1 Corinthians 14:35

1 Corinthians 14:35 is a verse often discussed in the context of women's roles in the church and the proper conduct of public worship. It states, "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." This instruction from the Apostle Paul is part of his broader teaching on maintaining order and decency within the Corinthian assembly, particularly concerning the use of spiritual gifts.

Context

This verse immediately follows 1 Corinthians 14:34, which similarly instructs women to be silent in the churches. Paul's overarching concern in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 is the orderly and edifying exercise of spiritual gifts, especially tongues and prophecy. The Corinthian church was evidently struggling with disorder during their gatherings, with multiple people speaking at once, leading to confusion. In the Greco-Roman culture of Paul's day, it was generally considered inappropriate for women to speak publicly in mixed company, especially in a manner that might be seen as disruptive or challenging to male authority. Paul's directive here likely addresses specific issues of women potentially interrupting, loudly questioning, or engaging in disorderly discourse that was seen as "shameful" or out of place within that particular cultural context and church setting.

Key Themes

• Order in Worship: The primary theme throughout 1 Corinthians 14 is the necessity of order and edification in public worship. Every action should contribute to the spiritual growth of the community, not confusion or distraction.
• Avoiding Disorder and Shame: Paul emphasizes that certain behaviors could bring "shame" (aischron in Greek) upon the assembly, hindering the Gospel message. This shame was not necessarily moral guilt, but a culturally perceived impropriety.
• Learning and Instruction: The verse suggests that women had questions or a desire to learn. Paul directs them to a culturally appropriate setting—their home—to seek understanding from their husbands, ensuring their learning without disrupting the public gathering.
• Cultural Nuances: Understanding this verse requires acknowledging the specific cultural norms of the 1st-century Corinthian society regarding public interaction between men and women.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "speak" is lalein, which is a general term for speaking. However, its usage in this context, particularly coupled with "ask their husbands at home," suggests a focus on questioning, debating, or perhaps even unauthorized teaching or disruption, rather than all forms of vocal participation. It's crucial to distinguish this from other passages, such as 1 Corinthians 11:5, which implies women *did* pray and prophesy publicly, provided they did so in a culturally appropriate manner (with head coverings).

Practical Application and Reflection

This verse has been interpreted in various ways throughout church history. Some understand it as a universal prohibition against women speaking or teaching in church, while others see it as a culturally specific command addressing disruptive behavior in the Corinthian context. A common contemporary understanding is that Paul was addressing specific issues of disorder and cultural impropriety within the Corinthian church, rather than issuing a blanket ban on all female vocal participation. The enduring principle is that all church activities should be conducted with order, respect, and for the edification of all believers, avoiding anything that would bring shame or confusion to the Gospel witness. While the specific instruction to "ask their husbands at home" reflects ancient societal structures, the underlying wisdom about seeking understanding and maintaining decorum in public worship remains relevant. Modern applications emphasize the importance of women's contributions to the church, often distinguishing between disruptive questioning and orderly participation or teaching within appropriate roles, as seen in other New Testament passages like 1 Timothy 2:11-12 or Titus 2:3-5.