1 Corinthians 11:13
“Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?”
Context:This verse is part of a larger passage in 1 Corinthians 11 where the apostle Paul discusses the issue of head coverings during worship and the roles of men and women in the church.
The passage begins in 1 Corinthians 11:2, where Paul praises the Corinthian believers for holding fast to the traditions he passed on to them. In verses 3-12, Paul discusses the order of authority between men and women, asserting that God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. He also highlights the concept of headship and the symbolism of head coverings as a sign of authority and submission.
In verse 13, Paul introduces the concept of judgment and asks the believers to make a thoughtful assessment for themselves: “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?” Here, Paul presents a rhetorical question, inviting the Corinthians to consider whether it is appropriate for a woman to pray to God without a head covering.
The phrase “is it comely” refers to what is fitting, proper, or decent. Paul is not giving a direct command but rather prompting the believers to think critically about the cultural norms and customs of their time. In the Corinthian culture, women who went unveiled in public were often associated with impropriety or loose behaviour. By asking this question, Paul encourages the believers to consider the perception and cultural context of their actions.
In the subsequent verses (14-15), Paul provides arguments for the importance of head coverings, drawing from nature and the created order. He states that long hair is given to women as a natural covering, while men should not have long hair, as it goes against nature. Paul’s primary concern seems to be maintaining order and appropriate gender distinctions within the worship setting.
It’s important to note that the specific cultural practices and norms regarding head coverings in Paul’s time may not be universally applicable in all cultures and time periods. However, the underlying principles of order, submission, and cultural sensitivity can still be relevant for believers today. The emphasis is on maintaining an attitude of reverence, respect, and decorum in our worship of God.
