I Corinthians 11:2-16
Head Coverings for Women

Today, 05/17/2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in I Corinthians 11:2-16.

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

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.

4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

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.

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.

7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

[King James Version]

Suggested Questions:

1. What does the word “the head” in verse 3 mean?

2. Do the drawings of the Lord Jesus Christ with his head covered while preaching the Bible contradict the teaching in verse 4? If yes, why? If not, why?

3. What does prophesying mean?

4. Does verse 7 teach that men should not cover their heads, including not wearing hats in everyday activities?

5. Why do women need to cover their heads when praying and prophesying because of the angels?

6. Does verse 10 teach that women covering their heads while praying and prophesying is a command from the Lord, not just a human custom or tradition?

7. Do the drawings of the Lord Jesus Christ with long hair contradict the teaching in verse 14?

8. Does verse 15 teach that women who have long hair do not need to cover their heads when praying and prophesying?

Suggested Applications:

1. In your opinion, can men cover their heads or wear hats to protect or enhance their appearance?

2. In your opinion, does “prophesying” include all speaking about God and His Word?

3. In your opinion, how should God’s people react to drawings of the Lord Jesus Christ with long hair or covered heads while teaching?