1 Corinthians 14:34 "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." 1 Corinthians 14:35 "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."
A. the apostle was not even speaking to any "WOMAN" ... married or not... he was speaking to HUSBAND of the married who have wives in the church.
B. how do 101G know that the term "Woman" here in the verse is speaking about married women? answer, in verse 35, listen, "And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home" Bingo, the only WOMAN who have a husband is a ... MARRIED ONE.
C. it was the HUSBAND responsibility .... at home to teach his WIFE the things of God ... BEFORE .... they come to the house of God, so that they be on ONE ACCORD. because the married is of ONE FLESH. they should speak the same thing concerning the things of God. instead, the husband stands up and say one thing, and the wife stands up and say something different. God is not the author of confusion.
so, a husband is to teach his wife at HOME first before coming to God house.
Key Terms and Their Nuances:
The Greek word translated as "women" here is γυναῖκες (gynaikes), which can mean either “women” generally or “wives” specifically. The term is broad and context-dependent, but within the context of verse 35 (“let them ask their husbands at home”), it is clear that gynaikes refers specifically to married women.
σιγάτωσαν (sigatōsan) is the imperative form, meaning "let [them] keep silent." This verb indicates a form of silence or restraint. The use of the present tense implies ongoing silence, especially in the setting of congregational gatherings.
Phrase Structure:
In verse 34, σιγάτωσαν is paired with ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais, "in the churches"), denoting silence specifically in the gathering spaces of believers. The preposition ἐν ("in") and ἐκκλησίαις imply that Paul’s instruction is limited to the formal worship setting rather than all social situations.
In verse 35, the clause εἰ δέ τι μαθεῖν θέλουσιν (“if they desire to learn anything”) uses a conditional structure, suggesting that if a wife has questions, she should ask her own husband at home. The phrase ἐν οἴκῳ ("at home") reinforces the idea that any questions about doctrine should be directed toward the husband outside of the public worship setting.
The syntax of τὸ αἰσχρὸν (to aischron, “it is a shame”) emphasizes that a woman speaking in the church is seen as improper or dishonorable in this
particular cultural and theological context.
The term αἰσχρὸν implies a cultural standard of shame rather than an intrinsic sinfulness.
Paul’s emphasis is likely on maintaining decorum and unity within the church gatherings, suggesting that disruptive questioning could hinder the flow of worship.
Contextual Considerations:
Marital Focus: The instruction seems to address marital relationships in the church, as indicated by the reference to husbands and wives. This context aligns with a broader theme in Paul’s epistles where he addresses unity and order in the family structure (cf. Ephesians 5:22-33, Colossians 3:18-19), suggesting that his instruction aims to foster harmony between married couples in the church.
Preventing Confusion: Paul’s broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes order within worship services (e.g., verses 26-33). By instructing wives to ask their husbands at home, Paul might have been trying to prevent the potential for disagreements or contradictions during public worship that could arise if spouses publicly expressed differing views, thus avoiding confusion and upholding unity.
The Greek text, with its use of gynaikes (referring to women within the marital context), suggests Paul’s instructions are specifically for married women, advising them to seek doctrinal understanding privately with their husbands rather than interrupting the assembly.
Paul’s primary goal appears to be maintaining order, respect, and unity during congregational worship rather than imposing a blanket prohibition on women speaking.
This passage likely reflects cultural expectations of marital harmony and public decorum in the Corinthian church, encouraging husbands to take an active role in the spiritual education of their wives so that they can participate in worship without causing disruption.
J.
