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About this book

1 Timothy

About this book
Chapter 2

1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,⁠ 2 even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, 4 since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human,⁠ 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, revealing God’s purpose at his appointed time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle—I am telling the truth; I am not lying—and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 So I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute.⁠ 9 Likewise the women are to dress in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. Their adornment must not be with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing,⁠ 10 but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. 11 A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first and then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she was fully deceived, fell into transgression.⁠ 15 But she will be delivered through childbearing, if she continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control.

Texts in conversation

Compare Proverbs 31:22 and 1 Timothy 2:9

Hebrew Bible · New Testament

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Summary

Proverbs 31 says that expensive clothing for a woman is a sign of her honor, success, and stability. 1 Timothy instead insists that women should dress with modesty and simplicity, showing how cultural values change over time.

Passages

Proverbs 31:22

Hebrew Bible
20 She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. 21 She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet, 22 because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is well known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land. 24 She made linen garments then sold them and traded belts to the merchants; 25 her clothing was strong and splendid; and she laughed at the time to come.
600–201 BCE (scholarly estimate) Read in Proverbs

1 Timothy 2:9

New Testament
8 So I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute. 9 Likewise the women are to dress in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. Their adornment must not be with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing, 10 but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. 11 A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness.
90–100 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in 1 Timothy

References

"... According to 1 Timothy 2:9, Christian women (gynaikas without the article functions generically and means women in general) are to adorn themselves in ways that reflect Christian virtues of modesty and holiness. The newly liberated women in Ephesus appeared with special braided hairstyle, gold, pearls, and expensive clothing. The sculpture and literature of the period make it clear that women often wore their hair in elaborate arrangements, with braids and curls piled high and decorated with gems, gold, and/or pearls ..."
Paul M. Zehr, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, BCBC (Scottdale, PA: Herald, 2010), 62–63.

References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.

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Proverbs 31:22 and 1 Timothy 2:9

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