The Meaning of 1 Timothy 2:10 Explained

1 Timothy 2:10

KJV: But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

YLT: but -- which becometh women professing godly piety -- through good works.

Darby: but, what becomes women making profession of the fear of God, by good works.

ASV: but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

But  (which  becometh  women  professing  godliness  ) with  good  works. 

What does 1 Timothy 2:10 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Timothy 2:1-15 - Prayer And Modest Adorning
The Apostle especially urged intercessory prayer, because it meant so much to himself. Three different words are used of prayer, because there are so many ways of approaching God. It is our duty to pray for those in authority, and to seek after a calm and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. It was most important that Christians should not be suspected of revolutionary designs or civic turbulence. If they had to suffer, it must be only on account of their religious faith. The solidarity of our race is the reason for our wide-embracing supplications. The whole race is one in the creation of God and the ransom of Christ; we are therefore one with all men, and should express in prayer the common sins and sorrows of mankind.
The men were bidden to lead in public prayer, and to see that the hands they uplifted were clean, while the women joined quietly after the Eastern fashion. There was nothing revolutionary in Paul's teaching. He was content, in minor matters, to conform to the usages of his age, though promulgating doctrines which would ultimately revolutionize the position of womanhood. A holy married life, with the bearing and training of children, is, as a rule, the appointed path for woman, and this will lead to their salvation through faith in the Holy One who was born in Bethlehem. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Timothy 2

1  Instruction to pray and give thanks
9  How women should be attired
12  They are not permitted to teach
15  They shall be saved if they continue in faith

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 2:10

Becometh [πρεπει]
Old word for seemly. Paul wishes women to wear “becoming” clothes, but τεοσεβειαν — theosebeian (godliness, from τεοσεβης — theosebēs John 9:31, τεοσ σεβομαι — theossebomai worship) is part of the “style” desired. Only here in N.T. Good dress and good works combined. [source]
Professing [ἐπαγγελλομέναις]
In the sense of professing only in the Pastorals. In Titus 1:2, and everywhere else in N.T. it means promise. See Acts 7:5; Romans 4:21; Galatians 3:19, etc. [source]
Godliness [θεοσεβείαν]
N.T.oSeveral times in lxx. The adjective θεοσεβής worshippingGod, John 9:31. It is = εὐσέβεια . See 1 Timothy 2:2. Const. by good works with professing godliness: omit the parenthesis which - godliness; take which ( ὅ ) as = with that which ( ἐν τούτῳ ὅ ) and construe it with adorn. The whole will then read: “That women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, but (adorn themselves) with that which becometh women professing godliness through good works.” [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 2:10

John 9:31 A worshipper of God [θεοσεβὴς]
Only here in the New Testament. The kindred word, θεοσέβεια , godliness, occurs only at 1 Timothy 2:10. Compounded with Θεός , God, and σέβομαι , to worship, the same verb which appears in εὐσεβής , devout (Acts 10:2, Acts 10:7; Acts 22:12), and εὐσέβεια , godliness (Acts 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:2, etc.). See on 2 Peter 1:3. These two latter words, while they may mean reverence toward God, may also mean the due fulfillment of human relations; while θεοσεβὴς , worshipper of God, is limited to piety towards God. [source]
Romans 1:2 Had promised afore [προεπηγγείλατο]
Only here in the New Testament. Rev., He promised afore. Paul's Old Testament training is manifest. Naturally, in beginning the more precise description of the new revelation, he refers first to its connection with ancient prophecy. The verb ἐπαγγέλλομαι ; means more than to proclaim. It occurs frequently, and always in the sense of profess or promise. See Mark 14:11; Acts 7:5; 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:21. [source]
1 Timothy 6:21 Professing []
See on 1 Timothy 2:10. [source]
1 Timothy 3:9 In a pure conscience [ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει]
Comp. 2 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:5, 19. Const. with holding. The emphasis of the passage is on these words. They express conscientious purity and sincerity in contrast with those who are described as branded in their own conscience, and thus causing their followers to fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:2). The passage illustrates the peculiar treatment of “faith” in these Epistles, in emphasizing its ethical aspect and its ethical environment. This is not contrary to Paul's teaching, nor does it go to the extent of substituting morals for faith as the condition of salvation and eternal life. See 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:1; Titus 3:5. Nonetheless, there is a strong and habitual emphasis on good works (see 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:17; Titus 1:16; Titus 2:7, Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14), and faith is placed in a series of practical duties (see 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:10). “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” is a significant association of faith with ethics. As Weiss puts it: “It is as if the pure conscience were the vessel in which the mystery of the faith is preserved.” The idea is sound and valuable. A merely intellectual attitude toward the mystery which, in every age, attaches to the faith, will result in doubt, questioning, and wordy strife (see 1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9), sometimes in moral laxity, sometimes in despair. Loyalty and duty to God are compatible with more or less ignorance concerning the mystery. An intellect, however powerful and active, joined with an impure conscience, cannot solve but only aggravates the mystery; whereas a pure and loyal conscience, and a frank acceptance of imposed duty along with mystery, puts one in the best attitude for attaining whatever solution is possible. See John 7:17. [source]
1 Timothy 1:10 The sound doctrine [τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ]
A phrase peculiar to the Pastorals. Ὑγιαίνειν tobe in good health, Luke 5:31; Luke 7:10; 3 John 1:2. oP. Quite frequent in lxx, and invariably in the literal sense. Often in salutations or dismissals. See 9:19; 2Samuel href="/desk/?q=2sa+14:8&sr=1">2 Samuel 14:8; Exodus 4:18. In the Pastorals, the verb, which occurs eight times, is six times associated with διδασκαλία teachingor λόγοι wordsand twice with ἐν τῇ πίστει or τῇ πίστει inthe faith. The sound teaching (comp. διδαχή teaching 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9) which is thus commended is Paul's, who teaches in Christ's name and by his authority (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:8). In all the three letters it is called ἀλη.θεια or ἡ ἀλήθεια thetruth, the knowledge ( ἐπίγνωσις ) of which is bound up with salvation. See 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; 2 Timothy 3:7; Titus 1:1. As truth it is sound or healthful. It is the object of faith. To be sound in the faith is, practically, to follow ( παρακολουθεῖν ) sound teaching or the truth. The subjective characteristic of Christians is εὐσέβεια or θεοσέβεια godlinessor piety (1 Timothy 2:2, 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:6, 1 Timothy 6:11); and the teaching and knowledge of the truth are represented as κατ ' εὐσέβειαν accordingto godliness (1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1). Comp. εὐσεβεῖν toshow piety, 1 Timothy 5:4. εὐσεβῶς ζῇν to live godly, 2 Timothy 3:12; Titus 2:12; and βίον διάγειν ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ tolead a life in all godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. The contents of this sound teaching which is according to godliness are not theoretical or dogmatic truth, but Christian ethics, with faith and love. See 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 2:2. Ἁλήθεια truthis used of moral things, rather than in the high religious sense of Paul. Comp., for instance, Romans 3:7; Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Galatians 2:5; Ephesians 4:21, Ephesians 4:24; and 2 Timothy 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:26; 2 Timothy 3:7(comp. 2 Timothy 3:1-9); 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:12(comp. Titus 1:11, Titus 1:15); Titus 2:4(comp. Titus 2:1, Titus 2:3); Titus 3:1. Whoever grasps the truth has faith (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:3f.). That the ethical character of faith is emphasized, appears from the numerous expressions regarding the false teachers, as 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:12; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21. There is a tendency to objectify faith, regarding it as something believed rather than as the act of believing. See 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21; Titus 1:4. In comparing the ideal of righteousness (1 Timothy 1:9) with that of Paul, note that it is not denied that Christ is the source of true righteousness; but according to Paul, the man who is not under the law is the man who lives by faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes this. It is faith in Christ which sets one free from the law. Here, the man for whom the law is not made (1 Timothy 1:9) is the man who is ethically conformed to the norm of sound teaching. The two conceptions do not exclude each other: the sound teaching is according to the gospel (1 Timothy 1:11), but the point of emphasis is shifted.| [source]
Titus 2:1 Befit [πρεπει]
Old verb to be becoming, seemly. See note on 1 Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 5:3. With dative case διδασκαλιαι — didaskaliāi Sound (υγιαινουσηι — hugiainousēi). Healthful as in Titus 1:13; Titus 2:2; 1 Timothy 1:10, common word in the Pastorals. [source]
Titus 2:3 Reverent [ιεροπρεπεις]
Old word Only here in N.T. Same idea in 1 Timothy 2:10. Like people engaged in sacred duties (Lock). In demeanour (κατιστημι — en katastēmati). Late and rare word (inscriptions) from μη διαβολους — kathistēmi deportment, only here in N.T. Not slanderers See note on 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:3. Nor enslaved to much wine (δουλοω — mēde oinōi pollōi dedoulōmenas). Perfect passive participle of οινωι — douloō with dative case καλοδιδασκαλους — oinōi See note on 1 Timothy 3:8. “It is proved by experience that the reclamation of a woman drunkard is almost impossible” (White). But God can do the “impossible.” Teachers of that which is good Compound word found here alone, bona docentes (teaching good and beautiful things). A sorely needed mission. [source]
Titus 2:1 Become [πρέπει]
Originally, to stand out; be conspicuous. Thus Homer, Od. viii. 172: μετὰ δὲ πρέπει ἀγρομένοισιν heis conspicuous among those who are assembled. Eurip. Hel. 215; Ζεὺς πρέπων δἰ αἰθερος Zeus shining clearly through the aether. Hence, to become conspicuously fit; to become; beseem. In N.T. in the impersonal forms πρέπον ἐστὶν itis becoming (Matthew 3:15); πρέπει itbecometh (Ephesians 5:3); ἔπρεπεν itbecame (Hebrews 2:10). With a subject nominative, 1 Timothy 2:10; Hebrews 7:26. [source]
Titus 2:3 Behavior [καταστήματι]
N.T.oSee on καταστολή apparel 1 Timothy 2:9. It means, primarily, condition or state. Once in lxx, 1Timothy href="/desk/?q=1ti+5:3&sr=1">1 Timothy 5:3, and comp. 1 Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 5:3. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 2:10 mean?

but with what is becoming to women professing [the] fear of God through works good
ἀλλ’ πρέπει γυναιξὶν ἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν

  with  what 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
πρέπει  is  becoming 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: πρέπω  
Sense: to stand out, to be conspicuous, to be eminent.
γυναιξὶν  to  women 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: γυνή  
Sense: a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow.
ἐπαγγελλομέναις  professing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ἐπαγγέλλομαι  
Sense: to announce that one is about to do or furnish something.
θεοσέβειαν  [the]  fear  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: θεοσέβεια  
Sense: reverence towards God’s goodness.
δι’  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
ἔργων  works 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ἔργον  
Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied.
ἀγαθῶν  good 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ἀγαθός 
Sense: of good constitution or nature.