Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

1 TIMOTHY 2:11KJV
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1 Timothy 2:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 2:11 mean?

1 Timothy 2:11 tells a woman to learn quietly and with a willing acceptance of the instruction being given. The verse addresses how she is to receive teaching, while also presenting learning as something she is to do.

The instruction comes in a letter addressed to Timothy, who was working with believers in Ephesus. After speaking about women’s conduct in the preceding verses, the writer turns to a woman’s place as a learner. The next verse continues with instructions about teaching and authority.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 2:11

  • “silence” — ἡσυχία (hēsychia): The word can carry the sense of quietness or settled behavior. It does not necessarily mean a complete absence of sound.
  • “subjection” — ὑποταγή (hypotagē): The word refers to submission or acceptance of an established order. In this sentence, it describes the manner in which the woman is to learn.

Why 1 Timothy 2:11 matters

  • The verse gives a woman an active place as a learner: the instruction is “Let the woman learn.” Learning is the action around which the sentence is built.
  • The verse forms part of a longer discussion about teaching and authority. Verse 12 adds a restriction connected with those subjects, so verse 11 is often read alongside it.
  • Christians differ over whether these instructions apply to all church settings or address a particular situation in Timothy’s time.

Where else these words appear

“silence” Greek G2271 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 22:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
  • 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

“subjection” Greek G5292 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • Galatians 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
  • 1 Timothy 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

“Let” Greek G3129 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
  • Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;