Bible Strands
1 Timothy 2:10
but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy on regulating the conduct of women in the Ephesian assembly. The directive immediately follows a prohibition against extravagant hair and jewelry and precedes a command for women to learn quietly.
The words — The Greek πρέπει (prepei) translates literally as "is becoming" or "proper," while ἔργων (ergōn) means "works" or "deeds." The text states that good deeds, rather than external adornment, are the appropriate expression for women who claim reverence for God.
The thread — The pattern of faith demonstrated through visible conduct recurs in 1 Peter 2:12, where Gentiles observe good works, and in Proverbs 31:31, which directs praise toward a woman's labor. The rejection of outward jewelry as the measure of piety also aligns with 1 Peter 3:3.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to verify religious claims by observable actions rather than appearance. It demands that personal behavior consistently match stated devotion to God.
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
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
- 1 Peter 3:3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes,
- Proverbs 31:31 Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.
- Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.
- Revelation 2:19 I know your deeds—your love, your faith, your service, your perseverance—and your latest deeds are greater than your first.
- Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.
- Titus 3:8 This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
- 2 Peter 1:6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
- 2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness
- Acts 9:39 So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.