1 Timothy 2:11
What does 1 Timothy 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:11 means
Paul affirms that a woman should learn—a significant and positive directive in itself—yet he specifies the manner: in quietness and full submission. Quietness does not mean total silence but a peaceful, teachable spirit that does not disrupt. Submission here aligns with the order of the gathered church, respecting the leadership charged to teach authoritatively. Learning is encouraged; disorder is not. By calling for this posture, Paul protects the church’s unity and the integrity of doctrine. The emphasis is not on suppressing women’s gifts but on receiving the word in an orderly way that honors the structure God has given for public instruction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let a woman quietly take the place of a learner and be under authority.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Let a woman in quietness learn in all subjection,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let a woman learn in quietness in all subjection;
Context
From adornment to attitude, Paul addresses how women are to participate in learning during public worship. This sets up the clearer boundary of verse 12 regarding teaching and authority over men. The shift anticipates Paul’s appeal to creation in verses 13–14, showing that his instruction is not a local whim but rooted in theological reasons. The sequence moves from demeanor (quietness) to role (not teaching/authority) to rationale (creation/fall).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 3:5
For after this manner aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:
- Genesis 3:16
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy pain and thy conception; in pain thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
- Colossians 3:18
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
- 1 Peter 3:1
In like manner, ye wives, bein subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
- 1 Corinthians 14:34
let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.
- 1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
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