1 Corinthians 14:35
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
θέλουσιν
they will
G2309
θέλουσιν
they will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
5 of 18
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
οἴκῳ
home
G3624
οἴκῳ
home
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
7 of 18
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίους
their
G2398
ἰδίους
their
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
9 of 18
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Historical Context
Greco-Roman honor-shame culture viewed outspoken women as shameful. New female believers, learning Scripture for the first time, may have disrupted worship with questions. Paul channels learning into appropriate contexts without suppressing women's ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'ask your husbands at home' command clarify what Paul is prohibiting?
- What cultural factors might make certain behaviors 'shameful' in one context but not another?
- How do we apply culturally conditioned commands in different cultural settings?
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Analysis & Commentary
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home—Greek ei de ti mathein thelousin, en oikō tous idious andras eperōtatōsan (εἰ δέ τι μαθεῖν θέλουσιν, ἐν οἴκῳ τοὺς ἰδίους ἄνδρας ἐπερωτάτωσαν, "if they wish to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home"). This clarifies verse 34: the issue is learning/questioning behavior, not prophecy or teaching. For it is a shame for women to speak in the church (aischron gar estin gynaiki lalein en ekklēsia, αἰσχρὸν γὰρ ἐστιν γυναικὶ λαλεῖν ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ, "for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church").
The "shame" language reflects cultural sensitivity: in Greco-Roman culture, women publicly questioning men was scandalous. Paul applies the order principle (vv. 26-33, 40) to a culturally volatile situation. The solution—"ask at home"—suggests the issue is inappropriate public interrogation during worship, not all female participation. This interpretation coheres with Paul's affirmation of women's ministry elsewhere (Rom 16:1-7, Phil 4:2-3).