1 Corinthians 14:34
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.
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
6 of 19
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐταῖς
unto them
G846
αὐταῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑποτάσσεσθαι,
they are commanded to be under obedience
G5293
ὑποτάσσεσθαι,
they are commanded to be under obedience
Strong's:
G5293
Word #:
14 of 19
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Genesis 3:16Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.Colossians 3:18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.1 Corinthians 11:5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.1 Corinthians 14:35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.1 Corinthians 11:3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.Ephesians 5:33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Historical Context
Corinthian women, newly liberated in Christ (Gal 3:28), may have disrupted worship by publicly questioning their husbands during prophecy-evaluation—culturally scandalous. Paul addresses a specific abuse while affirming women's prophetic ministry (11:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we reconcile this command with Paul affirming women prophesying (11:5)?
- What specific situation might Paul be addressing rather than forbidding all female speech?
- How should we interpret 'as also saith the law' given Paul's broader theology?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let your women keep silence in the churches—Greek hai gynaikes en tais ekklēsiais sigatōsan (αἱ γυναῖκες ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις σιγάτωσαν, "let the women in the churches be silent"). This verse requires careful interpretation within its context. For it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law—ou gar epitrepetai autais lalein, alla hypotassesthōsan (οὐ γὰρ ἐπιτρέπεται αὐταῖς λαλεῖν, ἀλλὰ ὑποτασσέσθωσαν, "for it is not permitted to them to speak, but let them be subject").
Context is crucial: Paul just regulated prophecy (vv. 29-33), and women prophesied in Corinth (11:5). This "silence" must be specific, not absolute. The reference to "the law" may point to Genesis 3:16 (subordination in marriage) or rabbinic practice. Most likely, Paul prohibits disruptive questioning during prophecy-evaluation (v. 29, "let the other judge"), not all female speech. Verse 35 supports this: "learn at home" suggests inappropriate public interrogation, not prophesying or teaching.