having a lucrative business while still ensuring the needs of the family are met: Pro 31:15-16, "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard."

Godly women have an attitude of service: Col 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, 24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Scripture emphasizes the importance of diligence and productivity, thus underscoring that idleness should be discouraged. 2Th 3:10, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.' " Promoting a work ethic that ensures sustenance and responsible stewardship. Work is a means of provision and blessing, urging all, including women, to actively engage in productive activities to support themselves and contribute to the well-being of others.

Joh 4:35, "Don’t you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." This is a call to action, inviting women to be aware of opportunities and needs around them. It encourages women to have a discerning eye for the ripe harvest, being mindful of the potential for success in their fields of expertise and ready to take action to reap the benefits.

Ecc 9:10, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." This scripture prompts women to approach their responsibilities with diligence. It serves as a reminder that the present life is a valuable time to dedicate oneself to productive endeavors, utilizing skills and talents to the fullest.

Timothy a young apostle trained by Paul was greatly influenced as a child by both his Grandmother and Mother. Paul's second letter to Timothy mentions the faithfulness of these women in raising Timothy with a devout and fervent faith. Paul wrote: 2Ti 1:5, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well."

Godly women know true fulfillment and security come from placing their trust in God. 1Ti 6:17, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy." Paul is encouraging a balanced perspective on work and the importance of enjoying the fruits of labor while relying on God as the ultimate provider of all good things.

1Co 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." There were women who's work and daily activities were also works of worship with the intention of glorifying God. Emphasizing that every aspect of life, including work, can hold spiritual significance.

Pro 31:27, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." This highlights the responsibility of women to manage the well-being of their homes and the care of their family.

Pro 31:26, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Women have the potential to be influential in their work through thoughtful and wise communication. Scripture encourages women to seek knowledge and understanding, developing the ability to provide counsel and guidance to others in their professional and personal realm.

Pro 31:28, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This acknowledges the impact and value of a woman's work within her family. It recognizes the appreciation and admiration she receives from her children and husband for her dedicated efforts.

Older women have an important responsibility: Tit 2:3-5, "Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers nor addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 4 in this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited." Older women were teachers to mentor, and guide younger women in various aspects of life, including their conduct within their households.

Women pursued other occupations such as mentioned in the following:

Act 18:1-3, "After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tent makers {too}." Priscilla and her Husband both made tents.

Acts 16:14, Mentions several pieces of information about "… a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message." Lydia was a businesswoman who sold luxury textiles dyed purple. Only the wealthy elite wore garments dyed or trimmed with purple, or had soft furnishings in their homes, such as couch covers. Lydia, was successful engaging in the trade of purple cloth sought out by those in power and of royal blood.

In Acts 9:36-39, We read about the following: Dorcas also known as Tabitha, was a female disciple of Jesus Christ. Dorcas was continually busy with charitable work for the needy and those marginalized around her. She was a seamstress known for her good work of making clothes for the widows in her community. She fell sick and died, the people washed Tabitha's body in preparation for burial as per the common custom. Then they put the dead body in the upper room. That's when the people realized that they should send for Peter, who was in nearby Lydda, to come and see them. They brought apostle Peter to Tabitha's home. Acts 9:40-42, "Peter found all the widows stricken with grief and mourning for Dorcas. They showed him all the tunics and robes Dorcas used to make for them. Peter went to the upper room where Dorcas's body lay. He sent everyone out of the room, and then Peter knelt and prayed to God. And turning to the body he said, 'Tabitha, arise.' And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord."

Acts 21:9 Shows Paul visiting Philip, an evangelist who resided in Ptolemais, Philip had four unmarried daughters who resided with him and all four of them prophesied. God had given all four the gift to prophesy (preach) about God's truths. Other prophetess were Anna, Huldah, as well as Moses' sister Miriam, as found in the Old Testament. LINK->It is OKAY for Women to Preach!

The entire bible portrays the value of women having roles of employment that bring revenue into the home that helps their family. It is not wrong for women to work or be educated. Women were care takers, midwives, teachers, prophets, judges, seamstresses. Shepherdess, and engaged in animal husbandry. They held fellowship in their homes, were tent makers, farmers; deaconesses. influencers; innkeepers, escorts, involved in politics of their day, land speculators aka dealing with real estate. Women also served in other occupations as, crafters, artists, cooks, and advisors. Christ had many women disciples He that interacted with and they in turn ministered to Him, anointed His feet with oil, and listened to His teachings. His mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary, Salome, Martha, Joanna, Elizabeth, Susanna and others were present during His death. Some women were among the first to see Him in His risen form.

Women throughout the centuries have had to be intelligent, strong dedicated individuals who understood finances. Husbands, children, family and friends respected women and the works they did. Women are not subordinate, nor inferior to men. However, women do need to honor God's law in submitting to their own husband when married. Their own husband has a final say in some matters, as they work with their husband to encourage him and support his efforts; as they together raise and teach their children.

As women and her husband work together as belivers; God has special plans for those who serve Him. 2Co 6:14, 16, & 18, 14 "Stop becoming unevenly yoked with unbelievers. … 16 … For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said: 'I will live and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.' 18 'I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters,' declares the Lord Almighty."

God's Role for Women

"©" March 2025, Ekklesia Church of God - New Covenant Saints

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