1 Timothy 2:15

KJV

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding {G1161} she shall be saved {G4982} in {G1223} childbearing {G5042}, if {G1437} they continue {G3306} in {G1722} faith {G4102} and {G2532} charity {G26} and {G2532} holiness {G38} with {G3326} sobriety {G4997}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, the woman will be delivered through childbearing, provided that she continues trusting, loving and living a holy life with modesty.

Berean Standard Bible

Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

American Standard Version

but she shall be saved through her child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 2:15, a verse often debated and misunderstood, concludes Paul's instructions regarding women's conduct and roles within the Ephesian church by declaring that "she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety." Far from suggesting that women earn salvation through physical procreation, this profound statement points to the singular "childbearing" event of Christ's birth as the means of salvation for all humanity, while simultaneously underscoring the universal necessity for believers—both male and female—to persevere in essential Christian virtues as evidence of their genuine faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's directives concerning women's learning and teaching roles within the church in [1 Timothy 2:11-14](/1_timothy/2-11-14 "1 Timothy 2:11-14 - Women's Roles in the Church"). In these preceding verses, Paul instructs women to learn in quietness and submission and prohibits them from teaching or exercising authority over men, grounding these instructions in the created order (Adam formed first) and the sequence of the Fall (Eve was deceived, not Adam). Verse 15 thus serves as a crucial theological counterbalance, ensuring that the preceding disciplinary instructions are not misconstrued as diminishing the spiritual standing or salvific hope of women. It transitions from a discussion of order and potential vulnerability to a declaration of redemption and the pathway to salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to Timothy is a pastoral epistle written to guide the young pastor in establishing order and sound doctrine within the church at Ephesus. Ephesus was a prominent city with a strong cult of Artemis (Diana), whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This cult often featured female priestesses and a significant emphasis on female deities, potentially influencing the social dynamics and spiritual practices within the Ephesian community. Paul's instructions, therefore, likely address specific issues arising from this cultural backdrop, such as women seeking undue authority or being susceptible to false teachings, as well as establishing proper Christian conduct that contrasted with pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** First Timothy 2:15 contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle and broader New Testament. It reinforces the theme of **order and authority** within the church, clarifying that while specific roles are assigned, spiritual salvation is universally accessible. It deeply engages with the theme of **salvation by grace through faith**, emphasizing that ultimate deliverance is not earned by human effort but secured through a divine act. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **redemption and reversal**, hinting at how God's plan through Christ overcomes the consequences of the Fall, which was initiated by Eve's deception as referenced in [1 Timothy 2:14](/1_timothy/2-14 "1 Timothy 2:14 - Eve's Deception"). Finally, the verse strongly highlights the importance of **godly living** as an indispensable accompaniment and evidence of genuine faith, as seen in the call to "continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saved (Greek, _sōzō'_):** This verb signifies deliverance, preservation, or healing, but in the New Testament, it most commonly refers to spiritual salvation from sin and its eternal consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. It denotes being made whole, rescued from danger, and brought into a state of spiritual well-being and eternal life.
* **childbearing (Greek, _teknogonía'_):** This noun refers to the act of giving birth or, more broadly, to maternity and the performance of maternal duties. In this specific context, the absence of a definite article ("the") before "childbearing" in the Greek is significant, allowing for an interpretation that points not to the general act of women having children, but to a singular, specific, and pivotal "childbearing" event.
* **sobriety (Greek, _sōphrosýnē'_):** This term denotes soundness of mind, self-control, discretion, and prudence. It implies a balanced, sensible, and disciplined approach to life, particularly in one's conduct and spiritual walk. It stands in contrast to impulsiveness, excess, or spiritual recklessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing":** This clause introduces a crucial qualification or counterpoint to the preceding discussion about women's roles and the Fall. The "she" here is best understood as generic womankind, representing women in general. The phrase "in childbearing" (Greek: _dia tēs teknogonias_ or _en tē teknogonia_ in other manuscripts, but the KJV reflects _en teknogonia_) is the interpretive crux. It is not suggesting that women are saved *by* the act of having children, which would contradict the New Testament's consistent teaching of salvation by grace through faith. Instead, it points to the means or context *through which* salvation comes—namely, the unique "childbearing" event that brought forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the source of salvation for all humanity.
* **"if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety":** This conditional clause clarifies the universal requirement for salvation and its ongoing manifestation. The shift from "she" (singular) to "they" (plural) broadens the application to include all believers, male and female. It specifies the essential virtues that characterize genuine faith and a life lived in accordance with God's will. These virtues are not the *means* of earning salvation but the *evidence* and *fruit* of a saving relationship with Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident as Paul contrasts the deception of Eve, which led to the Fall, with the means of salvation, implicitly through a "childbearing" that brings forth the Redeemer. This sets up a theological parallel and reversal. A **Conditional Clause** ("if they continue...") clearly delineates the necessary characteristics of true faith, emphasizing perseverance in virtue as a mark of genuine discipleship. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** in the term "childbearing." While literally referring to birth, in this context, it transcends the mundane act to symbolize the miraculous birth of Christ, the ultimate act of God's redemptive intervention. This symbolic interpretation allows the verse to affirm the spiritual worth of women while maintaining theological consistency with the doctrine of salvation by grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Timothy 2:15 stands as a powerful declaration of God's redemptive plan, particularly in light of the Fall. It masterfully connects the initial sin of humanity, which involved a woman's deception, with the divine solution, which also involved a woman and a unique "childbearing." This interpretation aligns perfectly with the overarching New Testament message that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort or gender, but received through faith in Christ. The subsequent emphasis on "faith, charity, holiness, and sobriety" underscores that while salvation is by grace, it is never a license for lawlessness but always transforms the believer into a life of Christ-like character, demonstrating the reality of their changed heart. This verse thus affirms the spiritual equality of men and women in their access to salvation and their shared call to live lives that honor God.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Christ Born of a Woman")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though often challenging, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It calls us to look beyond superficial interpretations and grasp the depth of God's redemptive work. For women, it is a powerful affirmation of their spiritual value and full participation in God's salvation plan, emphasizing that their worth is not diminished by specific roles but secured through Christ. For all believers, it serves as a crucial reminder that while salvation is a free gift, it is inextricably linked to a life of ongoing spiritual growth and moral integrity. Our faith is not static; it is a dynamic journey characterized by increasing love, purity, and self-control. This verse encourages us to cultivate these virtues diligently, knowing that they are the natural outflow of a heart transformed by God's grace and a testament to the authenticity of our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "saved in childbearing" as referring to Christ's birth deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive plan?**
* **In what practical ways can you "continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety" in your daily life?**
* **How does this verse challenge any preconceived notions you might have about the relationship between gender roles and spiritual salvation?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Timothy 2:15 mean that women are saved by having children?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach that women earn salvation by physically bearing children. Such an interpretation would contradict the consistent New Testament teaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The most widely accepted and theologically sound interpretation is that "childbearing" refers to the singular, miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, through whom salvation came into the world. Just as sin entered the world through Eve, salvation entered through the "childbearing" of Mary, who gave birth to the Savior. The "she" refers to womankind, whose salvation is secured through the Messiah born of a woman.

**If the "childbearing" refers to Christ's birth, what is the significance of "if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety"?**

Answer: The phrase "if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety" shifts from the singular "she" (referring to womankind and salvation through Christ's birth) to the plural "they," encompassing all believers, both male and female. This clause emphasizes that genuine salvation is always accompanied by a transformed life characterized by perseverance in core Christian virtues. These qualities—faith, love, holiness, and self-control—are not the *means* by which salvation is earned, but rather the *evidence* and *fruit* of a true saving relationship with God. They demonstrate the ongoing reality of one's faith.

**How does this verse relate to the broader discussion of women's roles in the church found in 1 Timothy 2?**

Answer: This verse serves as a crucial theological balance to the preceding verses ([1 Timothy 2:11-14](/1_timothy/2-11-14 "1 Timothy 2:11-14 - Women's Roles in the Church")) where Paul discusses women learning in quietness and not having authority over men. While those verses address matters of order and function within the church, verse 15 ensures that these instructions are not misconstrued as diminishing the spiritual standing or salvific hope of women. It affirms that despite the historical consequences of Eve's sin and any specific roles, women are fully included in God's redemptive plan through Christ, just as men are, provided they live lives of genuine faith and virtue.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Timothy 2:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the Incarnation and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "childbearing" through which "she shall be saved" is not a general act of procreation but specifically points to the miraculous birth of God's Son through the Virgin Mary ([Luke 1:31-35](/luke/1-31-35 "Luke 1:31-35 - The Annunciation")). Just as sin entered the world through the first woman, Eve, and her deception ([Genesis 3:6](/genesis/3-6 "Genesis 3:6 - Eve's Temptation")), God's sovereign plan of salvation was inaugurated through a woman giving birth to the promised Seed who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Paul echoes this profound truth in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son, Born of a Woman"), stating that "when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman." Thus, salvation for all humanity, including womankind, is secured not by human effort or any specific gender role, but solely through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the one born of a woman, who lived a sinless life, died as the perfect sacrifice, and rose again to conquer sin and death. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making salvation available to all who believe and continue in faith, charity, holiness, and sobriety.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 2:12

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Genesis 3:16

¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

1 Timothy 1:5

¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

1 Timothy 2:9

¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Luke 2:10

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.