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1 Corinthians 14:34-35

³⁴ Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. ³⁵ If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

What is the meaning of that scripture?

If you take it literally, then a woman should not open her mouth when she enters a church. She cannot say “hello” or “How are you?” when she enters a church. This scripture also implies that women should not question anything in the church – but to glean the answers to their questions from their husbands at home.

I was taught that this scripture implied that women were not allowed to be clergymen – however, that’s not what the Apostle Paul says.

Were you ever shown this scripture as a child or as an adult – in Sunday school or Bible class? How was this scripture interpreted by your church/teacher/Bible person?

Share your thoughts!

~Cecelia Dowdy~