1 Corinthians 11:16

But if any man seeme to be contentious, we haue no such custome, neither the Churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:16 (KJV)

In order to grasp the meaning of this verse it is essential to view it against the backdrop of the surrounding passage (1 Corinthians 11:2‑15). Paul is addressing the practice of head coverings in the worship of the Corinthian church. He explains the principle of headship: men are to pray or prophesy with their heads uncovered, while women are to cover their heads as a sign of submission to the order God has established. The custom of covering the head was a cultural norm in Corinth, and Paul links that external practice to a deeper spiritual significance.

The opening clause, “But if any man be contentious,” signals Paul’s awareness that some believers were disputing the necessity of the head‑covering or questioning its relevance. He acknowledges the potential for disagreement within the congregation and seeks to address it directly.

Paul’s response, “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God,” is understood to refer to the habit of being contentious rather than to the head‑covering itself. He affirms that the churches of God are not characterized by quarrels over non‑essential matters. In other words, the community should not foster a spirit of argumentation about issues that do not affect the core of the gospel.

Throughout the passage Paul stresses the importance of unity and order. The instruction on head coverings is not merely about a cultural fashion but serves as a visible sign of respect for the God‑ordained authority structure. By maintaining proper decorum, believers demonstrate submission to God’s established order.

Application of this principle varies with cultural context. While Paul’s immediate concern was the specific situation in Corinth, the broader principles—maintaining unity, avoiding unnecessary strife, and honoring God’s authority—remain relevant for churches today. Local customs may differ, but the call to harmony and the rejection of a contentious spirit are timeless.

In summary, the verse underscores that the church should not be a place of dispute over peripheral issues. Unity, order, and reverence for God’s authority are the hallmarks of a healthy congregation, and any practice, such as head covering, must be evaluated in light of its purpose to promote those greater biblical values.