1 Timothy 2:12
What does 1 Timothy 2:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:12 means
Paul sets a boundary in the assembled church: he does not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; instead, she is to remain in quietness. The issue is not women’s worth or competence but the order of teaching authority in the congregation. This restricts authoritative, doctrinal instruction over men, reserving that office for qualified men elsewhere described in the letter. The tone is pastoral, aiming at peace and clarity, not suppression. Paul’s wording assumes active learning (v. 11) while maintaining role distinctions that support unity, sound teaching, and the created pattern he will shortly cite.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In my opinion it is right for a woman not to be a teacher, or to have rule over a man, but to be quiet.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and a woman I do not suffer to teach, nor to rule a husband, but to be in quietness,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to use authority over the man: but to be in silence.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but I do not suffer a woman to teach nor to exercise authority over man, but to be in quietness;
Context
This verse states the clearest limitation on women’s roles in the gathered church, following the call to learn quietly (v. 11). Paul will immediately ground this boundary in the creation order and the fall (vv. 13–14), indicating that his reasoning is theological rather than merely cultural. Verse 15 will then offer a hope-filled word about women’s salvation and vocation within a life of faith and holiness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
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