This is one subject where the "hard liners" say it means for the women to keep quiet and never utter a word, but only during the "worship service". This is based on the simple meaning of the English word silence. There is one other phrase that is important, "in the church".

It is always a good idea to check the Greek word meaning and root words as well. By the way, Strong's did his work ten years before the Koine Greek was known. He does guess sometimes and you will note the phrase "probably a derivative of". So here is what we find.

The Greek word translated silence. Feminine of G2272; (as noun) stillness, that is, desistance from bustle or language.

G2272 is masculine or neuter case and an adjective. A prolonged form of a compound probably of a derivative of the base of G1476 and perhaps G2192; properly keeping one’s seat (sedentary), that is, (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing).

Here is the meaning of the root words. G1476 From a derivative of hezomai (to sit); sedentary, that is, (by implication) immovable: G2192 A primary verb (including an alternate form σχέω scheō skheh'-o used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition).

The scriptures.

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.

1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

After reading all of that we will add a bit of a definition.

The word church is translated from a Greek word that just means the called out. It does not denote a specific location or place where a group meets. It only refers to those who are a part of a group. So the first thing to note is that if absolute silence is what is required then it is required at all times always and every where. By the way, the same conclusion must be drawn for any other thing that is taught to be something for at church only.

So what is meant by the word definitions? The idea is that when teaching or learning are taking place, Paul wants the women seated (sedentary) and in subjection or subordination in an orderly fashion. It is totally ignored in most group settings today, but Paul says that the women should ask their husbands at home or at least not ask a question in the group setting.

This leads one to understand that the woman is not to teach or to become an authority or source of learning in any group setting of the church members.

Paul supports God's Law. He does this with the phrase, "as also saith the law". People tend to ignore the idea that he mentioned the Law and that he did not say something like "as also the law used to say when it was still in effect". God doesn't change and he does not change His morals. Scripture says that Christ is the Word, the Law. Getting rid of the Law gets rid of Christ and God's morals. It is the subordination that is taught in the Law. It would be a good women's study to learn what subjection or subordination mean, trying to ignore how it is understood in other pagan religions, such as Islam.

Tim

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