1 Corinthians 11 New International Version (NIV)
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
On Covering the Head in Worship
2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. 3 But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,[a] and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 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.
7 A man ought not to cover his head,[b] since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own[c] head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 11:3 Or of the wife is her husband
b. 1 Corinthians 11:7 Or Every man who prays or prophesies with long hair dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with no covering of hair dishonors her head—she is just like one of the “shorn women.” If a woman has no covering, let her be for now with short hair; but since it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair shorn or shaved, she should grow it again. A man ought not to have long hair
c. 1 Corinthians 11:10 Or have a sign of authority on her
Well, the above is passage we are going to be studying tonight. It looks like it will be an interesting night … I just hope I survive it.
Sometimes I struggle with Paul’s writing. But I have to remember that Paul lived in a very different time than today. Still, God’s Word is God’s Word. And I truly believe that God’s Word speaks as clearly today as it spoke when Paul wrote his letter to the church at Corinth.
Let’s begin by understanding the word “head”. Now, is Paul talking about our body part that we call the head? Or is he referring to what has prominence or preeminence? Well, the answer is “yes” – meaning that Paul is referring to the body part as well as who has prominence and / or preeminence. Take a look at verse 3: Who is the head of Christ? During His earthly ministry, Jesus was consistently obedient to God. Why? Because God is His head. Now we know that Jesus is God made flesh and has every attribute of God. But while on earth, Jesus subjugated Himself to the Father.
Paul states that the head of every man is Christ. And the head of every woman (meaning wife or daughter) is the man. His logic is explained in verse 8. It is like a pecking order of protection. I answer to Christ who protects me as the husband of Norma and our unmarried … and I protect Norma and my unmarried children. I know I am doing a poor job of explaining … but suffice it to say that my life mate – who is my equal – is also under my care and love.
Well, does this mean that Jesus doesn’t care for my wife (or women) directly? No … I know He not only cares, He loves each one of you specifically. And it is through that love that He has given you a life mate to care for you.
Anyway, I am looking forward to tonight’s discussion. I am going to blame it all on Bob Deffinbaugh anyway.
Have a blessed day!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
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