1 Timothy 2:13
What does 1 Timothy 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:13 means
Paul’s first rationale looks to creation: Adam was formed first, then Eve. By appealing to the order of their formation, he roots church order not in local custom but in God’s design. First does not mean greater dignity, but it does indicate a pattern of headship seen from the beginning. The gathered church reflects this creational ordering when it structures teaching authority accordingly. This appeal dignifies both sexes within their distinct roles, showing that apostolic instructions aim to mirror divine wisdom rather than to appease cultural pressures, whether ancient or modern.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For Adam was first formed, then Eve;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For Adam was first formed, then Eve;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For Adam was first formed, then Eve;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for Adam was first formed, then Eve,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For Adam was first formed; then Eve.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for Adam was formed first, then Eve:
Context
This verse begins Paul’s grounding for the role distinctions he just affirmed. He reaches back before the fall to creation’s pattern. Verse 14 will then reference the fall to add a second layer of reasoning. Together they provide a theological basis for the posture and limits described in verses 11–12. The following verse (v. 15) will conclude the section by speaking of women’s salvation and vocation within a life of faith.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 2:18
And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
- Genesis 2:22
and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
- Genesis 2:7
And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- Genesis 1:27
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
- 1 Corinthians 11:8
For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Humanity of Christ
The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ was fully human, experiencing life as we do in a sinless state
Topic
Bible Verses About Intercession
Intercession is prayer offered on behalf of another, a selfless act of love and faith that demonstrates our care for others.
Topic
Bible Verses About Teachers
Explore how the Bible defines and encourages those who teach, emphasizing both their noble calling and weighty responsibility.
What the Bible says about…