1 Timothy 2:9

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 2:9 provides crucial apostolic instruction for Christian women regarding their outward appearance, particularly within the context of corporate worship. Paul emphasizes that their adornment should reflect an inward spiritual disposition characterized by modesty, humility, and self-control, rather than ostentatious displays of wealth or vanity. This directive underscores the priority of godly character and reverence over external show, promoting an atmosphere conducive to spiritual focus and a clear witness to the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's broader instructions concerning order and conduct within the church, specifically in public worship gatherings. Following his exhortation for men to pray with uplifted hands, free from anger and disputing ([1 Timothy 2:8](/1_timothy/2-8 "1 Timothy 2:8 - Men Praying")), Paul turns his attention to women. The flow of thought moves from the disposition of men in prayer to the appropriate presentation of women, establishing a holistic vision for reverent and orderly congregational life. This section, which continues through [1 Timothy 2:15](/1_timothy/2-15 "1 Timothy 2:15 - Women's Role in the Church"), sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussions on church leadership and qualifications in [1 Timothy 3](/1_timothy/3 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons"), highlighting the importance of every member's contribution to the church's health and witness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering, was a prominent Greco-Roman metropolis known for its wealth, diverse population, and the pervasive worship of Artemis. In this culture, women of means often displayed their status through elaborate hairstyles, expensive jewelry, and luxurious clothing. Such displays could be ostentatious, competitive, and even linked to the practices of temple prostitutes or those seeking to attract undue attention. Paul's instructions counter these cultural norms, calling believers to a distinct way of life that prioritizes spiritual values over worldly materialism. The emphasis on "modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety" directly addresses the potential for distraction, social stratification, and ungodly motives associated with excessive outward adornment in that specific cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** First Timothy 2:9 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and broader Pauline theology. It reinforces the theme of **church order and decorum**, ensuring that all aspects of congregational life are conducted in a manner that honors God and promotes spiritual growth. It strongly emphasizes the **priority of inner character over external appearance**, a recurring biblical principle found throughout the Scriptures, such as in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). The verse also touches on the theme of **Christian witness**, suggesting that the way believers present themselves outwardly should align with their inward faith, avoiding anything that might bring reproach to the Gospel or distract from its message. Finally, it highlights the importance of **self-control and sound judgment** (sobriety), qualities essential for all believers in navigating a world often driven by vanity and excess, echoing the broader call to godly living seen in passages like [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Sound Doctrine and Godly Living").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **women (Greek, _gynḗ_):** This term broadly refers to adult females. In this context, it specifically addresses Christian women within the Ephesian church, indicating that Paul's instructions are directed to them. The word itself carries no inherent negative connotation but specifies the group to whom the following directives apply.
* **shamefacedness (Greek, _aidṓs_):** Derived from a root suggesting "downcast eyes," this word denotes a sense of reverence, modesty, humility, and moral sensibility. It implies a natural, innate shrinking from anything immodest, improper, or shameful. It is not about being timid or fearful, but rather possessing a moral sensitivity that instinctively recoils from indecency or anything that would dishonor God or others.
* **sobriety (Greek, _sōphrosýnē_):** This crucial term signifies soundness of mind, self-control, prudence, and discretion. It encompasses a balanced, sensible, and disciplined approach to life, including one's appearance and conduct. It is the opposite of impulsiveness, extravagance, or foolishness, promoting a thoughtful and well-ordered life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves":** This phrase connects the instruction for women to the preceding instruction for men in [1 Timothy 2:8](/1_timothy/2-8 "1 Timothy 2:8 - Men Praying"), indicating a parallel expectation for appropriate conduct in worship. The verb "adorn" (kosmeō) means "to put in proper order" or "to decorate," suggesting that adornment is not inherently wrong but must be done in a specific manner.
* **"in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety;":** This is the positive command. "Modest apparel" (katastolḗ) refers to clothing that is orderly, well-arranged, and decent, avoiding anything provocative or attention-seeking. The accompanying attitudes of "shamefacedness" (aidṓs) and "sobriety" (sōphrosýnē) are paramount, indicating that outward dress must be an expression of an inner character marked by humility, moral sensitivity, and self-control. These qualities ensure that the attire is appropriate for a sacred context and reflects a godly disposition.
* **"not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;":** This is the negative prohibition, illustrating what "modest apparel" is *not*. "Broided hair" (plégma) refers to elaborate, time-consuming, and often jewel-adorned hairstyles popular among the wealthy. "Gold," "pearls," and "costly array" (polytelḗs himatismós) denote expensive jewelry and luxurious clothing. The "not" here is a prohibition against *excessive* or *ostentatious* display, which could signify vanity, materialism, or social competition, distracting from the spiritual focus of worship and potentially causing stumbling. It emphasizes that the focus should not be on external extravagance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** and **Emphasis** in this verse to underscore his message. The contrast is evident between the external, superficial adornment (broided hair, gold, pearls, costly array) and the internal, character-driven adornment (modest apparel, shamefacedness, sobriety). This highlights that true beauty and appropriate presentation for a Christian woman stem from her inner spiritual state rather than outward display. The use of a negative list ("not with...") following the positive instruction ("adorn themselves in modest apparel...") serves as a strong **Emphasis**, making it clear what is to be avoided. This rhetorical structure ensures that the readers understand both the desired conduct and the specific practices that contradict it, leaving little room for misinterpretation regarding the spirit of the command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian identity and witness, emphasizing that a believer's true adornment is not found in external display but in the cultivation of inner character. It challenges the worldly pursuit of status and validation through material possessions, redirecting focus to the spiritual virtues that truly honor God and edify the community. The call for modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety transcends mere fashion choices; it speaks to a holistic lifestyle marked by humility, self-control, and a reverence for God, reflecting a transformed heart. This internal disposition then naturally manifests in an outward presentation that avoids drawing undue attention to oneself, allowing the focus to remain on Christ and the Gospel.

* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit")
* [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful, Beauty is Vain")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 2:9 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, inviting us to a deeper reflection on the motives behind our choices, especially concerning our appearance. It challenges us to consider whether our outward presentation reflects a heart surrendered to God, prioritizing His glory and the edification of others over personal vanity or worldly approval. The call to "modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety" is not a rigid dress code but a timeless principle for cultivating an inner disposition that values humility, discretion, and self-control. It encourages us to ask if our clothing and adornment draw attention to ourselves or to the God we serve, and whether they contribute to an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual focus in our interactions and worship. Ultimately, this verse calls us to embody a counter-cultural beauty—one rooted in Christ-like character, good works, and a quiet spirit, which are of far greater value in God's sight than any fleeting external display.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my outward appearance reflect my inward spiritual state and my commitment to Christ?**
* **In what ways might my choices in clothing and adornment either distract from or contribute to a focus on God in my life and in the church?**
* **How can I cultivate "shamefacedness" (a humble, moral sensitivity) and "sobriety" (self-control and sound judgment) in all areas of my life, not just my dress?**
* **What does it mean for me to prioritize "inner beauty" over "outward display" in a culture often obsessed with external appearances?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Timothy 2:9 forbid all jewelry, makeup, or fashionable clothing for Christian women?**

Answer: No, the verse does not impose an absolute prohibition on all forms of adornment, jewelry, or fashionable clothing. The key lies in the emphasis on "modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety," and the explicit warning against "broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array." The context suggests a prohibition against *excessive*, *ostentatious*, or *extravagant* displays that signify vanity, worldly materialism, or social competition, especially in the context of corporate worship. The concern is with the *motive* and *impact* of the adornment. Is it drawing undue attention to oneself, showing off wealth, or distracting from the worship of God? The principle is to avoid anything that would lead to pride, envy, or a focus on the superficial rather than the spiritual. The passage calls for discretion, humility, and self-control, ensuring that one's appearance is appropriate and does not become a stumbling block for others or a sign of worldliness. The heart of the matter is the inner disposition that shapes outward choices, rather than a legalistic ban on specific items.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 2:9 provides practical directives for outward conduct, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ, who perfectly embodies the virtues of humility, modesty, and self-control. Our ultimate "adornment" is not in what we wear, but in being clothed with Christ Himself. As believers, we are called to put on the "new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Put on the New Self")), reflecting the character of Jesus. He, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Our true beauty, therefore, is found in our union with Christ, our participation in His suffering, and our conformity to His image. The "shamefacedness" and "sobriety" called for in this verse are spiritual fruits cultivated by the Holy Spirit as we walk in Christ, allowing His humility and self-giving love to transform our desires and priorities. Our lives, including our appearance, become a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, pointing not to our own status or beauty, but to the surpassing worth of Christ, who gave Himself for us that we might be adorned with His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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

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: