Southern African perspectives on the role of womanhood in 1 Timothy 2:11-15

Abstract

An overview of contemporary approaches by Southern African scholars indicates that 1 Timothy 2:11-15 has patriarchal overtones which are irreconcilable with socio-political agenda's that aim at a greater leadership involvement of women in church or society. A philological examination of 1 Timothy 2:11-15 brings similarities in argument to light with Matthew 19:4-6, emphasizing the non-cultural basis for the separate roles for women and men that the author of 1 Timothy envisages. An examination of the textual context shows that this different role for womanhood is not abusive, but aims at an environment that is respectful towards women and in harmony with the purposes of humanity's Creator God. To preserve the integrity of the text and its message, either a traditional or a 'wild life' solution is preferable, where 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is allowed to function in the context of its own habitat and worldview.