Keraia
1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:12

Instructions to Women · 1 Timothy 2:9–15
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Translations

Modern
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.
Traditional
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Literal
But I do not permit a woman to teach, nor to use authority over a man, but to be in quietness.
Latin
Docere autem mulieri non permitto, neque dominari in virum: sed esse in silentio.

Original

Greek
English
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.

Notes

1 Timothy 2:12

  • to teach or to exercise authority over a man: The link between teaching and authority depends on how we understand both. Women did teach (Titus 2:3–5). But the New Testament does not plainly show or support women teaching men in church meetings (see Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 14:34–35; Philippians 4:3). We know it happened in some churches because Paul responded against it. Women did prophesy (Acts 2:17–18; 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). But some types of prophecy might not have been considered the same as teaching with authority (Acts 11:28; 21:10–11; 1 Corinthians 14:29).

  • exercise authority over a man: This verb can mean either an attitude of dominance or simply exercising authority.

1 Timothy 2:11–15

Paul continues discussing women in the church, focusing on their role in public teaching (see also 1 Corinthians 11:2–16; 14:33–36; 2 Corinthians 11:3).

1 Timothy 2:1–15

This passage first covers prayer and then the behavior of men and women (2:1–7; 8–10). It ends with the topic of women and teaching (2:11–15).

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).

Glossary

Eve Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Discipline of the Church: Prohibits Women Preaching Evil Women Female Ministers Submissiveness Submitting to your Husband The Role of the Man The Role of the Woman Women in Ministry Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To