What does the Bible say about women teaching boys?

Biblical Foundation and Key Passages

A central passage often discussed in connection with this topic is found in 1 Timothy, where the apostle Paul gives instruction regarding teaching authority. While this passage is frequently cited in discussions of women teaching men in a church setting, it does not explicitly address all contexts or ages:

“Let a woman learn in quietness and full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:11–12)

Interpreters widely note that this passage emphasizes authority within the gathered assembly of believers. It specifically addresses teaching adult men with an authoritative capacity rather than children. The biblical text does not include a categorical prohibition of women teaching children, nor does the context center on minors.

Another key Scripture is 1 Corinthians 14:34–35. There, Paul instructs women to maintain order in the church service, not to speak disruptively. Yet again, the context is an assembled congregation of adult believers, not youth or children.

Examples of Women Teaching or Instructing

Scripture contains several examples of women actively involved in spiritual instruction, particularly toward children:

1. Lois and Eunice – Timothy’s faith is directly attributed to the spiritual influence of his mother and grandmother. Paul writes, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5). While Timothy would eventually become a leader and teacher in the church himself, his upbringing in the faith came from women.

2. Proverbs and the Role of Mothers – The book of Proverbs repeatedly encourages sons to heed both father and mother. Proverbs 1:8 says, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” This verse, and others like it (Proverbs 6:20), shows that mothers contribute distinct instruction alongside fathers, with no implication that their teaching is limited to girls.

3. Priscilla’s Role – Acts 18:26 mentions, “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him [Apollos], they took him in and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Though Priscilla was teaching alongside her husband, this couple’s instruction involved clarifying doctrinal truth for an adult man. While not specifically teaching a minor, it exemplifies a woman participating in theological instruction in some manner, particularly in personal or small-group settings.

Interpreting 1 Timothy 2 and the Nature of Authority

1 Timothy 2:11–12 is often read as restricting women from authoritative teaching roles over adult men in a congregational setting. The Greek term for “authority” (authentein) generally denotes a governance or direction in an official capacity over a grown man. This context suggests the role of elder or overseer (1 Timothy 3:1–7) in the local church gathering. By contrast, biblical instructions about teaching children have consistently welcomed women’s active role.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

Early Christian writings and external historical documents affirm that women were responsible for training and guiding children in the faith. Archaeological evidence from certain family households in the Early Church period indicates that mothers commonly oversaw religious upbringing. Moreover, ancient manuscripts—including early papyrus fragments containing Paul’s pastoral epistles—demonstrate consistent transmission of these instructions without textual variation that would suggest restricting women from teaching children.

A Harmony of Scriptural Teaching

Taken together, the relevant texts reveal:

1. No Direct Prohibition for Teaching Children – Nowhere in the New Testament is there a prohibition against women instructing children. The instructions that limit women’s teaching specifically mention contexts involving grown men and church authority structures.

2. Encouragement of Mothers and Caregivers – Throughout Scripture, teaching and nurturing children from a young age is encouraged. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs all parents, “And you shall teach them diligently to your children…” No distinction is made that women should refrain from teaching boys.

3. Exemplification of Women’s Instruction – Timothy’s life exemplifies the legitimate place of women serving as spiritual teachers for children and even preparing them for future leadership.

Practical Application in Church Ministry

Because of the biblical examples of maternal instruction and the lack of prohibition regarding children, many church traditions have encouraged women to serve as Sunday school teachers, youth counselors, or mentors. This participation aligns closely with instructions to older believers to train and guide younger ones in the faith (Titus 2:3–5).

In congregational services or official pastoral roles, discussions often shift to whether a woman is exercising authority over adult men. Yet most interpretive traditions recognize a distinction between teaching children and teaching men who hold recognized positions of responsibility in the church.

Conclusion

Scripture provides clear examples of women instructing children, including boys. No New Testament text explicitly forbids women from teaching minors. From the care of Lois and Eunice to the overarching biblical principle of nurturing the younger generation in the ways of the Lord, Scripture consistently affirms and celebrates women’s indispensable role in passing on the faith. While specific instructions exist regarding women teaching adult men in official church gatherings, these do not extend to boys or children, thus supporting the broad practice of women sharing God’s truth across generations.