1 Corinthians 14:34

let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.

'keep silence' -the same word is also used in 1 Corinthians 14:28. So right away we know that this word doesn't mean "absolute silence" in all things. In this chapter the silence has applied to. specific area, i.e. remaining silent in the realm of addressing the public assembly. (1 Corinthians 14:28)

'not permitted unto them to speak' -again, this must refer to. specific realm of speaking. To make this. blanket command covering all and any speaking in the assembly,. Christian woman couldn't even sing (Ephesians 5:19) in the assembly, or confess Jesus before being baptized. (Acts 8:37)

'let them be in subjection' -obviously then, the abuse that this verse is designed to correct, involved women speaking in the assembly in. manner that violated her subjection.. woman singing doesn't violate her subjection, neither would. woman giving an answer to. bible question when called upon by the teacher.

Since this whole section has dealt with abuses caused by those who insisted on their rights to address the public assembly. It seems that the congregation in Corinth was also faced with. group of women who were insisting upon their rights to either address or use their spiritual gifts (women did possess them- Acts 21:9) in the assembly.

We should note that the New Testament Church possessed. member of talented and gifted women. And yet, Paul shut the door on such women addressing the assembly. Therefore, the argument often presented, that the talents that some women possess demand that the church allow them to become preachers, elders, deacons or teachers in. mixed adult class fails in light of Scripture. If women, women who could speak by inspiration were forbidden from addressing the assembly of the church, then such. rule must apply to all women in all ages and cultures since this day and age of the miraculous. If the greatest gift doesn't authorize it, then neither can all lesser gifts or talents.

'as also saith the law' -probably Genesis 3:16. if any particular verse is meant. In 1 Timothy 2:11. Paul will make the same type of argument on material found in the early Chapter s in Genesis.