1 Corinthians 11:6

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.

1 Corinthians 11:6 (KJV)

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians to address various issues and concerns within the church in Corinth. In Chapter 11, Paul addresses the topic of proper decorum and order during public worship gatherings, particularly focusing on the roles and behaviours of men and women.

In 1 Corinthians 11:6, Paul discusses the issue of a woman’s head covering during worship. The verse presents a conditional argument: if a woman does not have a head covering, then she should have her hair cut short. However, if it is considered shameful for a woman to have short hair, then she should cover her head. The underlying logic is that an uncovered head in worship is equivalent to being shaven, which was considered a shame or disgrace.

Meaning

It is important to understand the cultural context in which Paul was writing. During that time, head coverings were common for women in society, and they served as a symbol of modesty and submission. The covering refers to a veil or some sort of head covering customary in the place where she lives. By addressing this issue, Paul sought to ensure that the Corinthian church maintained cultural propriety and did not bring unnecessary controversy or offence to the community.

The head covering in this verse has symbolic significance beyond its cultural context. It represents the authority structure established by God. In the biblical framework, men and women have distinct but complementary roles within the family and the church. The head covering for women serves as a visible symbol of their submission to the authority of God, as represented through male leadership. The argument is that if a woman lays aside the covering, she might as well lay aside all the usual and proper indications of her sex and rank in life.

Biblical connections

This verse is connected to the preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 11:5, which states that a woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head, and it is the same as being shaven. The following verse, 1 Corinthians 11:7, introduces the theological basis for these instructions, noting that man is the image and glory of God, and woman is the glory of man.

• Equality and Mutual Respect: It is important to note that this verse should not be interpreted as a means to promote inequality or suppress the value of women. The focus here is on maintaining order and propriety within the worship gathering, rather than establishing an inherent superiority of one gender over another.

• Application with Cultural Sensitivity: It is essential to apply these principles with cultural sensitivity and discernment. Cultural practices regarding head coverings vary across different regions and contexts. What is appropriate or customary in one culture may not be the same in another. It is crucial to consider the overarching principles of respect, modesty, and submission while adapting to cultural norms in a way that does not compromise biblical truth.

Application

1 Corinthians 11:6 addresses the issue of head coverings in the context of worship gatherings in the early church. While the cultural practice of head coverings may have changed, the underlying principles of modesty, respect, and submission still hold value for Christians today. The verse reminds us to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects godly submission and respect for established authority structures while being sensitive to cultural practices.