1 Corinthians 14:35

35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.[a]

1 Corinthians 14:35 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
English Standard Version (ESV)
35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
New Living Translation (NLT)
35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.
The Message Bible (MSG)
35 asking questions that could more appropriately be asked of their husbands at home. God's Book of the law guides our manners and customs here. Wives have no license to use the time of worship for unwarranted speaking.
American Standard Version (ASV)
35 And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
35 If they want to know anything they should ask their husbands at home. It's shameful for a woman to speak in church.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
35 And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
35 If they have a question about something, they should ask their own husbands at home. It is shameful for women to speak in church meetings.

1 Corinthians 14:35 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:35

And if they will learn anything
If they are desirous of learning anything in relation to doctrine, duty, or discipline, and of improving their knowledge of divine things, which is very commendable in them; if any difficulty arises in their minds whilst hearing the word, which they want to have removed, or any question to ask for information sake,

let them ask their husbands at home;
privately, when retired from the public assembly; for though men might ask one another concerning this, and the other point, in the church, as was usual in the synagogue worship, to which this church at Corinth in many things conformed; yet women were not allowed this freedom, and even in things which belonged to women to do; as for instance, making the cake of the first of their dough, which was to be an heave offering to the Lord, the men were to teach the women at home how, and when to separate it from the rest F4. So the apostle directs women, when they wanted to be informed about any point, to apply to their husbands at their own houses, if they were such as were capable of instructing them; if not, they might apply to other men that were Christian men, and men of knowledge, especially to the prophets, pastors, and teachers of the church, at their habitations:

for it is a shame for women to speak in the church;
it is a shame to themselves, as being contrary to the natural modesty and bashfulness of the sex, and a shame to the church, to the non-members of it, and especially to the elders, and more experienced part of it, to be taught and directed by a woman; it is a disgrace to herself and sex, as betraying uncommon pride and vanity, and an unnatural boldness and confidence; and a disgrace to the church to be under such a ministry and conduct.


FOOTNOTES:

F4 Bartenora in Misn. Challa, c. 3. sect. 1.

1 Corinthians 14:35 In-Context

33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?
37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. In a few manuscripts these verses come after verse 40.
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.