Keraia
1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11:6

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

Translations

Modern
If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.
Traditional
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
Literal
For if a woman does not cover her head, also let her be shorn. And if it is shameful to a woman to be shorn or to be shaven, let her cover her head.
Latin
Nam si non velatur mulier, tondeatur. Si vero turpe est mulieri tonderi, aut decalvari, velet caput suum.

Original

Greek
English
If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.

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

Hair: Worn Long by Women Vail or Veil was Worn: As a Token of Subjection Wife: Relation of, to Husband Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Women: Wore Hair Long Women's Hair