1 Timothy 2:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but with what is proper for women who profess godliness — with good works.

NIV: but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

NASB: but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.

CSB: but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

NLT: For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.

KJV: But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

NKJV: but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

Instead of focusing on clothing, hair, and jewelry, Paul taught that when women gathered for worship, the focus was to be on a reasonable presentation. His phrase about godliness simply refers to women who claimed to be believers in Christ.

Paul's preference here is that, instead of putting energy and anxiety into things like clothes and jewelry, that the women of the church should focus their attention on "good works." Hebrews 11 includes women in the list of faithful followers of God, such as Sarah (Hebrews 11:11), the mother of Moses (Hebrews 11:23), and Rahab (Hebrews 11:31). The books of Ruth and Esther in the Old Testament also prominently feature the influential role of godly women. Others, such as Hannah, are often applauded for their godly lives (1 Samuel 1:1–20). In the New Testament both Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were also highlighted as godly women.

In addition, many of the early followers of Jesus were women, including those who first saw Him resurrected (Luke 24:22–24). Paul would later mention widows known for good works (1Timothy 5:10, 25) and encourage the rich (including women) to be "rich in good works" (1 Timothy 6:17–18).

First Timothy 2:9–15 is one of the more hotly-debated passages of the New Testament. This section provides instruction on the role of women in the context of Christian worship. Despite some phrases which are unclear, the core message is fairly well-defined. Women are not to focus on dramatic appearance or behavior, but to put their efforts into godliness and good works. Women are also not to override the spiritual leadership of men. Understanding the cultural and scriptural context resolves most objections to the text, but this passage remains a source of contention in the modern church.

In this passage, Paul encourages Timothy to lead his church in prayer, including prayers for government and worldly leaders. This flows naturally from the Christian view of humanity, which sees all men as loved by God and in need of the same salvation from sin. A large portion of the chapter is taken by Paul's comments on the role of women in worship services. Rather than focusing on flashy clothes and dramatic behavior, women are to be modest and godly. In addition, women should not take on specific spiritual leadership roles reserved for men.

In chapter 1, Paul charged Timothy to hold fast against false teaching. In chapter 2, Paul begins to lay out the practical steps a church needs to take in order to prevent false doctrine from taking over. This begins with prayer, including prayers for leaders outside the church, so Christians can be left in peace. Paul also explains the separation between the roles of men and women in worship services, which should be read in the context of his comments in chapter 3.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.