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.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:34KJVWhat does 1 Corinthians 14:34 mean?
1 Corinthians 14:34 says that women should keep silent in church gatherings and are not allowed to speak, but should be in submission, as the law also says. The verse presents a rule about women’s participation in the public worship setting in Corinth, emphasizing order and submission within the church assembly.
Paul is writing to the Christian community in Corinth, addressing issues of disorder during their gatherings. In this section, he is giving instructions about how worship should be conducted, focusing on maintaining peace and proper conduct. The verse reflects the customs and expectations of that time, and it is part of a larger discussion about speaking and authority in church meetings.
The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:34
- γυναικες (gynaikes, "women"): This word can mean "women" or "wives" depending on context. Here, it refers to women in the church assembly, not just wives.
- σιγατωσαν (sigatōsan, "keep silence"): This Greek word means to be silent or to refrain from speaking. The instruction is about not speaking out in the public church meeting.
- ὑποτασσεσθωσαν (hupotassesthōsan, "be under obedience"): This word means to be in submission or to yield. It highlights the expectation of order and respect for authority within the church setting.
- ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais, "churches"): This refers to the gathered assembly of believers, not just a building. The instruction is meant for the public worship context.
Why 1 Corinthians 14:34 matters
- This verse is often discussed because it seems to limit women’s participation in church gatherings, so understanding its original setting helps avoid misapplying it today.
- The verse is part of a larger section about orderly worship, showing Paul’s concern for peace and structure in church meetings, not just singling out women.
- The reference to "the law" connects Paul’s instruction to Jewish tradition, which can help readers see how early Christians navigated both their new faith and existing cultural expectations.