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;

In like manner {G5615} also {G2532}, that women {G1135} adorn {G2885} themselves {G1438} in {G1722} modest {G2887} apparel {G2689}, with {G3326} shamefacedness {G127} and {G2532} sobriety {G4997}; not {G3361} with {G1722} broided hair {G4117}, or {G2228} gold {G5557}, or {G2228} pearls {G3135}, or {G2228} costly {G4185} array {G2441};

Likewise, the women, when they pray, should be dressed modestly and sensibly in respectable attire, not with elaborate hairstyles and gold jewelry, or pearls, or expensive clothes.

Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment;

Commentary

1 Timothy 2:9 offers specific instructions regarding the conduct and appearance of women within the Christian community, particularly in the context of public worship. The Apostle Paul, through his letter to Timothy, emphasizes an outward presentation that reflects an inward spiritual disposition, prioritizing character and godliness over ostentatious display.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Timothy 2 where Paul provides guidance on proper conduct in the church, especially concerning public prayer and worship. Following his instructions for men to pray without wrath or doubting (1 Timothy 2:8), Paul turns his attention to women, ensuring that their participation and presence contribute to an atmosphere of reverence and order. The concerns addressed here reflect potential cultural challenges in the Greco-Roman world, where excessive ornamentation could signify wealth, social status, or even link to pagan practices, potentially distracting from the focus on God.

Key Themes

  • Modest Apparel: The core instruction is to "adorn themselves in modest apparel." This isn't merely about covering up but about attire that is appropriate, decent, and unpretentious. It suggests clothing that doesn't draw undue attention to oneself or create a stumbling block for others.
  • Shamefacedness and Sobriety: These terms describe the inner attitude that should accompany modest dress.
    • Shamefacedness (Greek: aidos) implies a sense of reverence, humility, and moral sensibility—a natural reluctance to do anything unseemly or immodest.
    • Sobriety (Greek: sophrosyne) signifies self-control, sound judgment, prudence, and a balanced mind. It's about living thoughtfully and discerningly, especially in matters of appearance and conduct.
    Together, these qualities emphasize a thoughtful, humble, and disciplined approach to self-presentation.
  • Prioritizing Inner Beauty Over Outward Display: Paul explicitly warns against "broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array." This isn't an absolute prohibition on all forms of adornment, but rather a caution against excessive, extravagant, or showy displays that might indicate vanity, worldliness, or a focus on external rather than internal worth. The emphasis is on the heart's condition and spiritual adornment, a theme echoed in 1 Peter 3:3-4, which speaks of "the hidden man of the heart" adorned with a "meek and quiet spirit."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases offer rich meaning:

  • Modest apparel (Greek: katastole): This word refers to a "letting down" or "a garment that flows down," suggesting orderly, well-arranged, and dignified attire, rather than revealing or flashy clothing.
  • Shamefacedness (Greek: aidos): As mentioned, it conveys a sense of humility, reverence, and a natural modesty that recoils from anything improper or immodest.
  • Sobriety (Greek: sophrosyne): This term is crucial, encompassing self-control, discretion, and a sound mind—a balanced and sensible approach to life and appearance.
  • Broided hair (Greek: plegma): Refers to elaborately braided or plaited hairstyles, often adorned with jewels, which were common among wealthy women in the Roman world and could be quite time-consuming and expensive.

Significance and Application

While the specific cultural expressions of "costly array" have changed, the underlying principles of 1 Timothy 2:9 remain profoundly relevant for Christian women today:

  • Focus on the Heart: The verse calls believers to examine their motives behind their outward appearance. Is it to glorify God, or to draw attention to self, wealth, or status? True Christian adornment begins with a transformed heart.
  • Avoiding Distraction: Modest and sober presentation helps prevent distractions, both for the wearer and for others, allowing the focus in worship and daily life to remain on spiritual matters and the Gospel.
  • Witness to the World: A life characterized by modesty, humility, and self-control serves as a powerful witness to a world often obsessed with superficiality, materialism, and vanity. Christian women are called to embody the beauty of holiness and godly living.
  • Practical Wisdom: The passage encourages practicality and wisdom in spending, suggesting that resources should be directed towards more impactful spiritual pursuits rather than excessive personal ornamentation.

In essence, 1 Timothy 2:9 teaches that a Christian woman's true beauty and adornment are found not in external display, but in her character, her reverence for God, her self-control, and her good works.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 3:3

    Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  • 1 Peter 3:5

    For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

  • Titus 2:3

    The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

  • Titus 2:5

    [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

  • Jeremiah 4:30

    And [when] thou [art] spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; [thy] lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

  • Psalms 149:4

    For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

  • Isaiah 3:16

    ¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
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