Some parts of the Bible might seem a little puzzling at first, and head coverings are one of those topics. In 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about men and women covering their heads while praying or prophesying, and many wonder what it means today. Today, let’s look at the cultural and spiritual ideas behind this teaching and how they apply to us now.
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What Does The Bible Say About Head Coverings
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
This verse speaks to the hierarchy that God has established, where Christ is the head of every man, man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ. It implies that women should wear head coverings as a sign of submission to their husbands and to honor the order that God has ordained.
1 Corinthians 11:5
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of women covering their heads when engaging in acts of worship, such as prayer or prophesying. It suggests that failing to cover their heads brings dishonor to themselves and their husbands, as going without a head covering is seen as a violation of societal norms and a disregard for God’s order.
1 Corinthians 11:6
“For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
This verse uses hair as a symbol of femininity and beauty. It states that if a woman refuses to cover her head, it is as though she has cut off her hair, which is considered a shameful act. To avoid disgrace, women should cover their heads and maintain their feminine appearance as a sign of respect.
1 Corinthians 11:7
“A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”
This verse highlights the distinction between men and women in terms of their roles and responsibilities. It states that a man should not cover his head since he reflects the image and glory of God, while woman, in turn, represents the glory of man. It implies that head coverings are primarily for women to maintain a proper order and representation in relation to men.
1 Corinthians 11:10
“It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.”
This verse suggests that women should exercise authority over their own heads by wearing a head covering. The reference to angels emphasizes the spiritual significance and divine order associated with head coverings, indicating that wearing one is an act of obedience and reverence towards God.
1 Corinthians 11:13
“Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?”
In this verse, Paul poses the question of whether it is appropriate for a woman to pray without a head covering. By challenging the Corinthians to think for themselves, he invites them to consider the cultural and spiritual implications of head coverings, implying that it is not proper for a woman to pray without one.
1 Corinthians 11:15
“But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.”
This verse acknowledges the natural hair of a woman as a covering. It recognizes a distinction between a physical covering (long hair) and a symbolic covering (a head covering). It states that a woman’s long hair is given to her as a glory, indicating that it serves as a partial covering but does not replace the need for a separate head covering.
1 Corinthians 11:16
“If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.”
Paul concludes this discussion on head coverings by stating that if anyone wishes to argue against this practice, they should know that the apostolic tradition of covering heads is consistent across all the churches. This verse affirms the importance of adherence to this teaching and emphasizes its widespread acceptance among the early Christian communities.
Genesis 24:65
“She asked the servant, ‘Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?’ He replied, ‘He is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself.”
In this verse, Rebekah covers herself with a veil upon meeting Isaac, whom she recognizes as her future husband’s master. This act signifies respect, modesty, and submission to her husband-to-be and sets a precedent for women covering their heads as a sign of reverence and submission in biblical times.
Exodus 34:33
“When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face.”
After speaking with God and receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses veiled his face to shield the Israelites from the radiant glory of God that shone from him. This act symbolizes the need to cover oneself in the presence of divine holiness. Similarly, women in the New Testament are called to cover their heads to honor the holiness and authority of God.
Ezekiel 13:18
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own?”
This verse rebukes the women who use veils as tools of deception and manipulation. It highlights the importance of the right intent behind the practice of wearing head coverings, cautioning against using them for deceitful purposes and encouraging a sincere and genuine expression of faith.
Numbers 5:18
“Then the priest shall have the woman stand before the Lord and expose her hair, and he shall place in her hands the grain offering for jealousy, while he himself holds the bitter water that brings a curse.”
This verse describes a ritual involving a suspected unfaithful wife, where her hair is exposed as part of the investigation process. While this verse does not directly address head coverings, it emphasizes the symbolic significance of a woman’s hair and the importance of modesty and proper conduct in biblical society.
Esther 2:12
“Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.”
Although this verse does not explicitly discuss head coverings, it highlights the value placed on external beauty and grooming in ancient times. It indirectly supports the notion of head coverings as a way to prioritize modesty and redirect attention from physical appearance towards spiritual devotion.
Song of Solomon 4:1
“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves.”
This verse uses the imagery of a veil to describe the beauty and allure of the beloved. Although the verse is not a direct reference to head coverings in worship, it highlights the cultural understanding of veils as an adornment that enhanced a woman’s beauty and femininity.
Isaiah 47:2
“Take millstones and grind flour; take off your veil. Lift up your skirts, bare your legs, and wade through the streams.”
In this verse, the removal of a veil is associated with the loss of dignity and modesty. It serves as a reminder that veils held significant cultural and religious significance during biblical times, and their removal carried symbolic implications.
Ruth 3:9
“Who are you?’ he asked. ‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said. ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.’”
While not directly related to head coverings, this verse highlights the significance of garments and the symbolic act of spreading one’s garment over another person. Ruth’s request signifies her desire for Boaz’s protection and care, reflecting the importance of symbols and actions in biblical culture.
Joel 2:16
“Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.”
This verse describes an assembly of people for a solemn occasion, emphasizing the importance of bringing the community together. While it does not specifically address head coverings, it suggests the significance of coming together as a unified group, potentially implying the practices of communal worship and reverence.
Psalm 45:13-14
“All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her—those brought to be with her.”
Although this verse does not mention head coverings, it embodies the veil’s cultural symbolism in terms of beauty, purity, and the coming together of a bride and a bridegroom. It can evoke thoughts of modesty and the ceremonial aspect associated with marriage and special occasions.
Amos 5:23
“Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.”
This verse criticizes outward displays of worship without genuine devotion and righteous living. It serves as a reminder that the act of wearing a head covering should be accompanied by a sincere heart and a genuine desire to honor God, rather than merely conforming outwardly to religious practices.
Genesis 24:17
“Then the servant ran to meet her and said, ‘Please give me a little water from your jar.'”
Although this verse does not directly address head coverings, it depicts Rebekah’s encounter with Abraham’s servant. The servant’s request for water sets the stage for the subsequent veiling of Rebekah, signifying her societal and cultural commitment to hospitality and modesty.
1 Timothy 2:9
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.”
While not specifically about head coverings, this verse emphasizes the importance of modesty and propriety in women’s attire. It encourages women to prioritize inner beauty and a modest appearance rather than being overly concerned with external adornments, aligning with the principles underlying the practice of head coverings.
Nehemiah 13:23-24
“Moreover, in those days, I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah.”
This verse does not explain head coverings directly but illustrates the importance of maintaining cultural and religious practices. It warns against intermarriage that could lead to the dilution or loss of one’s faith, serving as a reminder of the significance of honoring and preserving established customs.
Deuteronomy 21:10-13
“When you go to war against your enemies and the Lord your God delivers them into your hands and you take captives, if you notice among the captives a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife. Bring her into your home and have her shave her head, trim her nails, and put aside the clothes she was wearing when captured. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, then you may go to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife.”
This verse speaks to the process of integrating captives into Israelite society, including a woman’s transition upon marriage. Though not explicitly mentioning head coverings, it highlights the transformation women would undergo as they adjusted to the cultural norms and practices of their new community.
2 Samuel 15:30
“But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered, and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too as they went up, weeping as they went.”
In this verse, David covers his head in a moment of mourning and lamentation. This act, along with others joining him in covering their heads, demonstrates the cultural practice of using head coverings as a visible sign of grief, sorrow, and humility before God.
Ezekiel 16:10-13
“I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put sandals of fine leather on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
This verse describes the extravagant adornments and garments given to a metaphorical city, symbolizing God’s provision and care for His people. While not specifically addressing head coverings, it conveys the importance of God’s covering and protection over His beloved, reflecting the spiritual significance associated with various forms of coverings.