6 Interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:34
Should Women Really Keep Silent In The Church?
Below I have compiled a list of what I have found to be the most popular and compelling interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:34. I hope you will take some time to read first why I have done this for you and how I genuinely hope it aids your study of scripture.
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.
1 Corinthians 14:34 KJV
One of the most reoccurring questions I get is “What is your opinion on 1 Corinthians 14?” I have publicly answered this many times and I have publicly avoided this question many times... It gets kind of heated… What I have learned is that very few people actually want my personal opinion but rather a way to wrap their minds around what this verse means and how it has been weaponized.
For as long as anyone can remember 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 has sparked passionate debate and heated comment section conversations… and honestly? It’s for good reason. It touches on deep questions of theology, gender, authority, and how we interpret Scripture faithfully in light of its original context and lasting relevance.
As you have probably seen, faithful Christians (scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike) have landed in different places, each often seeking to honor the Bible and the God who inspired it. Sometimes landing in a theological camp that feels justified to use this verse as a sort of silencing magic wand to wave over women. Other times the theological camp one might land in is to completely disregard this verse and deem it “irrelevant”
Rather than forcing a quick answer, the complexity invites us into deeper study … My favorite type of study! It challenges us to read the Bible with critical thinking, curiosity and care.
And while in the end we may disagree on how Paul’s words should be applied today, one truth remains: Scripture consistently testifies to the value, dignity, and essential contribution of women in the story of God’s people.
I want to strongly encourage you with this: Whatever view you hold, may it be rooted not in fear or hierarchy, but in love. Love for God’s Word, love for the body of Christ, and love for the women whose voices, insights, and leadership continue to bless the church.
6 Interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:34
1. The Silent Theory 1 Corinthians 14:34
Summary:
This theory holds that Paul is saying that women should not speak in the gathered church, especially in roles of preaching or teaching.
Supporters:
Most “Complementarian” Churches and Scholars
John MacArthur*
Wayne Grudem*
Denominations / Associations such as Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Association and Evangelical Free Association
Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Strengths:
Offers a paralleled reading of 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:11–12.
Upholds a long-standing evangelical framework of male leadership in the church.
Weaknesses and Critique:
Appears to contradict other scripture such as 1 Corinthians 11:5, where women pray and prophesy in public worship.
Does not make sense of women like Lydia, Chloe and Nympha who are seemingly in prominent Church leadership positions that Paul approves of.
Accused of reinforcing cultural patriarchy or going beyond Paul's intended restrictions.
2. The Local Context Theory 1 Corinthians 14:34
Summary:
The theory suggests Paul is addressing specific local disruptions by some women in Corinth—possibly speaking out of turn, gossiping, or asking disruptive questions during worship.
Supporters:
Craig Keener*
Ben Witherington III*
Gordon Fee*
Most “Egalitarian” Churches and Scholars
Denominations / Associations such as Presbyterian (USA), Wesleyan, (most) United Methodist, Church of The Nazarene, Assemblies of God
Strengths:
Pays close attention to the broader context of 1 Corinthians 14, which emphasizes order in worship (verses 26–40).
Explains the command as situational rather than universal.
Weaknesses / Critique:
Lacks explicit textual detail about what the disruptive behavior was.
Some argue it imports modern egalitarian assumptions onto the text.
Assumes much of the epistle is circumstantial
3. Interpolation Theory 1 Corinthians 14:34
Summary:
This theory upholds that verses 34–35 were not written by Paul but added later by a scribe; which means they may reflect second-century church practice.
Supporters:
Bart Ehrman*
Philip Payne*
Some textual critics and feminist theologians
Some non denominational and non evangelical Churches
Strengths:
Explains the abrupt break in flow and the tension with 1 Corinthians 11:5.
Supported by manuscript variation (some early manuscripts place verses 34–35 after verse 40).
Weaknesses / Critique:
No early manuscript omits the verses entirely only reorders them.
Considered speculative by most scholars; lacks definitive textual proof.
4. Quotation-Refutation Theory 1 Corinthians 14:34
Summary:
This theory is slightly more technical, it suggests Paul is quoting a restrictive teaching in 34-35 (possibly held by some in Corinth), then rebukes it sharply in verse 36.
Supporters:
Lucy Peppiatt *
Richard Hays (tentatively)*
Some Pentecostal and charismatic theologians and churches
Some non denominational churches
Strengths:
Aligns with Paul’s rhetorical style elsewhere (e.g., 1 Cor 6:12; 7:1).
Fits with Paul’s affirming stance on women’s speech and ministry in other letters.
Weaknesses / Critique:
Requires slightly invisible quotation marks… Greek manuscripts have no punctuation.
Not widely embraced outside progressive or charismatic circles.
5. Ecclesiological Theory 1 Corinthians 14:34
Summary:
The theory is that women were allowed to prophesy but not to weigh or evaluate (some would say interpret) prophecy. Because it was an act seen as exercising doctrinal authority.
Supporters:
D.A. Carson*
Tom Schreiner*
Some moderate complementarians and churches
Strengths:
Offers a middle path by distinguishing between types of speech (prophecy vs. judging prophecy).
Attempts to harmonize 1 Corinthians 11 and 14.
Weaknesses / Critique:
Some feel like it’s a nuanced workaround; not explicitly laid out in the passage.
Raises questions about the nature of prophecy, like how authoritative is it, really?
*All the individuals I mention in this article I have included based on my own reading and not from personal relationships or interviews or comments. It is very possible their personal interpretations of this passage are more complex, nuanced or have changed.
The conversation around this verse(like many other verses) is extremely complex—and it should be! These interpretations reflect not only different theological lenses but also broader beliefs about Scripture, gender, and leadership. No view is without its challenges, and that’s okay. The goal is faithful engagement with the text, a willingness to learn, and above all, the humility to listen to Scripture and to one another with love and integrity.
To learn more check out these books* follow me on social media, and check back for more substack posts!