1 Corinthians 14:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:34
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, wisdom. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:34
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.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Word: Titus 2:5
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:3, 11:5, 14:35, Genesis 3:16, Ephesians 5:33, Colossians 3:18