1 Corinthians 14:35 – “If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s teaching on order in worship from the previous verse (1 Corinthians 14:34), where he instructed women to remain silent in the church. Here, he expands on that idea, stating that if women have questions about what is being taught, they should ask their husbands at home rather than interrupt the church service.

At first glance, this verse might seem harsh, but understanding its context and purpose is important. Paul is not saying that women can never speak in church—earlier in 1 Corinthians 11:5, he acknowledges that women do pray and prophesy in worship gatherings. Instead, he is addressing a specific issue in Corinth where women may have been asking disruptive questions during teaching, which could have led to confusion.

The phrase “disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” refers to a cultural and biblical principle of respecting authority and order in worship. Paul is reminding the Corinthians that worship should be conducted in a way that honors God’s design for leadership and respects the teaching of God’s Word.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, bringing together different cultural expectations.

1. In Jewish synagogues, women were generally not allowed to speak or ask questions during public teaching. They were expected to learn quietly and respectfully.
2. In Greco-Roman culture, some women had begun challenging traditional roles, leading to tension in the church.

It is likely that some women, feeling newfound freedom in Christ, were interrupting the teaching by asking questions in a way that was seen as disruptive. In response, Paul instructed them to ask their husbands at home rather than disrupt the service.

Additionally, education for women was limited in the ancient world, meaning many women may not have been familiar with scriptural teachings. Asking questions at home would allow them to learn without disrupting the church gathering.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights a few key biblical principles:

1. God values order in worship. Paul’s concern is that church services should be structured, edifying, and not chaotic.
2. Men are called to spiritual leadership in the home. Husbands have a responsibility to teach and guide their wives in God’s truth.
3. Women are encouraged to learn, but in a way that honors biblical authority. Asking questions is not wrong, but it should be done in a way that builds up the church rather than causing confusion.

This passage does not mean women can never contribute in church. Instead, it affirms that men and women have different but complementary roles in worship and spiritual learning.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of Paul’s larger discussion on orderly worship in 1 Corinthians 14. Throughout this chapter, Paul gives instructions for self-control in using spiritual gifts, emphasizing that worship should build up the church, not create disorder.

The key phrase “disgraceful for a woman to speak” should not be taken in isolation but understood in light of the entire chapter. Paul is addressing a specific issue of disorder rather than making a universal rule against women ever speaking in church.

Also, the instruction “ask their own husbands at home” highlights the biblical principle that husbands have a God-given role to spiritually lead and teach their wives (see Ephesians 5:25-26). This strengthens the idea that the home is a place where women can grow in their faith under loving guidance rather than disrupting public worship.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 11:5 – “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.” (Women were involved in prayer and prophecy, showing that Paul was not forbidding all speech in church.)
• 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (Paul’s primary concern is maintaining order in worship.)
• 1 Timothy 2:11-12 – “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” (Paul again reinforces that women should learn in a way that respects biblical authority.)
• Ephesians 5:25-26 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” (Husbands are responsible for teaching and leading their wives spiritually.)
• Titus 2:3-5 – “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live… to urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” (Encourages women to grow in faith and teach others in the right setting.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse teaches the importance of respecting God’s design for worship and leadership. While cultural practices have changed, the biblical principle remains: worship should be orderly, and men should take responsibility for spiritual leadership.

Women today have more opportunities for education and biblical learning, meaning they can be well-equipped to teach and discuss Scripture. However, the principle of order in worship and respect for authority still applies.

This verse also challenges husbands to step up in their spiritual leadership. Many Christian men today neglect their role in teaching and guiding their wives in faith. Paul’s instruction assumes that men should be able to answer their wives’ spiritual questions—a challenge for husbands to grow in biblical knowledge and leadership.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is reflected in His desire for order, peace, and respect within the church. He does not create rules to oppress women but to establish a structure where both men and women thrive.

By encouraging women to learn in ways that respect biblical leadership, God shows that He values both men and women, assigning them different but complementary roles.

This passage also highlights God’s love for families. By instructing women to ask their husbands at home, God is strengthening the marriage relationship and encouraging spiritual unity in the home.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus valued and uplifted women in ways that were revolutionary for His time. He taught women directly (Luke 10:39 – Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet) and welcomed them into His ministry (Luke 8:1-3).

At the same time, Jesus chose men to be His apostles and established male leadership in the early church. This was not because women were less important, but because God designed different roles for men and women.

• Luke 10:39 – “Mary… sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” (Jesus encouraged women to learn, but in a setting of order and respect.)
• Mark 3:14 – “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” (Jesus appointed men as leaders in the early church.)
• John 4:25-26 – Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman, showing that He values women and wants them to know the truth.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul emphasized order in worship throughout 1 Corinthians 14?
2. How can modern churches apply the principle of order in a way that honors both men and women?
3. What role do husbands have in spiritually leading their wives? How can they grow in this responsibility?
4. How do we balance women’s freedom to learn and participate in worship while respecting God’s design for leadership?
5. How does Jesus’ treatment of women help us understand Paul’s words in this passage?

This verse reminds us that worship should be orderly, respectful, and aligned with God’s design. When men and women embrace their biblical roles, the church thrives in peace, unity, and spiritual growth.