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 14:34KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:34 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Let” Greek G4601 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 9:36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
  • Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

“is” Greek G2010 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Luke 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
  • Acts 26:1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

“obedience” Greek G5293 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

“churches” Greek G1577 · used in 115 verses

  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  • Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: