King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:35 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:35 in the King James Version says “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 churc...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 14:35 · KJV

Context

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?

37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home—Greek ei de ti mathein thelousin, en oikō tous idious andras eperōtatōsan (εἰ δέ τι μαθεῖν θέλουσιν, ἐν οἴκῳ τοὺς ἰδίους ἄνδρας ἐπερωτάτωσαν, "if they wish to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home"). This clarifies verse 34: the issue is learning/questioning behavior, not prophecy or teaching. For it is a shame for women to speak in the church (aischron gar estin gynaiki lalein en ekklēsia, αἰσχρὸν γὰρ ἐστιν γυναικὶ λαλεῖν ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ, "for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church").

The "shame" language reflects cultural sensitivity: in Greco-Roman culture, women publicly questioning men was scandalous. Paul applies the order principle (vv. 26-33, 40) to a culturally volatile situation. The solution—"ask at home"—suggests the issue is inappropriate public interrogation during worship, not all female participation. This interpretation coheres with Paul's affirmation of women's ministry elsewhere (Rom 16:1-7, Phil 4:2-3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman honor-shame culture viewed outspoken women as shameful. New female believers, learning Scripture for the first time, may have disrupted worship with questions. Paul channels learning into appropriate contexts without suppressing women's ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'ask your husbands at home' command clarify what Paul is prohibiting?
  2. What cultural factors might make certain behaviors 'shameful' in one context but not another?
  3. How do we apply culturally conditioned commands in different cultural settings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
εἰ1 of 18

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ2 of 18

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τι3 of 18

“any thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

μαθεῖν4 of 18

“learn”

G3129

to learn (in any way)

θέλουσιν5 of 18

“they will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐν6 of 18

“at”

G1722

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

οἴκῳ7 of 18

“home”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τοὺς8 of 18
G3588

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

ἰδίους9 of 18

“their”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ἄνδρας10 of 18

“husbands”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐπερωτάτωσαν·11 of 18

“let them ask”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αἰσχρὸν12 of 18

“a shame”

G149

a shameful thing, i.e., indecorum

γάρ13 of 18

“for”

G1063

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

ἐστιν14 of 18

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

γυναιξὶν15 of 18

“for women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐν16 of 18

“at”

G1722

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ17 of 18

“the church”

G1577

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

λαλεῖν18 of 18

“to speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

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 14:35 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 14:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:121 Peter 3:71 Corinthians 11:61 Corinthians 11:14Ephesians 5:25-271 Corinthians 14:34

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