Paul instructed women to cover their heads as a symbol of authority, submission, and honor within the order of creation and public worship. The head covering was a cultural practice that expressed spiritual truths about gender roles, modesty, and reverence before God.
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.”
(1 Corinthians 11:5)
In the Corinthian church, women were participating in prayer and prophecy, but some were doing so without head coverings. Paul did not prohibit their participation, but corrected how it was done to reflect biblical order. The “head” in this context refers to authority. Paul writes:
“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
(1 Corinthians 11:3)
This is not about inequality, but design. Just as Christ is equal with God yet submits to the Father, so women and men are equal in value but have different roles. The head covering acknowledged this divine order.
Paul also appeals to creation:
“For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.”
(1 Corinthians 11:8–9)
This references Genesis, showing that the principle is rooted in creation, not just culture. However, the method of expressing it (a head covering) was culturally specific. In Corinth, to uncover one’s head could imply rebellion, immodesty, or even association with pagan practices. The head covering preserved purity and testimony in worship.
Paul concludes with a principle of honor and order:
“Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?”
(1 Corinthians 11:13)
He also reminds them:
“But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”
(1 Corinthians 11:16)
This shows the importance of maintaining godly conduct and humility in worship, even when cultural expressions vary. The heart of the command is about acknowledging God’s structure and displaying reverence.
