1 Corinthians 14:35

γυναικὶ אAB, Vulg. γυναιξίν DEFG, Peshito and most copies of the Vetus Lat.

35. θέλουσιν. The ‘will’ of the A.V. is here not the sign of the simple future. ‘If they want to learn anything, let them &c.’

τοὺς ἰδίους ἄνδρας. Their own husbands. The women were not only not permitted to teach (see 1 Timothy 2:11-14) but even to ask questions in Church, a privilege, says Grotius, permitted to men, but denied to women, among the Jews. It seems to be assumed that the unmarried ones would not think of doing so. This rule applies in its strictness only to the East, where women were kept in strict seclusion, and only permitted to converse with their male relatives. Calvin remarks, ‘When he says husbands, he does not prohibit them, in case of need, from consulting the prophets themselves; for all husbands are not qualified to give information on such subjects.’ Estius defends the right of women to consult pious and prudent men, so long as it be done without giving occasion of scandal.

αἰσχρόν. Disgraceful.