Today we're going to share powerful KJV bible verses about leadership. 

In fact, there are many leadership Bible verses. One of the reasons for this is because God creates leaders. God creates leaders that live a righteous life.

• God creates leaders that lead others to Christ Jesus.
• God creates leaders that are led by the Holy Spirit.
• God creates leaders that fear the Word of God.
• God creates leaders that are so servant leadership.
• God creates leaders that are great leaders because they serve a great Savior.

What we want to provide today are great Bible verses on leadership.

Because it is important that as a believer in Christ Jesus that you know how to lead others to Him and how to lead in organizations for His glory and for His honor.

You may be involved as a church leader or in some category of church leadership. Regardless of where you are understanding how to be led by the Holy Spirit, and how to be a true leader is fundamental.

Jesus said like this, that he who wishes to be the greatest among you is supposed to be the servant of all.

Scriptures on Godly Leadership 

Godly Leadership Scripture:

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Titus 1:7-14

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Bible Quotes on Servant Leadership:

Proverbs 29:14

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

Bible Verses on Leadership and Being A Good Leader of Others

Scripture	Key Message	Application / Insight
Proverbs 11:14	Without wise leadership, people fail; guidance ensures safety	Seek and provide wise counsel in leadership decisions.
Proverbs 16:9	The heart plans the way, but the Lord directs steps	Leaders plan strategically but depend on God’s guidance.
Exodus 18:21	Appoint capable, God-fearing leaders	Delegation and choosing competent leaders are key for effective leadership.
1 Timothy 3:1–7	Qualifications for overseers and elders	Integrity, self-control, and a good reputation are essential for leaders.
Titus 1:7–9	Leaders must be above reproach and sound in doctrine	Moral and spiritual integrity are non-negotiable for leadership.
Matthew 20:25–28	True leadership is servanthood, not domination	Lead by serving others, following Christ’s example.
Philippians 2:3–4	Consider others better than yourself	Humility and valuing others are critical leadership traits.
Proverbs 29:2	Righteous leaders bless the people; wicked leaders bring suffering	Leadership impacts communities; moral character matters.
1 Peter 5:2–3	Shepherd God’s flock willingly, not for personal gain	Lead with care, not for power or profit.
James 3:1	Teachers and leaders are held to higher accountability	Leadership comes with responsibility and spiritual oversight.
Nehemiah 2:17–18	Inspire and motivate people toward a vision	Effective leaders communicate vision and rally others to action.
Joshua 1:6–9	Be strong, courageous, and obey God	Courage and reliance on God are essential for leading in challenging times.
Proverbs 27:23–24	Know well the condition of your flock	Leaders must be attentive, informed, and proactive.
Romans 12:8	Lead diligently as part of serving others	Leadership is a gift; it requires diligence and faithfulness.
Matthew 5:14–16	Leaders influence by example and light the way	Model integrity, righteousness, and godly influence.

Psalm 78:72

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.

More Leadership Bible Quotes For You To Lead Others

Bible Verses About Training Leaders:

Exodus 18:21

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Leadership Verses in The Bible: 

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Luke 22:26

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Hebrews 13:7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Our First Hebrew Word Study on Leadership (1 of 4)

נָגִיד (nagid)

Meaning: leader, prince, ruler, governor, one who stands in front
Root: נגד (nagád) — “to be in front,” “to announce,” “to declare”
Leadership nuance:

• A nagid is a leader appointed by God, not self-made.

• Carries the idea of public, visible oversight.

• The leader stands “in front of the people” and “makes things known.”

Key Verses

• 1 Samuel 13:14 — David is chosen by God as nagid (leader/ruler).

• 1 Chronicles 29:22 — Solomon crowned as nagid.

Theological Insight:
Leadership begins with divine calling—God makes leaders by appointing them.

Encouraging Bible Verses For Church Leaders

Great Bible Verse about Leadership:

Luke 6:31

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Philippians 2:3

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

What Should You Expect If God Has Called You To Be A Leader?

Church Fathers On Leadership

 Early Church Fathers on Leadership

Biblical Leadership Verses:

Proverbs 11:14

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Matthew 20:26

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Hebrew Word Study On Leadership (2 of 4)

2. נָשִׂיא (nasi’)

Meaning: chief, prince, leader of a tribe, one lifted up
Root: נשׂא (nasa’) — “to lift,” “to carry,” “to bear responsibility”
Leadership nuance:

• Means “lifted up,” implying a leader is raised by God or the community.

• Includes the idea of bearing weight — a leader carries burdens.

Key Verses

• Numbers 1:16 — tribal leaders called nasi’im (chiefs lifted up among the people).

• Genesis 23:6 — Abraham called a “mighty prince” (nasi’).

Theological Insight:
Leadership requires carrying the weight of others—responsibility before authority.

More Bible Quotes About Leadership:

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Scriptures on Leadership and The Wisdom To Lead Others

Bible Verse About Being A Leader:

Proverbs 29:11

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Psalm 37:3-4

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

More Bible Verses on Church Leadership:

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Mark 10:43-45

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Bible Verses on Being A Good Leader of Others

Proverbs 4:23

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Bible Verses About Leadership In The Church:

1 Timothy 3:2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Psalm 37:7

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Leadership Scriptures About Godly Humility for Leaders

Qualities of A Good Leader Bible Verse:

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Scriptures for pastors and leaders in The Church:

Matthew 7:12

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Great Church Leadership Scripture:

John 13:13-17

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Psalm 37:16-17

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

Bible Verses About Leading By Example 

Scriptures To Encourage Leaders:

James 3:1

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

Romans 12:9-13

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Hebrew Word Study (3 of 4)

3. רֹאשׁ (rosh)

Meaning: head, chief, top, beginning
Root: rosh — literally “head”
Leadership nuance:

• The head guides the body, implying authority + direction.

• Focuses on leadership as decision-maker, “the one at the head.”

Key Verses

• Deuteronomy 28:13 — “The Lord will make you the head (rosh) and not the tail.”

• Micah 3:1 — leaders of Israel called roshim.

Theological Insight:
Leadership requires direction and responsibility for the whole body or community.

Leadership in The Church

More Scriptures about Leadership 

Bible Verses Related To Leadership:

Proverbs 16:7

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Matthew 24:45-47

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

More Scriptures on Leadership That Comes From God

Bible Passages on Leadership and Service:

Psalm 37:30-31

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Scriptures for Leaders:

Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Word Study (4 of 4)

4. שָׁפַט (shaphat)

Meaning: to judge, govern, lead, rule
Root: shaphat — “to judge,” “to govern,” “to decide”
Leadership nuance:

• Leadership includes justice, moral oversight, defending the weak.

• Shaphat-leaders are responsible for order, equity, and discernment.

Key Verses

• Judges 2:16 — God raises shofetim (judges) as leaders.

• 1 Samuel 7:15 — Samuel shaphat (judged/led) Israel.

Theological Insight:
Leadership demands moral clarity and fairness—governing as God governs.

Bible Verses on Being A Good Leader and Developing Good Leadership Qualities

Biblical Verses on Leadership:

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

More on Leadership: A servant leader is a true leader.

What are qualities of a good leader, according to the Bible? One who lays down his life for others is not only wise, but godly. Because when you think about the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, you have to undoubtedly think about servant leadership because he didn't come to be served, but to serve.

Is that your motive when it comes to leadership, whether you're a church leader, or you are a leader, a spiritual leader, or a leader in your business?

Do you think about ways to serve? Well, the Old Testament and the New Testament are replete with examples of biblical leadership that I believe will be a source of inspiration, encouragement and teaching do as you endeavor to exemplify Christian leadership to the world in Jesus' mighty Name.

Bonus Word Study:

 רָעָה (ra’ah) — “to shepherd”

Meaning: shepherd, feed, guide, care for
Leadership nuance:

• Shepherd leadership = care, protection, presence, guidance.

• The shepherd leads by walking with the flock, not commanding from above.

Key Verses

• Psalm 23:1 — The LORD shepherds (leads) His people.

• Ezekiel 34 — rebuke of Israel’s shepherd-leaders for abusing the flock.

Theological Insight:
God models leadership as shepherding—relational, sacrificial, guiding.

References: 

Primary Hebrew Lexicons and Standard Works

1. Brown, Francis; Driver, S. R.; Briggs, Charles A.
   The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (BDB).
   Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996.

2. Koehler, Ludwig, and Walter Baumgartner.
   The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (HALOT).
   5 vols. Leiden: Brill, 1994–2000.

3. Holladay, William L.
   A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.
   Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971.

4. Gesenius, Wilhelm.
   Gesenius’ Hebrew Grammar, 2nd English Edition.
   Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1910.

Theological Dictionaries

5. Botterweck, G. Johannes; Ringgren, Helmer; Fabry, Heinz-Josef (eds.).
   Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament (TDOT).
   15 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974–2006.

   (Entries for נגד / nagid, נשׂא / nasi’, ראשׁ / rosh, שפט / shaphat, רעה / ra’ah, עבד / avad, קצין / qatsin.)

6. VanGemeren, Willem A. (ed.).
   The New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis (NIDOTTE).
   5 vols. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.

Academic Old Testament Commentaries (as lexical/theological sources)

7. Walton, John H.
   Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament.
   Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006.
   (Leadership concepts in ANE culture)

8. Sarna, Nahum.
   Exodus, JPS Torah Commentary.
   Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1991.
   (Leader as shepherd & servant)

9. Tigay, Jeffrey H.
   Deuteronomy, JPS Torah Commentary.
   Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1996.
   (Leadership in covenant law)

10. Allen, Leslie C.
    Psalms 101–150, Word Biblical Commentary.
    Dallas: Word, 1983.
    (Rosh, shepherd-leadership in Psalms)

11. Block, Daniel I.
    Judges–Ruth, New American Commentary.
    Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1999.
    (Shaphat as governing leadership)

12. Longman III, Tremper.
    The Book of Proverbs, NICOT.
    Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.
    (Wisdom and leadership ethics)

Scholarly Studies on Hebrew Leadership Concepts

13. Kalluveettil, Paul.
    Declaration and Covenant: A Comprehensive Review of Against-ness in the Hebrew Bible (Root נגד – nagad).
    Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1982.
    (Background of nagid leadership)

14. Oswalt, John N.
    The Book of Isaiah, NICOT.
    Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986–1998.
    (Servant leadership & nasi’)

15. Schaefer, Konrad.
    Psalms, Berit Olam Series.
    Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2001.
    (Shepherd imagery as leadership)

16. Wright, Christopher J. H.
    Old Testament Ethics for the People of God.
    Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004.
    (Ethical responsibility & servant leadership)

17. Steinmann, Andrew.
    From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology.
    St. Louis: Concordia, 2011.
    (Leadership roles in OT narrative arc)

Jewish Rabbinic and Historical Studies 

18. Hertz, Joseph H.
    The Pentateuch and Haftorahs.
    London: Soncino Press, 1960.
    (Interpretations of nasi’ and shaphat)

19. Sarna, Shalom Paul.
    Studies in the Book of Samuel.
    Leiden: Brill, 1990.
    (Nagid leadership in Samuel)

20. Muffs, Yochanan.
    Love and Joy: Law, Language and Religion in Ancient Israel.
    New York: Jewish Publication Society, 1992.
    (Leadership as covenant guardianship)