1 Timothy 2:10
What does 1 Timothy 2:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:10 means
The true ornament for women who profess reverence for God is good works. Deeds of mercy, service, generosity, and faithfulness are the fitting attire of worship. Such works do not purchase favor with God—Christ has ransomed us (v. 6)—but they express the reality of godliness. Public worship is not a stage for self-display but a place to bless others. When women invest their energy in what is useful and loving, their beauty benefits the body of Christ. This verse crowns the call to modest adornment by giving its positive goal: to reflect God’s character through tangible acts that build up the church and serve neighbors.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But clothed with good works, as is right for women who are living in the fear of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but--which becometh women professing godly piety--through good works.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But, as it becometh women professing godliness, with good works.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but, what becomes women making profession of the fear ofGod, by good works.
Context
Completing the instruction on adornment, Paul turns from what to avoid (v. 9) to what to pursue (v. 10). From here he moves to women’s learning and teaching posture in verses 11–12, shifting from appearance to authority and speech in the assembly. The consistent theme is that worship should be shaped by reverence and edification. The grounding for these role instructions will come in verses 13–14, appealing to creation and the fall.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:6
and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;
- Proverbs 31:31
Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.
- 2 Peter 3:11
Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.
- Titus 3:8
Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:
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