What does 1 Corinthians 11:6 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 11:6 is a part of a longer discourse in which the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of head coverings during worship.

The verse advises that if a woman does not cover her head, then she might as well have her hair cut short.

However, because it was considered shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, Paul argues that it is proper for her to be covered.

The underlying message here is that women ought to adhere to the cultural norms of modesty and propriety during worship, which, at that time, involved covering one’s head.

Historical Context

The historical context of 1 Corinthians 11:6 is the early Christian community in Corinth during the first century A.D.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with various religious practices and cultural norms.

The city's diversity included different perspectives on gender roles and attire.

In Jewish tradition, a woman's head covering symbolized modesty, while Greek and Roman cultures had varying attitudes towards women's attire.

Paul, addressing a predominantly gentile church in a Hellenistic city, is trying to navigate these cultural expectations while establishing norms for orderly worship.

Theological Insights

The verse offers several theological insights:

• Modesty: The passage suggests that modesty is an outward expression of internal respect for God, particularly in a worship setting.
• Authority: The broader context includes discussions of headship and authority, with the head covering serving as a symbol of a woman's acknowledgment of male headship in the Christian community.
• Cultural Sensitivity: It illustrates the early church's attempts to reconcile Christian freedom with respect for prevailing cultural practices.

Different Christian denominations have interpreted this verse differently.

Some see it as a timeless prescription for women to cover their heads in worship services, while others interpret it as a cultural guideline relevant to the society Paul was addressing but not binding on all cultures.

Practical Applications

Practical applications from this verse vary, but may include:

• Respecting Cultural Norms: Christians today can take away the importance of being sensitive to and respectful of cultural norms, especially in a worship context.
• Modesty: This passage might encourage individuals to consider how their attire and behavior reflect their reverence for God and their respect for others.
• Gender Roles in Worship: Some communities may use this verse to discuss and determine the roles of men and women in their worship services.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 11:5: "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 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."
• 1 Peter 3:3: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;"

Language Study

The key phrases in 1 Corinthians 11:6 include "be not covered" (κατὰ κεφαλῆς ἔχουσιν, kata kephalēs echousin) and "be shorn" (κείρασθαι, keirasthai).

"Covered" in this context is about having a veil or covering over the head.

"Be shorn" translates to being cut short or having one's hair cut. The graphic nature of the phrase underscores the perceived severity of a woman appearing in public worship without adhering to expected modesty conventions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, head coverings for women were common.

In ancient Judaism, for example, it was customary for women to cover their heads as a sign of modesty.

Similarly, in Greco-Roman society, women of higher status often covered their hair.

This practice aligns with other Ancient Near Eastern cultures where head coverings could signify marital status, social status, or religious piety.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or sociological perspective, the principle of modesty and its expression through attire is considered a universal cultural phenomenon, not restricted to any single religion.

The human desire for social harmony often results in adherence to established norms and can influence behavior, such as the wearing of specific garments in religious contexts.

Commentaries

Commentators throughout history have provided varied interpretations of 1 Corinthians 11:6.

Many agree that Paul is addressing culturally specific practices of his time.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that nature itself teaches that it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaven, and thus, covering the head is a sign of subjection acknowledged by the woman.

John Calvin emphasized the importance of maintaining decency and order in public worship.

Contemporary feminist theologians may critique the verse for perceived gender biases.

These varying interpretations show how each generation grapples with the relevance of the text to their context.