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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:34 ¶ The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:34 ¶ the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says. |
Bible Question: Do denominations that permit women to speak in church, or even to become pastors, follow the Bible? How shall we interpret this verse, if not literally? |
Bible Answer: Hi, I thought I'd share something I found, and my opinion at the end of course. :) In verses 34 and 35 the same Greek word (2980 "laleo") is translated "speak". It is also used in other verses, but it is not the only word that is translated "speak" in the New Testament. "laleo", preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. The other Greek word that is generally translated "speak" is "lego", which gives us a better understanding of "laleo" with a comparison included therein. "lego", a prim. verb; prop. to "lay" forth, i.e. (fig.) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas 2036 and 5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while 2980("laleo") means an extended or random harangue]); by impl. to mean: -- ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. Repeat: "laleo", preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. 2980("laleo") means an extended or random harangue Wouldn't that mean that Paul was saying that women were not to give long, huffy, off the point, preachy sermons"?? And since he seemed to need to make the point that women were to be "submissive, as the law" states... and then mentions the fact that the submission he is talking about is that which places her in "submission" to her husband, it seems that the speeches given by those women were possibly good old fashioned "tongue lashings" toward their husbands or men in general before the entire church. By the way, "harangue" means long, blustery or scolding speech; tirade. I certainly understand why Paul would tell women in all the churches of God not to do that. I would suppose he probably would have told men not to do that too if he had come across the same problem with men when he wrote ICorinthians. That type of behavior/talk coming from anyone does not show or promote "love". So I think Paul was telling women to behave themselves. And I don't think Paul was addressing the role of women as elders, deacons, pastors, nor any other role in the church in these verses. I don't think the Lord distinguishes between men and women in the church because we are all "one" in Jesus. Gal. 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." I'd just like to add my opinion quickly about submission. Submission really is two-fold. Submission to husbands is for order within a marriage. "Submit yourselves one to another" is for order (oneness) within the church. That's just the way I look at it. |