35 Bible Verses for Women in Male-Dominated Industries

Walking into that engineering meeting as the only woman again feels like stepping onto a battlefield where you have to prove your worth before you even speak. The subtle condescension when explaining technical concepts you mastered years ago, the way conversations stop when you approach, the assumption that you’re someone’s assistant rather than the lead architect on the project. These aren’t isolated incidents but the daily reality for women breaking ground in industries historically dominated by men.

Whether you’re coding software, managing construction sites, leading surgical teams, or trading on Wall Street, being a pioneer comes with unique challenges. You’re fighting not just for your own success but representing all the women who might follow in your footsteps. The pressure to be flawless while your male counterparts can afford to be average is exhausting.

But here’s what I’ve learned: God has never limited His calling based on gender. Throughout Scripture, He uses women in positions of leadership, innovation, and influence that defied cultural expectations.

Bible Verses for Women in Male-Dominated Industries

1. Judges 4:4 – Deborah Was Leading Israel

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.

New International Version (NIV)

2. Proverbs 31:17 – She Sets About Her Work Vigorously

She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

English Standard Version (ESV)

3. Galatians 3:28 – There Is Neither Male Nor Female

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

New King James Version (NKJV)

4. Acts 18:26 – Priscilla Explained the Way of God

When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.

New Living Translation (NLT)

5. Exodus 1:17 – The Midwives Feared God

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

6. Romans 16:1-2 – I commend to You Phoebe Our Sister

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

7. Proverbs 31:25 – Strength and Honor Are Her Clothing

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

King James Version (KJV)

8. Joel 2:28 – Your Daughters Will Prophesy

Then afterward 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.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

9. Judges 4:9 – The Road You Are Taking Will Not Lead to Your Glory

She said, “Certainly I’ll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, you’re not going to come out of this looking like a hero. God will use a woman’s hand to take care of Sisera.”

The Message (MSG)

10. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 – Let a Woman Learn in Quietness

A woman must learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

Amplified Bible (AMP)

11. Luke 8:1-3 – Women Who Provided for Them

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

New English Translation (NET)

12. Acts 16:14 – Lydia, a Dealer in Purple Cloth

A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

13. 2 Kings 22:14 – They Went to Huldah the Prophet

So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to talk with Huldah the prophet. She was the wife of Shallum, who took care of the king’s clothes.

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

14. Philippians 4:3 – These Women Who Have Contended at My Side

Yes, and I ask you, my true partner, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Good News Translation (GNT)

15. Esther 4:14 – For Such a Time as This

Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.

New Century Version (NCV)

16. 1 Corinthians 11:5 – Every Woman Who Prays or Prophesies

But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered disgraces her head, since that is one and the same as having her head shaved.

International Standard Version (ISV)

17. Romans 16:7 – Greet Andronicus and Junia

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Tree of Life Version (TLV)

18. Judges 5:7 – Until You, Deborah, Arose

Warriors were few in Israel until you arose, Deborah, until you arose, a mother in Israel.

Lexham English Bible (LEB)

19. 1 Peter 3:4 – The Unfading Beauty of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit

but let it be the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

World English Bible (WEB)

20. Proverbs 31:16 – She Considers a Field and Buys It

She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

American Standard Version (ASV)

21. Genesis 1:27 – God Created Mankind in His Own Image

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

22. Acts 2:17 – Your Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy

It will come to pass in the last days, God says, that I will pour out a portion of my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.

New American Bible (NAB)

23. Proverbs 31:20 – She Opens Her Arms to the Poor

She stretcheth out her hand to the needy, and putteth forth her hands to the poore.

Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB)

24. 2 Timothy 1:5 – Your Sincere Faith

having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.

English Revised Version (ERV)

25. Ruth 1:16 – Where You Go I Will Go

And Ruth saith, ‘Urge me not to leave thee — to turn back from after thee; for whither thou goest I go, and where thou lodgest I lodge; thy people is my people, and thy God my God.’

Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)

26. 1 Timothy 5:10 – Well Known for Her Good Deeds

being borne witness to in good works, if she have brought up children, if she have exercised hospitality, if she have washed saints’ feet, if she have imparted relief to the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Darby Translation (DARBY)

27. Luke 10:42 – Mary Has Chosen What Is Better

But one thing is really necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it shall not be taken away from her.

Weymouth New Testament (WNT)

28. Proverbs 31:31 – Give Her the Reward She Has Earned

Yyue ye to hir of the fruyt of hir hondis; and hir werkis herye hir in the yatis.

Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

29. Micah 6:4 – I Sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam

For I brought thee vp out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of seruants, and I sent before thee, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

Geneva Bible (GNV)

30. 1 Samuel 25:3 – Abigail Was Intelligent and Beautiful

The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wyfe Abigail: and she was a woman of good vnderstanding, and beautifull, but the man was churlishe.

Bishop’s Bible

31. Matthew 28:1 – Mary Magdalene and the Other Mary

In the ende of the saboth daye as it beganne to dawne towarde the fyrst daye of the sabothes came Mary magdalene and the other Mary to se the sepulcre.

Tyndale Bible

32. Proverbs 14:1 – The Wise Woman Builds Her House

Every wise woman builds her house with her own hands, but a foolish woman tears hers down by her own actions.

The Living Bible (TLB)

33. Song of Solomon 6:10 – Who Is This That Appears Like the Dawn

Who is this one who looks down like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, clear and pure as the sun, awe-inspiring as great armies with their banners?

The Passion Translation (TPT)

34. Romans 16:12 – Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa

Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, who are workers in the Lord’s service. Give my greetings to my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord’s service.

The Voice Bible (VOICE)

35. 1 Corinthians 16:16 – Submit to Such People

I ask you to follow the lead of people like that. Follow anyone who serves and works hard.

New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)

Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Women in Male-Dominated Industries

Scripture presents a fascinating tension around women’s roles that often gets oversimplified in modern debates. While certain passages seem to restrict women’s authority, the broader biblical narrative showcases women in positions of remarkable leadership and influence. Deborah led an entire nation as both prophet and judge. Priscilla taught theology to prominent church leaders. Lydia ran a successful textile business that supported early Christianity.

What strikes me most is how God consistently chose women for crucial roles precisely because they were women, not in spite of it. Their unique perspectives, skills, and approaches were essential to His plans. The Bible doesn’t present a one-size-fits-all model for women’s participation in public life but rather shows God working through women’s diverse gifts and callings.

The key seems to be understanding that biblical womanhood isn’t about conforming to cultural limitations but about stewarding God-given gifts with wisdom and courage. When women operate from their divine calling rather than cultural expectations, they change entire industries and influence generations.

Say This Prayer

Heavenly Father, being a woman in this industry feels like swimming upstream sometimes. When my ideas are dismissed, my expertise questioned, or my authority challenged simply because of my gender, help me remember that You created me with unique gifts and called me to this work for Your purposes.

Give me wisdom to navigate the challenges I face with both strength and grace. Help me to be confident without being defensive, to speak truth with love, and to lead by example rather than force. When I encounter discrimination or bias, show me how to respond in ways that open doors for other women rather than building walls.

Protect me from both the temptation to prove myself through worldly measures and the discouragement that comes when progress feels slow. Help me mentor other women entering this field and build bridges with male colleagues who support equality and justice.

Use my presence in this industry to bring positive change, to challenge unfair systems, and to demonstrate that women’s contributions are not just valuable but essential. May my work reflect Your character and advance Your kingdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.