1 Timothy 4:11

4:11 Command and teach these things.

1 Timothy 2:12

2:12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.

1 Timothy 6:2

6:2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

Summary of Timothy’s Duties

Teach them and exhort them about these things.


sn But I do not allow. Although the Greek conjunction δέ (de) can have a simple connective force (“and”), it is best to take it as contrastive here: Verse 11 gives a positive statement (that is to say, that a woman should learn). This was a radical and liberating departure from the Jewish view that women were not to learn the law.

tn According to BDAG 150 s.v. αὐθεντέω this Greek verb means “to assume a stance of independent authority, give orders to, dictate to” (cf. JB “tell a man what to do”).

tn Grk “but to be in quietness.” The phrase ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ (en Jhsucia) is used in Greek literature either of absolute silence or of a quiet demeanor.

tn Or “think the less of them”; Grk “despise them,” “look down on them.”

tn Or “those who devote themselves to service are faithful and dearly loved” (referring to slaves who serve them).

tn Grk “these things teach and exhort.”