Hair coverings have a special meaning in some parts of the Bible. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about women covering their hair and how it was understood in biblical times. With these verses, we gain insight into modesty and respect in worship.
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What Does The Bible Say About Woman Covering Their Hair
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 discusses the importance of women covering their heads as a sign of humility and submission. It suggests that a woman’s uncovered head is considered dishonorable and should be covered as a symbol of respect and modesty.
1 Corinthians 11:15
“But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
This verse emphasizes that long hair is considered a natural covering for women. It suggests that women who have long hair possess a built-in covering and do not necessarily need to cover their heads with an additional item.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“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, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
In these verses, women are encouraged to focus on inner beauty and righteous actions rather than extravagant outward appearances. Modesty and simplicity in dress are emphasized, highlighting the importance of cultivating a godly character rather than solely focusing on physical adornments.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
These verses reiterate the value of inner beauty and a gentle spirit over external adornments. The focus is placed on cultivating a humble and quiet demeanor, which is highly esteemed by God rather than relying on outward appearances for validation or worth.
Genesis 24:65
“Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?” the servant asked. “He is my master,” the woman answered. So, she took her veil and covered herself.”
This verse depicts a woman covering herself with a veil out of respect and modesty when approached by a man. It demonstrates a cultural practice of covering as a sign of reverence and submission.
Numbers 5:18
“Then the priest shall have the woman stand before the Lord and let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of remembrance, which is the grain offering of jealousy. And in his hand, the priest shall have the water of bitterness that brings the curse.”
Here, the act of a woman letting down her hair is strategic in a specific context. It is done during a ritual of jealousy to determine a wife’s faithfulness. The hair serves as a physical representation of a woman’s marital commitment and fidelity.
Judges 16:19
“Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him.”
Delilah uses the cutting of Samson’s hair as a means of weakening him. This narrative showcases the significance of hair as a symbol of strength and power, revealing the consequences of its removal.
Song of Solomon 4:1
“Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves behind your veil.”
In this poetic passage, the veil is mentioned as a complement to the beauty of the beloved. It speaks of the allure and mysteriousness that the veil can add to a woman’s appearance.
Ruth 3:4
“When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”
Ruth follows Naomi’s advice to uncover Boaz’s feet while he rests. This act is seen as a symbolic gesture of seeking protection and provision from him, signifying submission and vulnerability.
Song of Solomon 5:7
“The watchmen found me as they went about in the city; they beat me, they bruised me, they took away my veil, those watchmen of the walls.”
The removal of the woman’s veil in this verse signifies a loss of honor and dignity. It highlights the vulnerability and mistreatment she experiences when her covering is forcibly taken away.
Song of Solomon 6:7
“Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil.”
In this poetic description, the veil is mentioned again as a backdrop for the woman’s beauty. It adds an aura of mystery and allure, enhancing her attractiveness.
Isaiah 3:23
“The mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.”
This verse refers to veils as common attire during ancient times. It demonstrates that veiling was a prevalent practice among women at that period, perhaps for cultural and modesty reasons.
Esther 2:12
“Before a 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.”
While not directly mentioning veiling, this passage reveals the extensive beauty preparations that women underwent before entering the presence of the king. It suggests that women focused on enhancing their external appearances to gain favor and attract attention.
Song of Solomon 4:3
“Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.”
Here, the veil is mentioned alongside other physical features, serving as a backdrop for the beauty of the woman’s face. It contributes to the overall charm and attractiveness being described.
Exodus 34:33-35
“When Moses finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. But whenever he went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the people what the Lord had commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. So, Moses would put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with Him.”
Moses wearing a veil to cover his shining face after being in the presence of God demonstrates the holiness and glory of God. The veil represents a barrier between the divine and human realms, signifying the separation and reverence required in approaching God.
Genesis 38:14-15
“So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat on the open place which is on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face.”
In this narrative, Tamar disguises herself with a veil to deceive Judah. The veil serves as a tool for concealment and anonymity, allowing Tamar to enact her plan without being recognized.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
This verse metaphorically refers to the removal of a veil in relation to spiritual transformation. It signifies that through accepting Christ, the barriers between God and humanity are removed, allowing believers to experience freedom and reflect His glory.
Luke 23:28
“Jesus turned and said to them, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.”
In this passage, Jesus addresses the women of Jerusalem while being led to His crucifixion. Although veiling is not directly mentioned, this interaction highlights the unique perspective and compassion Jesus had for women and their role in society.
Exodus 3:10-11
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
In this conversation between God and Moses, Moses questions his ability and worthiness to carry out the task given to him. It reflects the theme of modesty and humility, acknowledging that one’s purpose and strength come from God rather than personal qualifications.
Exodus 26:33
“Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”
In describing the Tabernacle’s structure and layout, a curtain is mentioned as a division between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This curtain represents the separation between God’s presence and mankind, denoting the need for reverence and respect.
Matthew 5:29-30
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”
This passage speaks metaphorically about the seriousness of sin and the extreme measures one should take to avoid it. It highlights the significance of personal responsibility and the gravity of one’s actions.
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'”
In this verse, the Holy Spirit instructs the believers in the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific task. It demonstrates the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing the lives of believers, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s will in decision-making.