What does 1 Corinthians 11:7 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 11:7 is part of a larger passage in which the Apostle Paul discusses head coverings and their significance in worship and the roles of men and women in the church.

The verse reasons that a man should not cover his head because he is the image and glory of God, reflecting divine attributes and honor.

In contrast, the woman reflects the glory of the man.

At face value, the verse outlines a hierarchical order in which the man holds a position that should remain uncovered as a sign of authority while women, reflecting the glory of men, should cover their heads as a sign of submission in the cultural context of the Corinthians.

Historical Context

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul to address various issues in the church in Corinth.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city with influences from both Greek and Roman society.

In Greco-Roman culture, head coverings were a common practice and had social connotations.

Women often covered their heads as a sign of modesty and respect, especially in public worship settings.

Paul's letter is addressing customary practices of the time, and his specific instructions reflect the norms and the role of head coverings in maintaining order and propriety in the community.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this passage variously:

Complementarian Perspective: Some see this verse as reinforcing a complementarian view of gender roles, where men and women have distinct roles and functions, with men having authority in the church and family.

Egalitarian Perspective: Others interpret the passage through an egalitarian lens, suggesting that Paul's instructions were culturally bound and not prescriptive for all times and places.

They emphasize the underlying principle of mutual respect among believers over the cultural practice of head coverings.

Literary and Theological Analysis: Some scholars suggest that Paul is employing a complex argument that utilizes the cultural practices to illustrate a deeper theological point.

The reference to being made in the image and glory of God may be seen as a reaffirmation of the dignity of every person, regardless of gender.

Practical Applications

Regardless of the cultural practice of head coverings, the underlying principle can be applied as:

• A call for Christians to be considerate of cultural norms and practices in worship settings.
• An encouragement to uphold dignity and respect for every individual as bearing the image of God.
• A reminder to maintain order and propriety in corporate settings to avoid distractions or disruptions.

Cross-References

• Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
• 1 Corinthians 11:3 - "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
• Ephesians 5:23 - "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."

Language Study

In the original Greek language:

• Image (εἰκών, eikōn): This word suggests a likeness or representation, indicating that man in some way reflects God's character or attributes.
• Glory (δόξα, doxa): Often associated with honor, splendor, or divine radiance, this term indicates a manifestation of God's presence or power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing with other ancient cultures, many had concepts of gods in human form and associated certain hairstyles or head coverings with religious and social status.

For instance, in Egyptian and some Mesopotamian societies, gods and goddesses were depicted with specific headdresses, indicating their divinity and authority.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, discussions around the verse might focus on the biological differences between genders while also examining the psychological and social implications of traditional gender roles.

However, the core topics in this verse do not directly interact with scientific disciplines.

Commentaries

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 11:7 provide various understandings:

• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Gill interprets the verse within the context of the creation order and the distinctions between man and woman, asserting traditional gender roles within the church.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry suggests the verse exhorts men not to dishonor their head, Christ, by covering, while women are to show submission to their husbands by wearing a covering.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament: This commentary emphasizes the cultural backdrop of Paul's advice and warns against extracting universal principles from specific cultural practices without proper understanding of the context.

It interprets the passage as not necessarily prescribing permanent roles but addressing propriety in worship for that specific community.