A woman must learnIn the early church, the concept of women learning was progressive. Jewish tradition often limited women's roles in religious education, but Christianity encouraged their spiritual growth. This phrase indicates that women were to be active participants in learning about their faith, which aligns with the broader biblical principle that all believers should grow in knowledge and understanding of God (
Colossians 1:10).
in quietness
The term "quietness" here suggests a demeanor of peace and respect, rather than complete silence. In the cultural context of the time, public discourse was often dominated by men, and this instruction may have been intended to maintain order and respect within the church gatherings. This aligns with1 Corinthians 14:34-35, where Paul also addresses orderly worship.
and full submissiveness.
"Full submissiveness" reflects a posture of humility and respect towards church authority and teaching. This is consistent with the biblical theme of submission found inEphesians 5:21-24, where believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. It is important to note that this submission is not about inferiority but about maintaining harmony and order within the church, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, providing guidance to Timothy on church conduct and order.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with leading and organizing the church.
3.
EphesusThe city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis, which influenced local religious practices.
4.
Women in the Early ChurchThe focus of this verse, addressing their role and conduct within the church setting.
5.
The Ephesian ChurchThe specific community receiving this instruction, dealing with issues of false teaching and disorder.
Teaching Points
Understanding ContextRecognize the cultural and historical context of Ephesus, where false teachings and disorder were prevalent, necessitating specific instructions for church order.
Role of Women in LearningEmphasize the positive aspect that women were encouraged to learn, which was a progressive step in the context of the time.
Quietness and SubmissivenessExplore the Greek terms "h?sychia" (quietness) and "hypotag?" (submissiveness), understanding them as attitudes of respect and receptivity rather than silence or inferiority.
Order in WorshipHighlight the importance of maintaining order and unity in worship settings, ensuring that all members can learn and grow in faith.
Application in Modern ContextDiscuss how these principles can be applied today, respecting cultural differences while maintaining biblical truths.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:11?
2.How can we implement 1 Timothy 2:11 in modern church settings today?
3.What does "a woman must learn in quietness" mean in this context?
4.How does 1 Timothy 2:11 relate to Genesis 2:18-24 on roles?
5.How can women actively participate in church while respecting 1 Timothy 2:11?
6.What cultural factors influenced Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 2:11?
7.How should 1 Timothy 2:11 be interpreted in modern church settings?
8.Does 1 Timothy 2:11 prohibit women from teaching in all circumstances?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's writing in 1 Timothy 2:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 2?
11.What does the Bible say about women teaching boys?
12.What does "learn in silence" mean for women?
13.1 Timothy 2:11–12: Why does this passage restrict women from teaching or having authority, and how does that align with broader biblical teachings on equality?
14.What does the Bible say about women teaching boys?What Does 1 Timothy 2:11 Mean
A woman must learn• Paul begins with the positive: “A woman must learn.” Far from excluding women, the command opens the door for them to receive sound doctrine, just as Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet to listen to His message” (Luke 10:39).
• The verb is imperative—learning is expected, not optional. InActs 18:26 we see Priscilla, who had been taught, helping to explain “the way of God more accurately” to Apollos, showing how learning equips women for faithful service within the parameters God sets.
• By addressing women directly, Paul elevates their spiritual responsibility alongside men (compareColossians 3:16, where the whole church is told, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”).
In quietness• “Quietness” points to a settled, peaceable spirit rather than absolute silence. The same term is used earlier in the chapter when believers are urged to pray “that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:2).
• A quiet posture honors God-given order in corporate worship (see1 Corinthians 14:34-35, where women are asked to be “silent in the churches” so everything is done “decently and in order,” v. 40).
• Peter commends “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4), showing this demeanor pleases the Lord and adorns the gospel.
Full submissiveness• Submission here relates to recognized church authority, just as verse 12 immediately restricts women from “teach[ing] or exercis[ing] authority over a man.”
• Scripture consistently links submission with joyful trust in God’s design:
–Ephesians 5:22-24 urges wives to submit to husbands “as the church submits to Christ.”
–Titus 2:4-5 calls younger women to be “subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.”
• This is not about inferiority but order. Even the Son submits to the Father (1 Corinthians 11:3), proving that submission can coexist with equal worth.
summary1 Timothy 2:11 charges women to be active learners, cultivating a quiet, peace-filled heart and willingly embracing the structure God has set in the church. Far from sidelining women, the verse invites them into deeper discipleship while upholding an orderly context that reflects God’s good design and guards the integrity of gospel ministry.
(11)
Let the woman learn in silence.--The thought of public ministration is still in the Apostle's mind, when he gives this injunction. The very questioning on difficult points is forbidden them at the public assembly (
1Corinthians 14:35). So averse was St. Paul to anything which might mar the quiet solemnity of these meetings for prayer and praise and authoritative instruction.
This prohibition to speak publicly in assemblies for prayer and praise in the case of Christian women, was renewed in the North African Church, at the Council of Carthage, held A.D. 398. The same Council, however, specially permitted women to teach those of their own sex in private; indeed, the power to teach "ignorant and rustic women" was required as one qualification in deaconesses. The employment of deaconesses as private instructors seems to have been the custom generally in the Eastern Churches.
Verse 11. -
A for
the, A.V.;
quietness for
silence, A.V.
Quietness is not so good a rendering as "silence," because the
quietness here meant is
silence, as appears clearly by the parallel direction in
1 Corinthians 14:34. So
Acts 22:2,
παρέσχον ἡσουχίαν is properly rend red in the A.V., "They kept silence." And
ἡσύχασαν (
Luke 14:4 and
Acts 11:18) is read, red, both in the A.V. and the R.V., "They held their peace."
With all subjection (
ἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ); as
1 Timothy 3:4. The words occur also in
2 Corinthians 9:13;
Galatians 2:5. But the verb
ὑποτάσσομαι is very common in the sense of "being subject." It is used of the subjection of the wife to her husband (
1 Corinthians 14:34;
Ephesians 5:22;
Colossians 3:18;
Titus 2:5;
1 Peter 3:1).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
A womanΓυνὴ(Gynē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135:A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.must learnμανθανέτω(manthanetō)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3129:Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.quietnessἡσυχίᾳ(hēsychia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2271:Quietness, stillness, silence. Feminine of hesuchios; stillness, i.e. Desistance from bustle or language.[and]ἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.fullπάσῃ(pasē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.submissiveness.ὑποταγῇ(hypotagē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5292:Subjection, submission, obedience. From hupotasso; subordination.
Links
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1 Timothy 2:11 BibleApps.com1 Timothy 2:11 Biblia Paralela1 Timothy 2:11 Chinese Bible1 Timothy 2:11 French Bible1 Timothy 2:11 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Timothy 2:11 Let a woman learn in quietness (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) 
