Women Who Publish the Good News: Breaking the Silence in the Church

For centuries, women have been told to sit quietly in the pews, to learn in silence, and to avoid teaching men. In many church settings, this belief has been presented as YHVH’s will. Yet, when we actually open the Scriptures, we discover a very different story. The Bible consistently highlights women who proclaim truth, lead YHVH’s people, and publish the good news. Psalm 68:11 is one of the clearest verses affirming this calling: “The Lord gives the word; the women who publish the tidings are a great host.”

Recently, when a friend and mentor received my new book, he immediately thought of that verse. He told me, “I could not help but think of a verse in Psalms. Psalms 68:11 (12 in Hebrew) speaks of a host of women who publish the good tidings (Gospel).” While I felt deeply humbled by this blessing, his words reminded me that this calling is not new. It stretches back through history, rooted in the heart of YHVH and reflected in the Scriptures themselves.

Psalm 68:11 and the Women Who Publish the Good News

The Hebrew text of Psalm 68:11 makes something crystal clear that is often lost in English translations. The phrase ha-mevaserot is feminine plural. It doesn’t just say, “those who proclaim the word” but “the women who proclaim it.” In other words, a multitude of women are seen publishing, declaring, and spreading YHVH’s word of victory.

Some translations, like the KJV, blur this meaning: “Great was the company of those that published it.” Others, like the ASV, NASB, NIV, and ESV, bring out the feminine sense more faithfully: “The women who publish the tidings are a great host.” This verse alone undermines the idea that women are meant to remain silent. It presents them instead as frontline proclaimers of YHVH’s message.

Lies We Learned in Church

So, where did the teaching come from that women must stay quiet? Many church traditions rely heavily on isolated verses from Paul’s letters—like 1 Timothy 2:12 (“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man”) or 1 Corinthians 14:34 (“Women should remain silent in the churches”). Taken out of context, these lines have been used to silence women for centuries.

But Paul himself recognized and celebrated women who were leaders, teachers, and co-laborers in the Gospel:

Phoebe is commended as a deacon (Romans 16:1).

Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, teaches Apollos “more accurately” in the ways of YHVH (Acts 18:26). In fact, Priscilla’s name is often listed first, signaling her prominence.

Junia is praised as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7).

Clearly, Paul did not intend to silence all women. His instructions in those specific letters addressed particular cultural and situational issues. To universalize them as if they negate Psalm 68:11—or the entire biblical witness of women speaking, singing, prophesying, and leading—does violence to the text.

Women in Scripture Who Spoke Boldly

The pattern throughout Scripture is unmistakable: YHVH calls women to publish His word.

Miriam led Israel in song after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20–21).

Deborah, both judge and prophetess, led Israel in victory and declared YHVH’s word (Judges 4–5).

Huldah gave the king and priests an authoritative word from YHVH (2 Kings 22).

Esther spoke up to save her people from destruction.

In the New Testament, Mary Magdalene became the first to proclaim the resurrection: “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18).

These women did not remain silent. They stood, spoke, led, and published the good news entrusted to them.

If YHVH Himself entrusted women with the central truth of the Gospel, who are we to silence them?

The First Gospel Publishers

When Yeshua rose from the grave, He entrusted the news of His resurrection not to Peter or John, but to women. Mary Magdalene and the other women at the tomb became the first proclaimers of the greatest message ever told: He is risen! In doing so, Yeshua affirmed Psalm 68:11—that women would publish the tidings in great numbers.

Why This Matters Today

The lie that women must remain silent in church has robbed generations of the voice and gifts of half of YHVH’s people. It has left congregations weaker, narrower, and less reflective of the Kingdom vision. Psalm 68:11 offers a correction—a reminder that YHVH’s intention was never silence for women, but proclamation.

The phrase “women who publish the good news” should become a rallying cry in our day. It affirms that women’s voices are not optional extras but essential to the spread of YHVH’s message. Without them, we are missing half of the chorus.

Responding to the Lies

How can we respond to this history of silencing?

1. Reclaim Scripture’s Full Witness – Stop pulling isolated verses out of context to restrict women. Read the whole story, from Miriam to Mary, Deborah to Junia, Psalm 68 to the Gospels.

2. Celebrate the Great Company – Recognize that women throughout history have been publishing YHVH’s good news—in song, in writing, in leadership, and in daily acts of faithfulness.

3. Encourage Today’s Voices – Instead of discouraging or limiting women in ministry, we should equip them. The harvest is great, and the workers—both men and women—are few.

4. Confront Tradition with Truth – Lies handed down in church tradition must be confronted by the authority of Scripture itself. The truth sets us free, and in this case, it frees women to boldly proclaim the good news.

A Personal Confirmation

When someone recently told me that Psalm 68:11 came to mind as soon as he received my book, I was deeply moved. It was confirmation that the work I am doing is part of that ancient calling—the great host of women who publish the good news. Just as women throughout history have been entrusted with YHVH’s word, so today women are still carrying that mantle.

This isn’t about rebellion or cultural trends. It’s about alignment with what is demonstrated throughout Scripture. Psalm 68:11 isn’t a suggestion. It’s a declaration: YHVH gives the word, and women are to proclaim it.

Conclusion

The church has often taught the lie that women should be silent. But Scripture reveals the opposite. From the songs of Miriam to the leadership of Deborah, from the courage of Esther to the proclamation of Mary Magdalene, and from the prophetic word of Huldah to the apostolic witness of Junia, women have always been called to speak.

Psalm 68:11 sums it up beautifully: “The Lord gives the word; the women who publish the tidings are a great host.”

Today, that great company is still rising. Women who publish the good news are stepping into their YHVH-given role, proclaiming freedom, truth, and hope. And as they do, the lies of silence are being broken.

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