For generations, the Church has been complicit in spreading a dangerous lie—one that masquerades as spiritual discernment but is, in truth, a tool of patriarchal control: the myth of the “Jezebel spirit.” This term is not found anywhere in the Bible. It is not a theological concept grounded in scripture. And yet, it has been used—often violently and abusively—to silence, shame, and subjugate women. Most grievously, it has been used to target Black women, layering racial prejudice on top of misogyny.

The Biblical Jezebel: What Scripture Actually Says

The figure of Jezebel appears in 1 and 2 Kings as a Phoenician princess who marries King Ahab of Israel. She is associated with promoting Baal worship, opposing the prophet Elijah, and influencing political affairs. Jezebel is ultimately condemned for her idolatry and for orchestrating the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard.

Nowhere in these passages is there mention of a demonic “spirit” passed from woman to woman. The idea of a transferable “Jezebel spirit” has no scriptural basis—no mention in the Old or New Testament, no doctrinal support from the early Church Fathers, and no standing in credible biblical scholarship.

The Emergence of the “Jezebel Spirit” Doctrine

The phrase “Jezebel spirit” only emerged in the last few decades, particularly within certain Pentecostal and charismatic circles during the spiritual warfare movement of the 1980s and 1990s. Books such as “The Spirit of Jezebel” and teachings by deliverance ministers began describing a vague, undefined demonic personality associated with manipulation, seduction, and rebellion—traits conveniently aligned with stereotypes used to suppress women.

Rather than confronting systemic sins such as sexism, spiritual abuse, and white supremacy, some leaders found it easier to scapegoat individual women—labeling them “Jezebels” when they threatened male authority, questioned church leadership, or simply didn’t conform to rigid gender norms.

Misogyny Disguised as Discernment

Women have been accused of harboring a “Jezebel spirit” for:

Wearing makeup or dressing fashionably Leading worship or preaching Holding authority over men Being confident, assertive, or outspoken Challenging corruption or abuse in church leadership

In essence, any woman who didn’t perform submissiveness or who made men uncomfortable became a target.

This is spiritual abuse—an act of silencing women under the guise of holiness.

The Racial Weaponization Against Black Women

The weaponization of the “Jezebel” archetype against Black women has even deeper, more violent roots. During slavery in the United States, the term “Jezebel” was used by white society to justify the sexual exploitation of Black women. The “Jezebel stereotype” portrayed Black women as naturally promiscuous and immoral, allowing white enslavers to rationalize rape and abuse while denying Black women’s virtue, autonomy, or capacity for victimhood.

This racist legacy infiltrated the Church, especially in conservative or evangelical spaces. Black women who spoke up were labeled as dangerous, angry, or manipulative. Their leadership was dismissed. Their trauma was ignored. Their spiritual lives were constantly questioned.

The image of the “Jezebel” became not just a theological error, but a socially constructed weapon that reinforced both white supremacy and patriarchy—denying Black women their rightful place in the Church.

Real-Life Examples of Harm

Juanita Bynum, a prominent Black female evangelist, has openly discussed being labeled a Jezebel by church leaders when she first began preaching. Her femininity and boldness were seen as threatening rather than anointed. In many Southern churches, women have been asked to sit down or stop preaching because “the Jezebel spirit is rising”—when in fact, they were just teaching the Word. Survivors of sexual abuse in the church have been accused of being “Jezebels” for “tempting” male leaders, shifting blame from abusers to victims.

These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern—one rooted in fear, control, and deeply ingrained cultural bias.

The Damage Done

The impact of this false doctrine is devastating:

Women have left the church in droves, disillusioned by the trauma inflicted under the banner of “spiritual authority.” Black women have been forced to navigate both racism and sexism while serving in communities that should have celebrated them. Young girls grow up believing that their voice, their body, or their ambition is inherently evil. Churches have lost the leadership, insight, and prophetic voices of women called by God.

What the Church Must Do

It’s time for a reckoning.

Repentance – Church leaders must publicly and privately repent for the false teachings surrounding the “Jezebel spirit” and the harm caused by its misuse. Re-education – Biblical literacy must be prioritized. Teachings about Jezebel must be grounded in historical context, not superstition or misogynistic projection. Amplification – Women, especially Black women, must be honored, heard, and empowered to lead at every level of ministry without suspicion or slander. Protection – Structures must be created that protect women from spiritual abuse, sexual harassment, and theological gaslighting. Restoration – Those who have been harmed must be welcomed back with open arms, offered healing, and given room to thrive in the fullness of their gifts.

The myth of the “Jezebel spirit” is not a holy doctrine. It is a man-made lie—crafted in fear, enforced through control, and weaponized against those who should have been celebrated as daughters of God.

It’s time to break that lie and tell the truth: that women—all women—are not the threat. They are the prophets, the preachers, the pastors, the mothers, the visionaries, and the warriors the Church needs right now.

And until we uproot every false doctrine that says otherwise, the Church will continue to sin against its own.