Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:35
If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian assembly to regulate conduct during corporate worship. He directs women who wish to ask questions to seek answers privately from their husbands rather than speaking publicly in the church.
The words — οἴκῳ (oikō) literally means "at home," locating the proper venue for clarification. θέλουσιν (thelousin) translates to "they desire" or "they wish," framing the instruction around voluntary inquiry rather than absolute prohibition.
The thread — The directive extends the silence command of 1 Corinthians 14:34 and aligns with household order in Ephesians 5:25 and 1 Peter 3:7. The rhetorical question in 1 Corinthians 14:36 reinforces that apostolic instruction, not local custom, governs the assembly.
Why it lands — The text requires believers to separate private learning from public worship to maintain order. It demands respect for established boundaries so that inquiry does not disrupt the dignity of the gathered church.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 5:12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
- 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
- Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her
- 1 Corinthians 11:6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.
- 1 Corinthians 11:14 Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
- 1 Corinthians 14:34 Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.