The verse in question, 1 Timothy 2:11, states “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.” This verse has sparked much debate and discussion regarding the role of women in the church. A full examination of the context and background of this passage is needed to properly understand its meaning.
The Context of 1 Timothy
First Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to his younger co-worker Timothy. Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was influenced by Greek culture and religion, which viewed women as inferior to men. The temple of the goddess Artemis dominated the city, employing female priests and promoting fertility rituals.
In this challenging context, Paul wrote to encourage Timothy in sound doctrine and right conduct for the church. A major theme in 1 Timothy is church order and roles. Paul gave instructions about prayer, morality, qualifications for leaders, caring for widows, and other church matters. The command for women to learn quietly fits within giving Timothy guidance for ordering church practice.
The Immediate Context of 1 Timothy 2
The verse on women learning quietly comes within a passage on conduct in public worship. 1 Timothy 2:8-15 addresses both men and women in the congregation. Men are told to pray without anger or argument. Women are given instruction about proper dress and behavior. Verses 11-12 on women learning quietly form the center of this passage.
This context is important for understanding verse 11. Paul was addressing order and decorum in public worship, not making universal statements about all teaching by women. The passage needs to be understood in its setting of first-century worship in Ephesus.
Background of First-Century Worship
Looking at the cultural background gives helpful perspective on 1 Timothy 2:11. First-century Christian worship services were still evolving, but they seem to have included prayer, scripture reading, teaching, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and singing. The meetings incorporated practices from Jewish synagogue worship but had some distinctions from it as well.
In the Greek and Roman cultures, women were discouraged from speaking or teaching in public. Respectable women were expected to be quiet and subordinate. But synagogue worship allowed women more involvement. Though only men could lead and teach, women were present and could pray and read Scripture aloud.
Christian worship appears to have found a middle ground between the synagogue and Greek/Roman norms. Women were participating audibly in the services, but some stricter standards from the culture were likely in place regarding their speaking and teaching roles.
Meaning of “Quietly” and “Submissiveness”
A key to understanding 1 Timothy 2:11 is the meaning of the words translated “quietly” (hesuchia) and “submissiveness” (hupotage). Hesuchia conveys tranquility, silence, or undisturbed calmness. This describes not total silence, but peaceful behavior. Hupotage means to be subordinate, subject, obedient, or compliant. Together these words describe a quiet, calm, and submissive demeanor.
This demeanor was appropriate for any learner, but especially for women in that setting. It fits with Paul’s focus in the passage on orderly worship. He wasn’t silencing women entirely but directing them away from disruption or conflict while learning in the public assembly.
Relationship to Teaching
In the following verse, Paul says he does not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:12). Some think verse 11 prohibits women teaching at all. But the overall passage relates to appropriate conduct during worship. Paul wasn’t broadly prohibiting women teaching but regulating a specific problem in Ephesus.
Probably some women in the church didn’t fully understand correct doctrine and were promoting false teaching. They may have been using the worship time to put their doctrinal views forward in a disruptive way. Paul directed them to have a calm, submissive demeanor instead while learning more about the faith.
Application for Today
This passage needs to be understood in its original context. Paul was addressing specific issues in first-century Ephesus, not decreeing universal church practice for all time. The congregation today faces different questions about women participating in worship and leadership. Principles from the passage can guide application:
- Worship services should be orderly, avoiding confusion or disruption.
- Women as well as men should learn sound doctrine thoroughly.
- The attitude and manner in which one participates is as important as the role.
- Believers should show grace, humility, and respect for one another in public gatherings.
The Bible affirms the equal value and spiritual giftings of women while recognizing some differing roles in the church. Women have opportunities today for fuller participation in worship leadership than in the early church. Even so, principles of order, submission, respect, and sound doctrine remain important for everyone.
Other Bible Passages on Women Learning
Several other passages give insight into women learning and teaching in the early church:
Acts 18:24-28 – The evangelist Apollos was instructed more accurately in the faith by Priscilla and Aquila. Both the man and woman taught the evangelist.
1 Corinthians 11:5 – Women could pray and prophesy in worship services, while maintaining proper hairstyles and dress.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – As in 1 Timothy 2, wives are directed not to disrupt worship with questions but to wait and ask husbands at home.
Titus 2:3-5 – The teaching of sound doctrine was to be passed on from older to younger women.
These passages confirm women were active in worship and learning. Disruptions needed to be minimized, but women clearly participated in instruction and prayer.
Conclusion
First Timothy 2:11 was a specific instruction to a particular church situation. It encouraged orderly participation by women learners in worship settings. The verse doesn’t prohibit women teaching or leading in all circumstances. Women today can follow its principles by pursuing sound doctrine humbly and respectfully contributing their gifts for edifying the church.