King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 2:10 Mean?

1 Timothy 2:10 in the King James Version says “But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

1 Timothy 2:10 · KJV

Context

8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

9

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; broided: or, plaited

10

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

11

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Read 1 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Paul contrasts external adornment (v. 9) with internal character expressed through action. The true adornment for "women professing godliness" (gynaixin epangellomenais theosebeian, γυναιξὶν ἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν) is "good works" (ergōn agathōn, ἔργων ἀγαθῶν). "Professing" (epangellomai, ἐπαγγέλλομαι) means to announce publicly or proclaim—these women claim to be godly. "Godliness" (theosebeia, θεοσέβεια) combines theos (God) and sebeia (worship, reverence)—practical devotion to God.

"Good works" provides the authentic adornment befitting godly women. While Paul consistently teaches salvation by grace through faith apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9), he equally insists that genuine faith produces good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; 3:8). Works don't earn salvation but demonstrate its reality. For women professing godliness, character demonstrated through service, kindness, and righteousness adorns more beautifully than any jewelry or clothing.

The contrast is instructive: worldly women adorn themselves externally to attract attention and display status; godly women adorn themselves through character and service that honors God and blesses others. External beauty fades (1 Peter 3:4; Proverbs 31:30), but character formed through good works has eternal value. This doesn't mean believers should neglect appearance entirely but that priorities must be properly ordered—character before cosmetics, godliness before fashion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The emphasis on good works as women's true adornment reflects both Jewish wisdom tradition (Proverbs 31:10-31 celebrates a woman's character and industry) and Jesus' teaching that disciples are known by their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). Early Christianity distinguished itself partly through believers' changed behavior—practical love, sexual purity, care for vulnerable people, honesty in business, and faithfulness in marriage.

In Greco-Roman society, many wealthy women focused on leisure, entertainment, and self-adornment while neglecting productive work or charitable service. Christian teaching that godly women should be characterized by good works represented a counter-cultural emphasis on substance over appearance, service over leisure, others-centeredness over self-indulgence.

The specific mention of "professing godliness" suggests that some women in Ephesian churches claimed to be godly while their behavior contradicted this profession. Perhaps they focused on external religious observance or doctrinal precision while neglecting practical service. Paul insists that authentic godliness produces visible good works—faith and works are inseparable (James 2:14-26).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific good works characterize your life, demonstrating the authenticity of your profession of godliness?
  2. How do you balance appropriate attention to appearance with proper priority on character and service?
  3. In what ways might your church culture emphasize religious activity or doctrinal precision while neglecting practical good works?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἀλλ'1 of 9

“But”

G235

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

ὃ2 of 9

“(which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πρέπει3 of 9

“becometh”

G4241

to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e., (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it i

γυναιξὶν4 of 9

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐπαγγελλομέναις5 of 9

“professing”

G1861

to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself

θεοσέβειαν6 of 9

“godliness”

G2317

devoutness, i.e., piety

δι'7 of 9

“) with”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἔργων8 of 9

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀγαθῶν9 of 9

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 2:10 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 Timothy 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:121 Peter 3:3-5Proverbs 31:31Acts 9:36Revelation 2:19Titus 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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