Q&A Home > W > Women/Women in the Church

What is the meaning of the verse "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive as the law also says" (1 Corinthians 14:34). How do we apply this to modern times?

St. Paul was providing further guidelines for the role of women in the church. It is not the role of women to address the congregation in a sermon. The role of speaking and instructing in the church is the responsibility of the priesthood rank, which would also include deacons. St. Paul instructs St. Timothy regarding this matter saying "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For, Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control" (1 Timothy 11-14). Women must understand that "silence" is strength not weakness. Great saints that have added light and flavor to the world were products of godly mothers and teachers.