Thoughts on Modesty 1 Timothy 2:8-10

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

Definitions Modest apparel – (kosmios) orderly, decorous, of good behavior Propriety – (aidos) (KJV, shamefacedness) literally, with downcast eyes; bashfulness Moderation – (sophrosune) soundness of mind, sanity, sobriety, self-control Drawing attention to oneself through either ostentatious apparel, or illicit apparel, would constitute immodest dress

Where Do We Draw the Line? Is it legitimate to say that God has not given explicit guidelines regarding modest dress? –Not logical for God to require something of us, and yet leave us without sufficient information to determine what His will is on the matter. By going to the Old Testament, there are principles defined whereby we may know what is and what is not modest dress. (cf. Romans 15:4)

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

Old Testament - Nakedness Definition – (arowm, Hebrew) “nude, either partially or totally” Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7, 9-10, 21)

Genesis 3:7, 9-10 (7), “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.” (9-10), “Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ 10 So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’”

Genesis 3:21 “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” Tunic – (kethoneth, Hebrews) lit. to cover. “a tunic, an inner garment next the skin; also worn by women; generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees, rarely to the ankles.” (Genesius, pg. 420) (Note: No distinction between men and women in this).

Old Testament - Nakedness Definition – (arowm, Hebrew) “nude, either partially or totally” Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7, 9-10, 21) Priestly garments (Exodus 28:42)

Exodus 28:42 “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.” Note: Well aware that this was ceremonial dress. However, note that the linen trousers had a practical purpose! To cover their nakedness as they ascended to the altar. The phrase is an inclusive Hebrew idiom, indicating a covering complete to the knee.

Old Testament - Nakedness Definition – (arowm, Hebrew) “nude, either partially or totally” Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7, 9-10, 21) Priestly garments (Exodus 28:42) Israel’s shame (Isaiah 47:2-3)

Isaiah 47:2-3 “Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. 3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man.” Note: Yes, figurative of Israel. But, the picture does not make sense if the definition of nakedness is not valid. An uncovering of the thigh.

Old Testament - Nakedness Definition – (arowm, Hebrew) “nude, either partially or totally” Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7, 9-10, 21) Priestly garments (Exodus 28:42) Israel’s shame (Isaiah 47:2-3) Note: We are not implying binding the O.T. God has not loosened what he considers sin (cf. Acts 17:30)

Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. Regarding sexual concerns, the New Testament does not loosen standards (as to what constitutes moral behavior). cf. Matthew 5:27-28; 31-32

Matthew 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:31-32 Furthermore it has been said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Things to Consider Dress that does not cover the chest, midriff and thigh is not modest, and should not be worn by any Christian. Dress that accentuates the body by tight fit or style can incite lust, and should not be worn by any Christian. The occasion is irrelevant. Modesty should not be compromised because of swimming, athletic activities, school costumes, etc. Consider the danger of becoming an occasion of stumbling to other Christians.

Conclusion “...but, which is proper for women professing godliness” (1 Timothy 2:10). 1. Christians are different from the world. It is “proper” for a Christian’s dress to reflect that difference. 2. Women are given a special admonition in the matter, and should realize the effect they have on men by their dress and actions.