King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:34 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:34 in the King James Version says “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be un...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”

1 Corinthians 14:34 · KJV

Context

32

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness

34

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36

What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let your women keep silence in the churches—Greek hai gynaikes en tais ekklēsiais sigatōsan (αἱ γυναῖκες ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις σιγάτωσαν, "let the women in the churches be silent"). This verse requires careful interpretation within its context. For it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law—ou gar epitrepetai autais lalein, alla hypotassesthōsan (οὐ γὰρ ἐπιτρέπεται αὐταῖς λαλεῖν, ἀλλὰ ὑποτασσέσθωσαν, "for it is not permitted to them to speak, but let them be subject").

Context is crucial: Paul just regulated prophecy (vv. 29-33), and women prophesied in Corinth (11:5). This "silence" must be specific, not absolute. The reference to "the law" may point to Genesis 3:16 (subordination in marriage) or rabbinic practice. Most likely, Paul prohibits disruptive questioning during prophecy-evaluation (v. 29, "let the other judge"), not all female speech. Verse 35 supports this: "learn at home" suggests inappropriate public interrogation, not prophesying or teaching.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinthian women, newly liberated in Christ (Gal 3:28), may have disrupted worship by publicly questioning their husbands during prophecy-evaluation—culturally scandalous. Paul addresses a specific abuse while affirming women's prophetic ministry (11:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we reconcile this command with Paul affirming women prophesying (11:5)?
  2. What specific situation might Paul be addressing rather than forbidding all female speech?
  3. How should we interpret 'as also saith the law' given Paul's broader theology?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
αἱ1 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναῖκες2 of 19

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ὑμῶν3 of 19

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν4 of 19

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίαις6 of 19

“the churches”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

σιγάτωσαν·7 of 19

“Let”

G4601

to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)

οὐ8 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ9 of 19

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐπιτέτραπται10 of 19

“it is”

G2010

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

αὐταῖς11 of 19

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λαλεῖν12 of 19

“to speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἀλλ'13 of 19

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑποτάσσεσθαι,14 of 19

“they are commanded to be under obedience”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

καθὼς15 of 19

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ16 of 19

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ17 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμος18 of 19

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

λέγει19 of 19

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 14:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 14:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 2:11-12Genesis 3:161 Corinthians 14:35Numbers 30:3-13Colossians 3:18Titus 2:5

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