Eve Will Not Be Saved through Childbirth: A Better Reading of 1 Timothy 2:15

Paul’s claim in 1 Timothy 2:15 that Eve “will be saved through childbearing” perplexes many Bible readers. Modern commentators can seem as confused as the rest of us, offering a variety of solutions. This paper will make the case for a neglected reading of the key preposition (διά) as a way beyond the impasse. By understanding διά as attendant circumstance rather than means (“despite” rather than “through”) and taking “childbirth” as a reference to the sex-specific form of the curse in Genesis 3, Paul’s argument becomes clear and consistent. This reading allows the main verb (“saved”) to have its usual sense, fits with Paul’s sensitive reading of Genesis 2–3, and flows well with the immediate context. Most importantly, it does not require that Paul sees women as being saved in some way other than men (by faith). Were Paul addressing men, he might put the point this way: “He [Adam] will be saved despite [διά] thorns and thistles—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.”