1 Timothy 2:9-15

Women Instructed

9 Likewise, I want 1women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
11 2A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.
12 3But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.
13 4For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but 5the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in 6faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

1 Timothy 2:9-15 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 6

  • 1. 1 Peter 3:3
  • 2. 1 Corinthians 14:34; Titus 2:5
  • 3. 1 Corinthians 14:34; Titus 2:5
  • 4. Genesis 2:7, 22; Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:8f
  • 5. Genesis 3:6, 13; 2 Corinthians 11:3
  • 6. 1 Timothy 1:14

Footnotes 5

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