What does 1 Corinthians 11:5 mean?

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 1 Corinthians 11:5

Explanation

1 Corinthians 11:5 addresses the issue of cultural customs pertaining to prayer and prophecy, and how they relate to gender roles within the context of Christian worship. It suggests that a woman who prays or prophesies without a covering on her head dishonors herself, equating it with being shaven—an action that was culturally considered disgraceful for women at the time. The verse implies that proper decorum and respect, symbolized here by the head covering, are important in the worship setting, and that men and women have different roles or presentations within this spiritual context.

Historical Context

The historical context of 1 Corinthians 11:5 reflects the cultural norms of the Greco-Roman era. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians are addressing the issues in a newly founded church in a cosmopolitan city where diverse customs and beliefs were present. The social norms included various head-covering practices that signified a woman’s marital status, social position, and modesty. It was also a period when the early Christian community was defining its identity and practices in contrast to both Jewish tradition and surrounding pagan cultures.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects the Pauline concern for order within the Christian community’s worship practices. Some interpret it as a call for a distinction between the genders as divinely established, with the head covering serving as a symbol of a woman’s acceptance of this order. Others view the passage as Paul addressing specific issues in Corinth that may not be universally applicable. There is debate among scholars and theologians over whether these guidelines are cultural and temporal or whether they transcend culture and time as permanent standards for Christian worship.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to consider the importance of cultural traditions and symbols that demonstrate respect and honor within their own context. Regardless of one’s stance on gender roles, the emphasis could be on behaving in a manner that is respectful and non-disruptive within one’s community during worship. For some, this may mean adhering to certain dress codes during religious services, while for others it might mean seeking the underlying principle of honor and respect and applying it in culturally relevant ways.

Cross-References

• 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 Timothy 2:9-10: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

Language Study

The key Greek words in the verse are:

• “woman” (γυνὴ – gynē): may refer to a woman of any age, whether married or unmarried.
• “prayeth” (προσεύχομαι – proseuchomai): generally refers to the act of prayer.
• “prophesieth” (προφητεύω – prophēteuō): means to prophesy, proclaim, or teach divine content.
• “uncovered” (ἀκατακάλυπτος – akatakaluptos): suggests having no covering, in this case, the head.
• “dishonoureth” (καταισχύνω – kataischynō): signifies to dishonor or disgrace.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Roman culture of the time, head coverings could signify a woman’s marital status, and respectable Roman women often wore a head covering called a “palla” when outside the home. In Jewish culture, women also covered their heads for modesty. While these practices vary, the theme of modesty and respecting social norms is common in many ancient religions and continues in various forms to this day.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific study does not typically intersect directly with religious customs such as head coverings. However, anthropology and sociology examine the roles of cultural traditions, norms, and symbols in societies. From these standpoints, head coverings and similar practices can be seen as part of the complex tapestry of human behaviors that foster social cohesion and signal personal or group identity.

Commentaries

Commentators are divided on this passage. Some traditional commentators take the text literally, suggesting that women should wear head coverings as a sign of authority and submission in the church. Others interpret the passage as culturally bound to the Corinthian era, arguing that the principle of respect and honor can be expressed in more culturally-relevant ways today. The broader view among many modern biblical scholars is that while the specific practice of head covering may not be a required norm, the principles of decency, orderliness, and sensitivity to the convictions of the worshiping community are enduring values to be upheld.