1 Timothy2:11

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Translation

With calm tranquility

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a woman must learn

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in all submission.

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Paraphrase

With an attitude of calm tranquility that doesn’t cause any strife, a woman is required to learn spiritual truths while demonstrating submission to the man who cares for her.

Footnotes

1

This word refers to an attitude of “calmness and tranquility;” it is a picture of someone who is not causing strife, nor meddling in the affairs of others, nor stepping on people’s toes. It does NOT mean silence or speechlessness; there is another Greek word for that.

2: "must learn"

This is an imperative verb form, a command. It is not a suggestion.

The fact that women were required to learn anything was a departure from the way many in that culture and time treated women. Back then, many men did not want women to learn to read or to learn the details of the Law, but Jesus and the Apostles saw the importance of the role of women as teachers and co-regents with men in the realm of their homes. Actually the Old Testament also saw women as teachers of their children and partners with their husbands in preparing the next generation, a role for which learning and knowledge are important. The Bible consistently elevated women to a more honorable level than did societies of ancient times.

3

The noun “submission” comes from a verb which is made of two words: “to arrange” and “under.” The verb refers to the one in power, such as a conquering king or general, placing his newly acquired subjects under him in an organized, well-arranged manner, i.e. “to subject.” Because they were under him, full obedience was expected. The noun form is focused on the one who has been subjected or must submit.

Notice that once again, the ideas of order, organization and arrangement are emphasized. Here it refers to the way societies were organized with clear lines of authority and clearly defined expectations for the roles each one should carry out.