The topic of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 offers profound insight into the Apostle Paul’s teachings on headship, authority, and worship within the early church. While the cultural custom of head coverings is no longer widely practiced among Christians, Paul’s instructions remain relevant for their underlying principles: honoring God’s order and fostering reverence in worship. This essay explores the cultural, theological, and practical aspects of head coverings, addressing the enduring message behind Paul’s guidance.
Words: 1275 / Time to read: 7 minutes
Scriptural Context and Paul’s Explanation of Headship
Paul begins his discourse by establishing a divine hierarchy:
“The head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3).
This hierarchy is not about value or superiority but reflects God’s design for order in relationships. Within this structure, men are to honor Christ as their head, while women, particularly in worship settings, are to show respect for their role by covering their heads.
In Paul’s view, a man covering his head during worship dishonors his role as a reflection of God’s glory, while a woman uncovering her head dishonors her role, symbolizing a rejection of God’s order. The head covering served as a visible sign of submission to God’s design and respect for the established order of worship.
Cultural and Historical Context
The city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan hub deeply influenced by Greek, Roman, and pagan customs. Public head coverings for women symbolized modesty and respectability, while an uncovered head could be associated with defiance or even immorality, particularly in a culture where temple prostitution was prevalent.
Paul’s instruction reflects a sensitivity to these cultural norms, ensuring that Christian worship practices would not be misinterpreted by outsiders or bring reproach to the church. Respected theologian Charles Ryrie notes that Paul’s guidance was not about enforcing universal dress codes but addressing a practice that, in Corinthian society, demonstrated reverence and propriety. Similarly, C.I. Scofield emphasizes that head coverings in Corinth were a cultural symbol of respect that aligned with the broader biblical principle of honoring God’s order in worship.
Theological Implications of Headship and Submission
Paul’s teaching extends beyond cultural customs to address a foundational theological truth: the principle of headship, rooted in the relational structure of the Godhead. Within the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit operate in perfect unity and harmony, each fulfilling distinct roles without diminishing their equality. For example, Jesus submits to the Father’s will, as seen in John 5:19:
“The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.”
This divine order serves as a model for relationships within the church and family. John Walvoord highlights that submission within headship does not imply inferiority but reflects God’s design for relational harmony. By upholding this principle in worship, believers mirror the unity and mutual respect inherent in the Godhead.
Paul also emphasizes mutual dependence between men and women:
“In the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God” (1 Corinthians 11:11-12).
This interdependence underscores that while roles differ, men and women are equal in value and purpose within God’s design. Charles Ryrie observes that this balance safeguards against misusing headship as a means of control, instead highlighting its role in fostering cooperation and unity.
Practical Applications in Modern Worship
While head coverings were culturally significant in Corinth, the broader principle of reverence in worship transcends cultural boundaries. Today, Christians are not bound to the specific practice of head coverings, as modern cultural contexts no longer attach the same symbolic meaning to them. However, the principle of honoring God’s order and maintaining respect in worship remains applicable.
Why Head Coverings Are Not Universally Practiced Today
- Cultural Shifts: In contemporary societies, head coverings are no longer universally associated with modesty or submission. Unlike first-century Corinth, where uncovered heads could signal rebellion, modern Christians express reverence through other means, such as attire and behavior.
- Principle Over Custom: Respected scholars like Walvoord and Scofield emphasize that Paul’s teaching points to a principle rather than a rigid rule. The enduring message is about respecting God’s order and fostering an environment of reverence and humility in worship.
- Other Cultural Practices: Many customs observed in biblical times are no longer practiced today without diminishing their spiritual significance. For example:
- Holy Kisses: Paul instructs believers to greet one another with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16), a practice that symbolized fellowship but is now expressed through culturally appropriate greetings, such as handshakes or hugs.
- Foot Washing: Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service (John 13:14-15), yet modern Christians often honor this principle through acts of service rather than literal foot washing.
- Dietary Laws: Many Old Testament dietary laws were culturally and theologically significant for Israel but are no longer binding under the New Covenant (Acts 10:9-16).
These examples demonstrate that while cultural expressions may change, the principles behind them remain relevant and applicable.
Hair Length and Other Symbolic Customs
Paul also addresses hair length in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15:
“Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
Here, Paul appeals to cultural norms of the time, where long hair was often associated with femininity and short hair with masculinity. These distinctions reinforced gender roles within society and worship. Paul’s mention of long hair as a natural covering further highlights the symbolic importance of maintaining distinctions between men and women, reflecting God’s design.
In modern times, hair length carries less cultural significance, and Christians often emphasize the heart’s attitude over outward appearance. However, the principle of respecting God-given distinctions remains relevant, encouraging believers to honor their God-ordained roles.
Respecting Headship in Worship Today
While head coverings may no longer be a universal practice, Christians can apply the principles Paul taught in several ways:
- Reverence in Worship: Approaching worship with humility, respect, and a focus on God’s glory remains central. This includes fostering an environment of order and mutual respect within the church.
- Acknowledging God’s Order: By recognizing and respecting roles within the church and family, believers reflect the harmony and unity of the Godhead.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Just as Paul adapted his teaching to the cultural norms of Corinth, Christians today can express biblical principles in ways that align with their cultural context without compromising the gospel.
Conclusion
Paul’s instructions on head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11 provide valuable insights into the principles of headship, submission, and reverence in worship. While the specific practice of head coverings was tied to the cultural context of first-century Corinth, the underlying principles remain timeless. By honoring God’s design, respecting roles within the church, and fostering a spirit of humility and unity, believers can embody the message of this passage in meaningful ways.
Through thoughtful application of these principles, Christians today can create a worship environment that reflects God’s glory and aligns with His divine order, transcending cultural customs to focus on the heart of true worship.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.