1 Timothy 2 10

1 Timothy 2:10 kjv

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

1 Timothy 2:10 nkjv

but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

1 Timothy 2:10 niv

but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

1 Timothy 2:10 esv

but with what is proper for women who profess godliness ? with good works.

1 Timothy 2:10 nlt

For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.

1 Timothy 2 verses

1 Timothy 2 10 Meaning

This verse prescribes that women who claim to be godly should not primarily focus on external ornaments, but rather on demonstrating their faith and reverence for God through practical and benevolent deeds. It emphasizes that a Christian woman's true and most fitting "adornment" is her consistent life of good works, which is a visible testament to her inner devotion.

1 Timothy 2 10 Context

1 Timothy chapter 2 begins with Paul's instructions regarding corporate worship, starting with the importance of prayer for all people, including rulers (verses 1-8). He then transitions to specific conduct for men and women within the assembly. Verses 9-10 specifically address women, prescribing modesty in dress by contrasting worldly ostentation (braided hair, gold, pearls, costly clothing) with the true "adornment" of good works. This immediate context establishes a standard for behavior and appearance in public worship, countering any tendencies towards distraction, pride, or worldly display that might diminish the focus on devotion and humble piety. The broader context of 1 Timothy is pastoral instruction to Timothy in Ephesus, a bustling port city with diverse religious and social influences, including the prevalent cult of Artemis (Diana). This city often displayed ostentatious wealth and social hierarchies. Paul's guidance aims to distinguish Christian conduct from prevailing societal norms, emphasizing spiritual and ethical beauty over mere external presentation, and promoting a genuine and powerful witness for the Gospel within the community.

1 Timothy 2 10 Word analysis

• ἀλλ' (all') – "but," "rather": This conjunction marks a strong contrast. It signals a shift from the negative exhortations against outward extravagance (verse 9) to the positive, godly alternative for adornment.
• ὃ πρέπει (ho prepei) – "which is proper," "which is fitting": The phrase emphasizes suitability and moral appropriateness. It signifies that good works are not just optional, but what truly corresponds to the character and confession of women who claim godliness. It speaks to a divine standard of decorum.
• γυναιξὶν (gynaixin) – "women": Refers to adult females. In this context, it pertains to women in the believing community, specifically in public and collective settings, such as church gatherings. While it can sometimes mean "wives," the broader context here points to women in general within the church.
• ἐπαγγελλομέναις (epangellomenais) – "professing," "claiming," "pledging oneself to": This is a strong term. It denotes a deliberate, public declaration or commitment. It implies a high claim of allegiance and devotion. The participle indicates an ongoing state of professing or claiming godliness.
• θεοσέβειαν (theosebeian) – "godliness," "piety," "reverence for God": A key term throughout 1 Timothy. It describes genuine devotion to God, manifested in both internal reverence and external obedience. It signifies a life oriented towards God, revering Him, and seeking to please Him in all aspects. It's more than religiosity; it's true, practical piety.
• δι' (di') – "through," "by means of": This preposition indicates the instrument or means by which the proper adornment is achieved. Good works are the medium through which godliness is expressed and, thus, become the genuine "clothing."
• ἔργων (ergōn) – "works," "deeds," "actions": Refers to tangible actions and efforts. These are not merely intentions or feelings but concrete, observable actions that impact oneself and others. In contrast to outward garments, these are works that shape a life.
• ἀγαθῶν (agathōn) – "good," "beneficial," "excellent," "virtuous": This adjective qualifies the type of works. They are not just any works, but morally upright, praiseworthy, and constructive actions that spring from a pure heart and align with God's will. They are not for personal gain but for God's glory and the benefit of others.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "but women professing godliness": This phrase defines the specific group of women being addressed – those who actively and publicly identify themselves as followers of God. It implies an accountability for their life and conduct to align with this serious claim. It contrasts their spiritual profession with a purely worldly identity.
• "ought to adorn themselves": The verb "ought" (implicit from "prepei") signifies a moral imperative and fittingness. "To adorn themselves" uses the language of clothing and external presentation, but metaphorically shifts the focus to character and actions. It means to clothe oneself with virtues and good deeds, presenting them as one's true outward appearance.
• "with good works": This directly states the true substance of Christian adornment. It’s not about expensive attire but about a life characterized by righteousness, kindness, service, and benevolence. These deeds flow from their godly character and give tangible evidence of their profession.

1 Timothy 2 10 Bonus section

The instruction in 1 Timothy 2:10 is not an isolated command but aligns with broader biblical principles stressing inner spiritual condition over outer form, particularly in the New Testament (e.g., Jesus's teaching against hypocrisy, Paul's emphasis on transformation of the mind, and Peter's similar exhortation on adornment). The call to "godliness" (theosebeia) is a cornerstone concept in Paul's pastoral epistles, emphasizing a robust, lived faith. It’s a complete life lived in devotion to God, marked by active obedience, reverential respect, and practical outworkings that benefit both the believer and the community, contributing to the credibility and impact of the church in the world. The shift from a worldly aesthetic to a spiritual one also counters pagan practices where elaborate dress might have been linked to temple prostitution or status display, establishing a clear distinction for Christian witness.

1 Timothy 2 10 Commentary

1 Timothy 2:10 powerfully redirects the understanding of adornment for Christian women. In a world often valuing material display and outward appearance, Paul asserts that genuine beauty for a woman who professes godliness comes from her actions. Her identity in Christ means her true 'clothing' consists not of costly fabric, gold, or intricate hairstyles, but of 'good works' – deeds of love, service, righteousness, and humility. This is not about devaluing women or stifling personal expression, but about establishing priorities aligned with spiritual truth and preventing worldly distractions within the worship setting and daily life. It emphasizes the profound consistency required between one's verbal declaration of faith and the practical outworking of that faith. For those who claim to revere God, their reverence should be tangible in their lives, serving as a fragrant aroma of Christ and a living testimony to the Gospel. It ensures that the Christian's focus remains on inward transformation producing outward fruit, rather than superficial displays that could lead to pride, envy, or misrepresent the humility of Christ.

Examples of practical usage:

• Instead of spending excessive time and resources on fashionable outfits, a Christian woman might prioritize giving to those in need or volunteering for charitable causes.
• Her 'beauty regimen' might include acts of kindness to neighbors or showing compassion to the marginalized, rather than focusing solely on personal appearance products.
• Her pursuit of 'excellence' in appearance is supplanted by pursuing 'excellence' in character and Christ-like behavior.