1 Timothy 2:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Timothy 2:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For Adam was first formed, then Eve;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For Adam was first formed, then Eve;
1 Timothy 2:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Timothy 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13For Adam was first formed, then Eve;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For Adam was first formed, etc.] Immediately by God, out of the dust of the earth; and the breath of life was breathed into him, and he became a living soul; thus wonderfully and fearfully was he made; after this he was put into the garden of Eden, to dress it, and all creatures were brought to him, to give them names; and still an help meet or a companion was not found for him. All this while Eve was not as yet formed, but after this, then Eve. She was formed out of him, was made out of one of his ribs; and was formed for him, for his use, service, help and comfort; and here lies the strength of the apostle's reason, why the woman should be in subjection to the man; not so much because he…”
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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
“For--reason of the precept; the original order of creation. Adam . . . first--before Eve, who was created for him (Co1 11:8-9).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For Adam was first formed, then Eve - The apostle, in this verse, and the following, gives reasons why a woman should occupy a subordinate situation, and not usurp authority. The first is, that she was second in the act of creation, or was made subsequent to man. The reason here assigned cannot be understood to be merely that of priority of existence - for then it would give every old person authority over a younger one; but it must refer to the circumstances of the case as detailed in the history of the creation; Gen. 1–2. Man was made as the lord of this lower creation and placed in the garden, and then the woman was made of a rib taken from his side, and given to him, not as a lord, but…”
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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
“First - So that woman was originally the inferior. 1 Timothy 2:14”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:13 The most common understanding of this verse is that Paul believes social roles are attached to the man being created first (Gen 2:7, 22; 1 Cor 11:8-12). Paul’s logic has usually been tied to the leading role of the firstborn son in the Old Testament. However, there are exceptions to the rule of firstborn even in Scripture (see Gen 27–28). And while gender retains its distinctions in the New Testament, there is also an element of equality in Christ (Gal 3:28; see also 1 Cor 11:11-12; 12:13; Eph 5:21; Col 3:11). • It is also possible that the heretics asserted a reversal of gender status in Christ relative to the surrounding culture, giving what would have been viewed as objectionable…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 1:27, Gen 2:7, Gen 2:18, Gen 2:22; Co1 11:8, Co1 11:9 1 Timothy 2:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification