1 Corinthians 11

The origional post that started this discussion can be found here: head coverings study

--

Me and Teresa spent quite a few hours today, restudying 1 Corinthians 11. We wrote what we found. May it be a blessing.

*ESV quoted unless otherwise noted. Strongs' numbers included with greek definitions*

"The chapter 1 Corinthians 11, is not necassarily talking about men and women spiritually exercising together. It only mentions the womans position in the lord, and how it relates to men and their position in the Lord. Obviously, the definition of prophesying: "1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (KJV)" means that there must be at least two people present. But this does not have to be a time when men and women are formally coming before the Lord (church). Regardless of whether men and women are seperated, together or formally coming before god, is is shameful for a woman to pray (she may pray alone) or prophesy with her head uncovered, and vice-versa with the man.

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.

If a woman is praying or prophesying (edifying, exhorting, and comforting [1 Cor 14:3]) at any time, she should be covered. If Teresa (a sister here) is in a taxi by herself, and she starts praying, she should be covered. If she starts comforting, edifying or exhorting another christian, at any time, she should be covered.

What is the reason for being covered or uncovered, according to this chapter? For the man the reason is: Vs. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. (ESV)

So, the man should be uncovered, because he is the image and glory of god.
Why should the woman be covered? See Vs. 8 to 10:

8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.
9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
10 That is why a wife* ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. (ESV)
*[greek: 1135 gune goo-nay', meaning: 1) a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow]

The words "symbol of authority" is the greek word: "1849 exousia ex-oo-see'-ah".
Meaning: 4d) a sign of the husband's authority over his wife 4d1) the veil with which propriety required a women to cover herself.

The woman should be covered (have a symbol of [the mans] authority [over her] on her head), beacause she was created for the man.

The next two verses 11 and 12, clarify any misunderstanding or chance of abuse: "11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. (ESV)". So, the reason for the covering is to show that she was made for the man, and thus under his authority. Thus the reason that a woman needs to be covered is not to conceal her glory, but instead, to show that she is made for and under the authority of the man. It never says in the chapter that the womans hair or glory needs to be covered. Rather the covering is to cover her head. See the verses below and Vs. 5 and 6.

What is the covering?

13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife* to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,
15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. (ESV)
*[greek: 1135 gune goo-nay', meaning: 1) a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow]


Verse 15 gives a description of the covering. (In this chapter, the covering is never described as a piece of material.) It says first of all "long hair". Second of all, the word covering in this verse is a different word in the greek that all the other "cover(ings)' in this chapter. Beside "covered" in verse 4, all the "cover" words are: 2619 katakalupto kat-ak-al-oop'-to, in the greek. This word means: 1) to cover up 2) to veil or cover one's self. However in verse 15, the word "covering" is: 4018 peribolaion per-ib-ol'-ah-yon, in the greek. This word meaning: 1) a covering thrown around, a wrapper 1a) a mantle 1b) a veil. Paul seems to use verse 15 to describe his use of covering in the previous verses so as to give example of what it looks like physically. So a woman's hair should be able to be thrown around her or wrap her.

Literally Vs. 15 says: "but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a [covering thrown around, a wrapper, a mantle, or veil.]"

All the other verses say that a woman or her head should be covered, and none of them say that her hair needs to be covered. Paul in verse 15 tells what the covering is: "her hair is given to her for a covering"

However Vs. 16 adds: "If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. (ESV)". So dont fight about this issue (maybe hair length, or the whole issue of head covering)."

Teresa and Caleb

Brethren pray for us. Pray for Souren, Bagrat, Narek, and Arsen (his salvation) also.


Our Lord come, and may he find faith on the earth!