1 Timothy 2:8-15

8 I desire then that 1in every place the men should pray, 2lifting 3holy hands without anger or quarreling;
9 likewise also 4that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,
10 5but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.
11 Let a woman learn quietly 6with all submissiveness.
12 7I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
13 8For Adam was formed first, 9then Eve;
14 and Adam was not deceived, but 10the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
15 Yet she will be saved through 11childbearing--if they continue in 12faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

1 Timothy 2:8-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY 2

In this chapter the apostle exhorts to prayer for all sorts of men, gives rules and directions about the dress of women, and their subjection to their husbands; and concludes with some comfort to them. The apostle exhorts to prayer in the first place, directs to the several parts and branches of prayer, and points to the persons to be prayed for, and what should be prayed for on their account, 1Ti 2:1,2. And next follow the reasons or arguments engaging to it, which are taken from the agreeableness of it in the sight of God; from the will of God, that all men should be saved: from there being but one God of all, and one Mediator between God and men; from Christ's giving himself a ransom price for all; and from the apostle being a preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well as Jews, 1Ti 2:3-7 wherefore he concludes and determines, according to his apostolical power and authority, that prayer be made in any place, provided there were faith and purity, and wrath and doubting were laid aside, 1Ti 2:8. Also, he exhorts women to appear, especially in public service, in a modest and becoming dress, and to adorn themselves with good works, 1Ti 2:9,10, and that they should be silent learners, and not teachers, and be in subjection to their husbands, 1Ti 2:11,12. The reasons of which subjection are taken from the formation of Adam before Eve, and from Eve's being deceived, and not Adam, 1Ti 2:13,14. However, for the comfort of women, it is observed, that though in sorrow they bring forth children, yet through the birth of a Son, the promised Messiah, they shall be saved, who continue in faith, charity, and holiness, with sobriety, 1Ti 2:15.

Cross References 12

  • 1. [John 4:21]
  • 2. Psalms 63:4; Psalms 119:48; [Isaiah 1:15]
  • 3. Job 17:9; Psalms 24:4
  • 4. 1 Peter 3:3; [Isaiah 3:18-23]
  • 5. [1 Peter 3:4]
  • 6. Titus 2:5
  • 7. [1 Corinthians 14:34]
  • 8. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:8
  • 9. Genesis 2:18, 22
  • 10. Genesis 3:6, 13
  • 11. [Galatians 4:4]
  • 12. 1 Timothy 1:14
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.