Can Women Speak in Church? A Biblical Puzzle
In this article, you will learn how 1 Corinthians 14:34 contradicts Galatians 3:28, Acts 2:17-18, Joel 2:28-29, Judges 4:4-5, Romans 16:1-2, Acts 18:26, Philippians 4:3, Luke 2:36-38 and 2 Kings 22:14-20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The role of women in the church has been the subject of much debate, echoing across centuries, largely due to apparent contradictions within biblical texts. In 1 Corinthians 14:34, Paul advises that women should remain silent in churches, suggesting that they should adhere to the rules and listen, not speak. This guidance has historically been interpreted by some as a directive for female subservience and silence within religious gatherings.
Yet, other scriptures paint a different picture, portraying women in active, vocal roles. In Galatians 3:28, Paul himself states that there is neither male nor female in Christ, emphasizing equality among believers. This suggests a potential disconnect from the restrictive view in Corinthians. Additionally, Acts 2:17-18 promises that both sons and daughters will prophesy, heralding a future where women speak out in matters of faith, a prophecy rooted in Joel 2:28-29.
The Bible also recounts women in leadership and communicative roles, like Deborah in Judges 4:4-5, who served as a judge and prophetess over Israel, clearly playing a prominent public role. In Romans 16:1-2, Paul commends Phoebe, indicating her active service in a way that likely involved communication. Priscilla's involvement in explaining scriptures to a learned man like Apollos, as noted in Acts 18:26, further illustrates women’s teaching roles. Similarly, in Philippians 4:3, Paul acknowledges the labor of women in spreading the gospel, implicitly endorsing their spoken roles.
Even narratives of consultation with prophetesses like Huldah in 2 Kings 22:14-20 and Anna’s public declaration in Luke 2:36-38 reflect a tradition of female voices in spiritual matters.
These varying accounts challenge us to reconcile these perspectives: Should women remain silent as in Corinthians, or does the broader context affirm a vocal and influential role for women in faith communities?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 Corinthians 14:34 | Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. |
| 2. | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 3. | Acts 2:17-18 | And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: |
| 4. | Joel 2:28-29 | And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: |
| 5. | Judges 4:4-5 | And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. |
| 6. | Romans 16:1-2 | I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: |
| 7. | Acts 18:26 | And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. |
| 8. | Philippians 4:3 | And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life. |
| 9. | Luke 2:36-38 | And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; |
| 10. | 2 Kings 22:14-20 | So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. [wardrobe: Heb. garments] [in the...: or, in the second part] |