1 Corinthians 14:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:35
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, faith, grace. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 14:35
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.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ephesians 5:12