1 Timothy 2 9

1 Timothy 2:9 kjv

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:9 nkjv

in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,

1 Timothy 2:9 niv

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

1 Timothy 2:9 esv

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

1 Timothy 2:9 nlt

And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

1 Timothy 2 verses

1 Timothy 2 9 Meaning

1 Timothy 2:9 instructs that Christian women, particularly in the context of corporate worship, should adorn themselves with appropriate and orderly dress. This adornment should be characterized by modesty and inner self-control, reflecting a proper and dignified demeanor. The verse emphasizes that their beauty should not stem from ostentatious displays of braided hair, gold jewelry, pearls, or extravagant clothing, but rather from virtues and good deeds, as elaborated in the subsequent verse. It champions humility and spiritual adornment over worldly showmanship and external appearance.

1 Timothy 2 9 Context

1 Timothy 2:9 is situated within Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding proper conduct and order in the church, particularly concerning public worship (1 Tim 2:1-15). After encouraging prayers for all people and establishing that there is one mediator, Christ Jesus (vv. 1-7), Paul addresses distinct roles and behaviors for men and women within the congregational setting. Verse 8 calls for men to pray with holy hands, free from anger and quarreling. Verse 9 then transitions to women, emphasizing modesty in dress and inner disposition during public gatherings. The broader context of 1 Timothy, an epistle guiding church organization and conduct, stresses sound doctrine and godliness as opposed to worldly teachings or practices that might cause division or distraction.

Historically, Ephesus, where Timothy ministered, was a wealthy port city and a center for the cult of Artemis, where priestesses and followers were known for elaborate and sometimes provocative displays. In such a cosmopolitan and often pagan environment, distinguishing Christian worship from secular or idolatrous practices through appropriate conduct, including dress, was vital. Paul's exhortation subtly addresses the dangers of ostentatious display that could signify social competition, status-seeking, or even association with certain ungodly cultic practices, which were contrary to the Gospel's message of humility and unity in Christ.

1 Timothy 2 9 Word analysis

• Likewise (ὡσαύτως, hōsautōs): Connects this instruction to the preceding one regarding men (v. 8), indicating that just as men have specific guidelines for conduct in prayer, so too do women. It implies a parallel but distinct application.

• women (γυναῖκας, gunaikas): Refers to women in general, in the context of the gathered church, parallel to "men" in verse 8.

• in proper apparel (ἐν καταστολῇ κοσμίῳ, en katastolē kosmiō):

  • Proper (καταστολῇ, katastolē): Signifies a dignified, orderly, or demure bearing, often referencing clothing that reflects inner character, suggesting a quiet, sober, and unflashy appearance. It implies the overall manner of dressing, not just the clothing itself.
  • apparel / orderly (κοσμίῳ, kosmiō): Means "orderly," "modest," "decorous," "appropriate." Derived from kosmos (order, world, adornment). Implies harmony, neatness, and suitability for the sacred assembly. It relates to the idea of a well-ordered life.

• with modesty (μετὰ αἰδοῦς, meta aidous):

  • modesty (αἰδοῦς, aidous): Conveys a sense of shame, reverence, self-respect, moral sensibility, or shyness that keeps one from immodest or improper conduct. It's a natural reserve that prevents overstepping bounds of decorum.

• and self-control (καὶ σωφροσύνης, kai sōphrosynēs):

  • self-control (σωφροσύνης, sōphrosynēs): Denotes "sound mind," "prudence," "discretion," "sobriety," or "self-restraint." It is an inner virtue that governs all behavior, leading to disciplined and balanced actions, especially guarding against excess or vanity. It’s an intellectual and moral sobriety.

• not with (μὴ ἐν, mē en): Introduces the negative prohibitions, what should not characterize their adornment.

• braided hair (πλέγμασιν, plemasin): Refers to elaborately styled or woven hair, often intertwined with jewels or gold, common for status display in that era. It's about excessive or attention-grabbing hairstyles.

• gold (χρυσίῳ, chrysiō): Gold jewelry, ornaments. A direct symbol of wealth and extravagance.

• or pearls (ἢ μαργαρίταις, ē margaritais): Pearls were very costly and coveted gems, again signifying high status and luxury.

• or costly attire (ἢ ἱματισμῷ πολυτελεῖ, ē himatismō polytelei):

  • costly attire (ἱματισμῷ πολυτελεῖ, himatismō polytelei):
    • clothing (ἱματισμῷ, himatismō): General term for apparel.
    • costly (πολυτελεῖ, polytelei): Means "very expensive," "sumptuous," "luxurious." The emphasis is on attire that is excessively extravagant and draws undue attention due to its price or grandeur.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "in proper apparel with modesty and self-control": This phrase describes the positive attributes of Christian adornment. It emphasizes an overall presentation that is dignified, respectful, and balanced, stemming from internal moral character. This kind of outward appearance honors God and fosters a non-distracting worship environment.
  • "not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire": This phrase delineates the negative examples of adornment to avoid. These are specific examples of what, in that culture, represented excess, worldly ostentation, social climbing, and attention-seeking. The focus is not on the items themselves as inherently evil, but on their potential to distract, promote vanity, display pride, or foster class distinctions within the unified body of Christ, especially during sacred gatherings. These are external adornments that fail to reflect modesty and self-control.

1 Timothy 2 9 Bonus section

This verse functions as a subtle polemic against the materialism and vanity prevalent in Ephesian society, where adornment could signify social hierarchy, affiliation with specific cults, or even moral looseness. Paul redirects the Christian focus from worldly fashion trends to a counter-cultural ethos of humility and inner virtue. The principle applies broadly to anything that serves to elevate oneself or cause distraction within the community of believers rather than glorifying God. The instruction is fundamentally about heart posture being expressed externally. True "adornment" for a Christian woman, and by extension for all believers, is holiness and a life lived in service to Christ, leading to good works that testify to the Gospel.

1 Timothy 2 9 Commentary

1 Timothy 2:9 provides timeless principles for Christian women regarding their conduct and appearance, especially in the context of corporate worship. The core message is that external appearance should be a genuine reflection of internal virtues, specifically modesty and self-control. The apostle Paul, through Timothy, aims to cultivate an atmosphere in the church where attention is directed toward God and spiritual truths, rather than worldly distinctions or superficial displays.

The emphasis on "proper apparel with modesty and self-control" highlights an holistic approach to presentation. It’s not just about what is worn, but how it is worn, and the inner attitude it stems from. Modesty (aidous) signifies a reverence for self and for God, leading one to avoid anything that is indecent, showy, or distracting. Self-control (sōphrosynē) implies a disciplined mind that prioritizes godliness over worldly trends and temptations to vanity. This sound judgment directs clothing choices to be sensible, discreet, and appropriate for sacred space and spiritual purpose.

The prohibitions against "braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire" are not blanket condemnations of all ornamentation or nice clothing. Instead, they target excesses and items that were cultural markers of status, extravagance, and sometimes even a link to pagan practices or sensuality in the Roman world. The concern is that such outward display can foster pride, competition, draw undue attention, create division based on wealth, and distract from the true purpose of Christian gathering, which is spiritual worship and growth. The Christian's true beauty and adornment, as verse 10 immediately follows, should be good works and godliness, which are lasting and reflect a transformed heart.

The application of this verse transcends cultural specifics of ancient Ephesus. The enduring principle is that believers should not conform to the world's values regarding beauty, wealth, or status. Our appearance, particularly in worship, should testify to our reverence for God and our inner spiritual condition. It encourages simplicity, humility, and dignity, ensuring that our outward presentation never overshadows the proclamation of the Gospel or the focus on Christ.

Examples:

• Choosing modest, unrevealing attire for church services to honor God and avoid distraction.
• Prioritizing investment in character and spiritual growth over acquiring expensive accessories or fashionable clothes for display.
• Encouraging an environment in the church where status or wealth are not discernible by clothing choices, fostering true unity in Christ.