Keraia
1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11:5

Roles in Worship · 1 Corinthians 11:1–16
Read 1 Corinthians 11

Translations

Modern
And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved.
Traditional
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
Literal
And every woman praying or prophesying with the head uncovered dishonors her head; for it is one and the same with having been shaven.
Latin
Omnis autem mulier orans, aut prophetans non velato capite, deturpat caput suum: unum enim est ac si decalvetur.

Original

Greek
English
And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved.

Notes

1 Corinthians 11:4–6

  • In this passage, head is used both literally and figuratively. A man who covers his physical head while praying dishonors his spiritual head, Christ. A woman who prays or prophesies without covering her physical head dishonors her spiritual head, her husband.

  • The spiritual gift of prophesying is the God-given ability to speak a specific message from God, not just to predict the future (see 12:10; 14:1–5; 1 Thessalonians 5:20).

  • every woman who prays or prophesies: Women were allowed to pray and prophesy publicly in the church (see Acts 21:9).

1 Corinthians 11:3–16

Paul discusses a woman's use of a head covering. He argues that women who pray or prophesy in public should wear a veil. This is to dress modestly and appropriately during worship (compare 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3). Some in Corinth were not wearing head coverings, citing freedom in Christ. Paul supports the custom based on social traditions, the Genesis creation story, and the presence of angels.

Glossary

Acts of Paul and Thecla Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Covering of the Head First Letter to the Corinthians Head Head Covering Lord’s Supper, the

Topics

Covering of Heads Dressing Hair: Worn Long by Women Head Coverings Head of Women Generally Covered in Public Head: (Covered) of Subjection Wearing Hats Wife: Relation of, to Husband Women: Religious Privileges of, Among Early Christians Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Women: Wore Hair Long Women's Hair