1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is one of the more interesting and controversial passages in the New Testament, as it deals primarily with the concept of head-covering, and the manner in which men and women are to worship God. In effect, men are commanded to keep their hair cut short, while women are commanded to cover their head while worshipping. This passage indicates the separation of gender, with each gender having a different relationship with the doctrine of God. Given today's predominant view that this kind of gender separation and subsumation is problematic, it is important to view the passage through exegesis and interpret the text carefully. Though the practice was stated as a divine mandate from God, it is most certainly now an expired and outdated cultural norm that should not be expected of any woman practicing Christianity. At the same time, the veracity and authority of Paul's words cannot be ignored, and so the importance of the covering as a symbol for the role of women in the church is crucial to remember.
The text of the passage itself notes the importance Paul places on adhering to apostolic tradition: "I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you" (I Corinthians 11:2 - NIV). Paul believes that the traditions are what will keep the church and Paul's own disciples in step, particularly given the chaotic and spiritually challenging events that surround them; he is approaching his disciples with a conciliatory tone. Chapter 11 is apparently a response to the Corinthians' letter to Paul, in which they praise him for delivering the 'traditions' unto them; Paul is taking this opportunity to thank them and pass on his understanding of those traditions to them (Terry, 1983). However, this raises some interesting contextual issues, as in the remaining versus indicate a certain laxness to those traditions, as Paul has to set forth some hard and fast rules about the conduct of the Corinthian women, who are apparently acting against the custom of God.
Paul uses this opportunity to make a point about men and women as they relate to god: "But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God" (I Corinthians 11:3 - NIV). This indicates a hierarchy that is decided through divine mandate; the man is superior to woman, but not superior to God or Christ. While some scholars argue that Paul refers only to married couples, the subsequent verses of the passage indicate a universal law being passed down by him.
This law deals directly with the issue of head covering during worship: Paul states that "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved" (11:4-5 - NIV). In this passage, 'head' might either mean man's physical head, or Christ Himself (who is his head) (Lakey 6). This may also be meant to indicate that man dishonors Christ by dressing in the guise of a woman (leaving his head covered). In the case of verse 5, it is clear that Paul means for women to pray with their heads covered, particularly as it is comparable to shaving her head; this could be a veil or a shawl (Hodge 190). By saying that a woman dishonors "her head," it is not in reference to Christ but of her own head. Therefore, she must behave consistently and according to her class or sex: "For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head" (11:6 - NIV). The ancient context for this passage is clear; women were meant to cover their heads in prayer.
The man is meant to leave his head uncovered, according to Paul, because he is invested with dominion over women: "A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man" (11:7-9 - NIV). While Paul states that woman is 'the glory of man,' he is not denying the fact that they are made in God's image (Schreiner 124). However, he does cement this cultural hierarchy between God, Christ, man and woman by noting that women are lowest on that hierarchy. Woman is the glory of man, Christ and God all at the same time, and is therefore subordinate to them. Woman was created because of man, and to be a helper to him, therefore she must demonstrate her subordinate nature to him.
Another reason for the headcovering of women is provided by Paul: "It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels" (11:10 - NIV). Angels are agents of God, who watch over man with a diligent eye; and are particularly present during the spiritual exercise of praying and prophesying. The seraphs, in Isaiah chapter 6, covered their faces with their wings in God's presence; it is possible that this decree is meant to be a reference to the actions of these angels, Paul citing them as a reason why women should cover their heads.
Viewing this passage in a contemporary context, the practice of women covering their heads and their subservient role to men is fairly outdated, which contributes significantly to the lack of scholarly analysis of this particular passage (Terry, 1983). There are many different arguments toward the continued relevance of this passage; the literal, universal outlook states that women absolutely should keep their heads covered, and men cannot keep their hair long. Conversely, the sociological argument states that modern culture has evolved to the point where these customs are no longer necessary, and present outdated notions of patriarchal dominance over women.
Paul's attitude towards dissent is simple, and perhaps ambiguous: "If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God" (11:16 - NIV). Here, he simply states that there is no other precedent to make the practice extant or outdated; in this way, he effectively states that, regardless of dissent, this is how the scriptures interpret it. The NIV states that it is "the nature of things," not "nature," however, and so this could be interpreted as a cultural argument. In effect, if one is to take a literal Christian view to the passages indicated, Paul's claims that women should keep their hair uncovered are still valid in the eyes of God; his final passage notes that there is no real room for contention.
Works Cited
Hodge, Charles. 1 Corinthians. Crossway, 1995. Print.
Lakey, Michael. Image and Glory of God: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 As a Case Study in Bible, Gender and Hermeneutics. Continuum International Publishing Group, 2010. Print.
Schreiner, Thomas R. 'Head Coverings, Prophecies and the Trinity.' in Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Crossway, 2006. Print.
Terry, Bruce. 'No Such Custom': An Exposition of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. 2nd ed. Christian Messenger Publishers, 1983. Print.
