King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 2:9 Mean?

1 Timothy 2:9 in the King James Version says “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided h...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Timothy 2:9 · KJV

Context

7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

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.

Read 1 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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; Paul turns to instructions for women in worship, emphasizing internal character over external appearance. "In like manner" connects to verse 8—just as men should pray with holy hands, women should adorn themselves appropriately. "Adorn" (kosmein, κοσμεῖν) means to arrange, order, or beautify—the same root as kosmos (κόσμος, ordered world). The concern isn't appearance itself but proper ordering of priorities.

"Modest apparel" (katastolē kosmiō, καταστολῇ κοσμίῳ) combines external propriety with internal modesty. "Shamefacedness" (aidous, αἰδοῦς) means modesty, sense of shame, or proper discretion—awareness of what is fitting. "Sobriety" (sōphrosynēs, σωφροσύνης) indicates self-control, sound-mindedness, or discretion. Together these emphasize internal character producing external appropriateness.

Paul specifies what not to emphasize: "broided hair" (elaborate, expensive hairstyles requiring significant time and money), "gold, pearls, or costly array"—ostentatious jewelry and expensive clothing designed to display wealth and status. The issue isn't these things themselves being sinful but using them to attract attention, display status, or provoke envy. Christian worship should focus attention on God, not personal appearance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture featured stark class distinctions displayed through clothing, jewelry, and hairstyles. Wealthy women advertised status through expensive adornment requiring slaves' labor to maintain. Prostitutes and immoral women also used provocative dress and excessive adornment. In church gatherings including both wealthy and poor believers, ostentatious display would create division and distraction.

Ephesus was a wealthy commercial center where luxury goods were readily available. The temple of Artemis employed numerous prostitutes as part of its cult. Women converts from pagan backgrounds may have continued cultural patterns of using appearance to attract attention, compete with other women, or display wealth. Paul redirects priorities: Christian women should focus on godly character, not worldly status symbols.

The instructions parallel similar teaching in 1 Peter 3:3-4, suggesting this was common apostolic instruction for churches. The principle transcends first-century culture: believers shouldn't use personal appearance to seek attention, display wealth, or provoke envy. While specific applications vary by culture, the underlying principle—prioritizing godly character over external adornment—remains constant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your clothing and appearance choices reflect priorities—God's glory or personal attention-seeking?
  2. In what ways might contemporary fashion trends conflict with biblical principles of modesty and discretion?
  3. How can churches teach biblical modesty without legalism or cultural traditionalism disguised as biblical faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ὡσαύτως1 of 23

“In like manner”

G5615

as thus, i.e., in the same way

καὶ2 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

τὰς3 of 23
G3588

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

γυναῖκας4 of 23

“that women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐν5 of 23

“in”

G1722

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

καταστολῇ6 of 23

“apparel”

G2689

a deposit, i.e., (specially) costume

κοσμίῳ7 of 23

“modest”

G2887

orderly, i.e., decorous

μετὰ8 of 23

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αἰδοῦς9 of 23

“shamefacedness”

G127

bashfulness, i.e., (towards men), modesty or (towards god) awe

καὶ10 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

σωφροσύνης11 of 23

“sobriety”

G4997

soundness of mind, i.e., (literally) sanity or (figuratively) self-control

κοσμεῖν12 of 23

“adorn”

G2885

to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)

ἑαυτάς13 of 23

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

μὴ14 of 23

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν15 of 23

“in”

G1722

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

πλέγμασιν16 of 23

“broided hair”

G4117

a plait (of hair)

ἢ17 of 23

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

χρυσῷ,18 of 23

“gold”

G5557

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

ἢ19 of 23

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

μαργαρίταις20 of 23

“pearls”

G3135

a pearl

ἢ21 of 23

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἱματισμῷ22 of 23

“array”

G2441

clothing

πολυτελεῖ23 of 23

“costly”

G4185

extremely expensive

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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:3-5Titus 2:3-5Psalms 149:4Jeremiah 4:30Isaiah 3:162 Kings 9:30

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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