9likewise, that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly clothing, [2:10] but with what is fitting for women who profess godliness — with good works. [2:11] A woman is to learn quietly, in full submission. [2:12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise full authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. [2:13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve. [2:14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. [2:15] Yet she will be saved through childbearing — if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
1TI 2:9-15
Instructions to Women
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, women’s appearance and behavior were closely tied to societal expectations of modesty and propriety, particularly within the household and religious contexts. The emphasis on 'respectable apparel' and 'modesty' reflects a cultural concern for women to avoid ostentation, which could signal vanity or moral laxity. The prohibition against elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, and costly clothing aligns with broader Stoic and Jewish critiques of excess, which were seen as distractions from virtue. The instruction for women to learn 'in quietness' and 'all submissiveness' mirrors the patriarchal household codes of the time, where women’s roles were often confined to domestic and supportive functions. The reference to Adam and Eve draws on Jewish creation narratives, emphasizing Eve’s deception as a cautionary tale. The mention of 'childbearing' as a means of salvation reflects the cultural and religious value placed on women’s roles as mothers, particularly within the early Christian community, where familial and communal stability were paramount.
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How other translations render this
1TI 2:9
- KJV
- In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
- BSB
- Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
- Koinōnos
- likewise, that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly clothing,
1TI 2:10
- KJV
- But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
- BSB
- but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.
- Koinōnos
- but with what is fitting for women who profess godliness — with good works.
1TI 2:11
- KJV
- Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
- BSB
- A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness.
- Koinōnos
- A woman is to learn quietly, in full submission.
1TI 2:12
- KJV
- But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
- BSB
- I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.
- Koinōnos
- I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise full authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.
1TI 2:13
- KJV
- For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
- BSB
- For Adam was formed first, and then Eve.
- Koinōnos
- For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
1TI 2:14
- KJV
- And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
- BSB
- And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression.
- Koinōnos
- And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
1TI 2:15
- KJV
- Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
- BSB
- Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
- Koinōnos
- Yet she will be saved through childbearing — if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1TI 2:9
- in:The word translated 'in' here refers to outward appearance and behavior, encompassing both how one dresses and how one carries oneself. It suggests a manner that is orderly and appropriate.
- with:The word translated 'with' (modesty) describes a sense of reverence or awe, a respect for others' opinions and one's own conscience, leading to a humble and reserved demeanor.
- and:The word translated 'and' (self-control) refers to soundness of mind, prudence, and discretion. It implies a balanced and sensible approach to life, not just a lack of excess.
1TI 2:12
- to use authority over:The phrase translated 'to use authority over' carries a strong sense of exercising full power or even domineering. It implies a forceful or absolute control, rather than simply having authority.