1 Timothy 2:9 - Meaning and Application

Here Paul gives a charge that women who profess the Christian faith should be modest, sober, quiet, and submissive, as fits their place. They are to be very modest in dress, not drawn to showy, flashy, or expensive clothes. A person’s pride often shows in the style of dress. But Christian women have better ornaments, namely, good works. Good works are the best ornament, and they are highly valued in God’s sight. Those who profess godliness should use their money, not on fine clothes, but on acts of piety and charity, which are truly good works.

Women are also to learn the principles of their religion. They should learn Christ and the Scriptures. They must not think their sex frees them from the learning that is needed for salvation. They are to be quiet, submissive, and under authority, and not take authority for themselves. The reason given is that Adam was formed first, then Eve was made from him, which shows her place of dependence and support. She was made for him, to be a helper fit for him. Since she was last in creation, that is one reason for her subjection. Since she was first in the transgression, that is another. Adam was not deceived first, but the woman was first in the transgression (2 Corinthians 11:3). This was also part of the sentence: “Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Genesis 3:16).

Still, there is comfort in what follows. Those who continue in sobriety will be saved in childbearing, or through childbearing (1 Timothy 2:15). This may mean that the Messiah, who was born of a woman, would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Or it may mean that the sentence on women because of sin will not keep them from being accepted by Christ, if they continue in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

We also learn how far the rules of Christianity reach. They apply not only to men, but also to women, and not only to their hearts, but to their dress and outward conduct. Their clothing should be modest, as suits their sex, and their behavior should be quiet and respectful. Women are to profess godliness as well as men, since they are baptized and so are committed to live in godliness. Many women were also strong and honored believers in the days of the apostles, as the book of Acts shows.

Because women are more often tempted to go too far in dress, this warning was especially needed. The best ornaments for those who profess godliness are good works. Paul also teaches that women are to be learners, not public teachers in the church. Teaching is an office of authority, and a woman must not take authority over a man, but is to keep silent. Even so, good women may and should teach their children at home the basics of religion. Timothy knew the holy Scriptures from childhood, and his mother and grandmother would have been among those who taught him (2 Timothy 3:15). Priscilla and her husband Aquila explained the way of God more fully to Apollos, but they did it privately, taking him into their home (Acts 18:26).

Paul gives two strong reasons for man’s authority over woman and woman’s subjection to man (1 Timothy 2:13,14). Adam was formed first, then Eve. She was created for the man, not the man for the woman (1 Corinthians 11:9). Then she was deceived and led the man into transgression. Though childbearing brings many pains and dangers, since it is part of the punishment given to the sex for Eve’s sin, there is still much comfort here. Even so, she shall be saved, that is, she shall safely bear children and be a living mother of living children, if they continue in faith, love, holiness, and self-control. Women in childbearing should lay hold of this promise by faith for support in their time of need.