1 Corinthians 14:34

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.
1 Corinthians 14:34 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let your women keep silence in the churches, etc.] This is a restriction of, and an exception to one of the above rules, that all might prophesy; in which he would be understood of men only, and not of women; and is directed against a practice which seems to have prevailed in this church at Corinth, allowing women to preach and teach in it; and this being a disorderly practice, and what was not used in other churches, the apostle forbids and condemns, and not without reason: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; that is, in public assemblies, in the church of God, they might not speak with tongues, nor prophesy, or preach, or teach the word. All speaking is not prohibited; they might…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Ti1 2:11-12). For women to speak in public would be an act of independence, as if they were not subject to their husbands (compare Co1 11:3; Eph 5:22; Tit 2:5; Pe1 3:1). For "under obedience," translate, "in subjection" or "submission," as the Greek is translated (Eph 5:21-22, Eph 5:24). the law--a term applied to the whole Old Testament; here, Gen 3:16.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Let your women keep silence ... - This rule is positive, explicit, and universal. There is no ambiguity in the expressions; and there can be no difference of opinion, one would suppose, in regard to their meaning. The sense evidently is, that in all those things which he had specified, the women were to keep silence; they were to take no part. He had discoursed of speaking foreign languages, and of prophecy; and the evident sense is, that in regard to all these they were to keep silence, or were not to engage in them. These pertained solely to the male portion of the congregation. These things constituted the business of the public teaching; and in this the female part of the congregation…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let your women be silent in the churches - Unless they are under an extraordinary impulse of the Spirit. For, in other cases, it is not permitted them to speak - By way of teaching in public assemblies. But to be in subjection - To the man whose proper office it is to lead and to instruct the congregation. Gen 3:16. 1 Corinthians 14:35”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:34-35 This aside in the discussion on using spiritual gifts reflects a perspective on women’s roles similar to that of the Pastoral Letters (see 1 Tim 2:11-15). • Paul advises women to be silent and submissive in church meetings. This instruction is to be understood in light of 1 Cor 11:5, which clearly implies that women are permitted to pray and prophesy publicly. • just as the law says: Possibly referring to Gen 3:16.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“women: Co1 11:5; Ti1 2:11, Ti1 2:12 they are: Co1 14:35, Co1 11:3, Co1 11:7-10; Eph 5:22-24, Eph 5:33; Col 3:18; Tit 2:5; Pe1 3:1-6 as: Co1 14:21; Gen 3:16; Num 30:3-13; Est 1:17-20 1 Corinthians 14:35”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification