Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:34

Orderly Worship · 1 Corinthians 14:26–40
Read 1 Corinthians 14

Translations

Modern
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
Traditional
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
Literal
Let the women be silent in the churches. For it is not permitted to them to speak, but to be subject, as the law also says.
Latin
Mulieres in ecclesiis taceant, non enim permittitur eis loqui, sed subditas esse, sicut et lex dicit.

Original

Greek
English
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:34–35

  • This part of the discussion on using spiritual gifts shows a view on women's roles similar to that of the Pastoral Letters (see 1 Timothy 2:11–15).

  • Paul advises women to be quiet and respectful in church meetings. We should understand this instruction considering 1 Corinthians 11:5, which clearly implies that women can pray and prophesy in public.

  • as the law says: This possibly refers to Genesis 3:16.

1 Corinthians 14:26–40

Paul provides clear instructions for using spiritual gifts in the church. He stresses the importance of expressing them in an orderly manner. In the early Christian community, church meetings were not led by professional pastors or priests. Instead, everyone shared what God had given them to strengthen the church.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Mystery Prophecy

Topics

Church: Congregation Discipline of the Church: Prohibits Women Preaching Gender Silence Wearing Hats Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Women: Religious Privileges of, Among Early Christians Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To