9 “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9–10 (ESV)
Why would the Holy Spirit prompt the Apostle Paul to comment on women’s clothing and hairstyle choices? Are there certain clothing and hairstyles inherently sinful? What exactly was occurring in the Ephesian Church?
“Paul’s discussion of the way men are to pray in public worship (1 Tim. 2:8) is a natural transition from his words about prayer in general (vv. 1–7) to how women should act when Christians assemble (vv. 9–15). As always, our analysis of verses 9–10 is well-served by considering the text’s cultural background,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Paul wrote for women, particularly in the church worship services, to adorn themselves in respectable apparel. To adorn (κοσμεῖν; kosmein) means to make neat, to decorate, and to beautify. The English word cosmetic is derived from this Greek word. In other words, the word means “to make attractive, decorate, dress, and put in order (Matt. 12:44; 23:29; Luke 11:25; 21:5; 1 Tim. 2:9; Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 3:5; Rev 21:2, 19).”[1]
This adornment does was not solely centered on women’s cosmetics, then and now, but regard their clothing. Paul referred to respectable apparel. Respectable (κοσμίῳ; kosmio) which means suitable and modest clothing. Modest means restrained, reserved and discreet. In a contemporary culture of plunging necklines and high hemlines in women’s fashions, this biblical instruction is indeed countercultural.
Respectable modifies the noun apparel (καταστολῇ; katastole), which means clothing or the way a woman dresses. The word modesty (αἰδοῦς; aidous) means resulting with respect. Self-control (σωφροσύνης; sophrosynes) refers to moderation and sensibility.
“It is clear, therefore, that the apostle does not condemn the desire on the part of girls and women—a desire created in their souls by their Maker—to adorn themselves, to be “in good taste.” But if a woman’s robe is to be truly such, it will be expressive of modesty and good sense. Hence, Paul writes, “in adorning attire with modesty and good sense.” Modesty (αἰδώς) indicates a sense of shame, a shrinking from trespassing the boundaries of propriety; hence, proper reserve. The next word, which we have rendered good sense, means literally soundness of mind (σωφροσύνη),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.[2]
Regarding hairstyles, the apostle condemned “braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” Braided hair (πλέγμασιν;plegmasin) means woven. Apparently, in their braided hair, some women added gold (χρυσίῳ; chrysio) refers to gold jewelry. Pearls (μαργαρίταις; margaritais) meaning lustrous gems. Costly attire (πολυτελεῖ ἱματισμῷ; ploytelei himatismo) meaning expensive clothing.
“Scholarship has revealed the “new Roman woman” of first-century Roman society whose attitudes — sexual libertinism, fueled by increasingly available contraception and abortion, and rebellion against male headship in the home — were close to those of modern, radical feminism. Jewish and pagan authors alike condemned such things, noting that a woman’s clothing could show her feelings on these subjects. Wives influenced by this “feminism” often traded the modest, many-layered garment called the stola for the more-revealing toga associated with prostitutes. “New” women commonly wore elaborate, braided hairstyles adorned with ribbons, tortoise-shell combs, and gold and silver pins. Unfortunately, this philosophy and dress affected many Christian women, if not toward sexual libertinism then toward the reversal of family roles. The false teachers in Ephesus may have even encouraged some of these practices,” states Dr. Sproul.
“Women who dressed this way did not commend Christianity to the Jews and pagans who frowned upon the new Roman woman, and their seductive dress would have been no help to the men in the believing community who struggled with lust. One commentator notes how the sparkling reflection of bejeweled hairstyles in candlelight during evening worship would also have taken the focus off of God. Knowing that godly women desire to point others to the Lord, not themselves, Paul told them not to focus on cosmetic enhancement but good works (vv. 9–10) that lead people to glorify our Father (Matt. 5:16).”
On the contrary, Paul admonished Christian women to have an appearance which is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Proper (πρέπει; prepei) means what is suitable and appropriate. The suitability in Paul’s mind refers to godliness (θεοσέβειαν; theosebeian), which is a reverence and worship of God. Godliness is accompanied by good works (ἀγαθῶν ἔργων; agathon ergon).
“Given this background and the approval of jewelry elsewhere in Scripture (Song 1:10–11), it seems best not to read Paul’s words as an absolute prohibition of precious stones and metals. He simply calls women to use good judgment and modesty when they dress and to emphasize deeds of service over their outward appearance. This principle must be heard anew in our own day,” concludes Dr. Sproul.
Our manner of clothing choices says much about our values, and modesty. It is one way that we say “no” to the idols of physical perfection and sex worshiped in our culture. What does your clothing say about your values and cultural identity?
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).
[2] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 106.
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