1 corinthians 11:15 - But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.
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What does "1 corinthians 11:15" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:15, is part of a larger passage (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) where the Apostle Paul is discussing head coverings for women during prayer or prophecy in the church. It's a complex passage with various interpretations. Here's a breakdown of what the verse itself and the surrounding context generally mean, along with common interpretations:
Literal Meaning:
"But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her..." Paul is saying that long hair is something positive and honorable for a woman. It is something to be proud of.
"...for her hair is given to her for a covering." This is the key part and the source of much debate. The verse suggests that long hair naturally functions as a covering.
Context and Interpretations:
To understand this verse, it's crucial to consider the surrounding verses and the cultural context of Corinth in the 1st century:
Head Coverings: The broader argument Paul is making is about propriety and order in worship. He suggests that women should wear a head covering (likely a veil or cloth) when praying or prophesying. He argues that not covering one's head is dishonorable, and equates it to shaving one's head, which was a sign of disgrace for women in that culture.
Cultural Significance: In Corinth, hairstyles and head coverings had significant cultural meaning. A woman's appearance could signify her marital status, social standing, and respectability. For a woman to shave her head or go uncovered could have been seen as rebellious or immodest.
Meaning of "Covering": The Greek word for "covering" (ἀντὶ περιβολαίου, anti peribolaiou) can be interpreted in a few ways:
Instead of a Covering: This is the most common interpretation. It suggests that long hair serves the purpose of a covering. In other words, long hair is a natural substitute for an artificial head covering (like a veil). The point is that a woman's long hair naturally provides a level of covering/modesty, therefore, while praying or prophesying, she should use a veil or other covering to show extra respect and obedience in the church setting.
As a Covering: Some argue that the verse means hair is the covering, and therefore no additional covering is necessary. This interpretation is less common, as it contradicts the rest of the passage where Paul seems to be advocating for a separate head covering.
Possible Interpretations of 1 Corinthians 11:15:
1. Long Hair as a Natural Covering, Requires Additional Covering: The most prevalent view is that long hair is a natural covering, but it doesn't negate the need for an additional head covering during prayer or prophecy. Paul's point is that if God gave women long hair as a form of covering, then they should also willingly adopt the cultural symbol of respect and submission (the head covering) when participating in church services.
2. Cultural Accommodation: Some scholars believe Paul was primarily concerned with maintaining order and avoiding cultural offense. He may have been adapting his message to the specific customs of Corinth, without necessarily establishing a universal and timeless rule for all churches. In this view, the head covering issue was specific to that time and place.
3. Symbolic Interpretation: It's also possible to interpret the passage more symbolically. Long hair can be seen as a symbol of femininity and a woman's glory. The head covering, then, becomes a symbol of respect for God's order and submission to spiritual authority within the church.
Important Considerations:
Differing Views: Christians hold diverse views on the interpretation and application of this passage. Some believe it's a timeless command for women to wear head coverings in church, while others see it as a culturally specific instruction.
Focus on Underlying Principles: Regardless of one's view on head coverings, it's important to focus on the underlying principles Paul emphasizes: orderliness, respect for cultural norms, submission to authority, and glorifying God in worship.
Love and Unity: The ultimate goal is to maintain unity and love within the church, even when there are disagreements on specific practices.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 11:15 suggests that long hair is a natural glory and a kind of covering for women. However, the exact implications of this verse and its relationship to the broader passage on head coverings are subject to ongoing debate and interpretation within Christianity. It's best to study the passage in its entirety, consider different perspectives, and pray for understanding.
1 corinthians 11:15 - But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.
What does "1 corinthians 11:15" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:15, is part of a larger passage (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) where the Apostle Paul is discussing head coverings for women during prayer or prophecy in the church. It's a complex passage with various interpretations. Here's a breakdown of what the verse itself and the surrounding context generally mean, along with common interpretations:
Literal Meaning:
"But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her..." Paul is saying that long hair is something positive and honorable for a woman. It is something to be proud of.
"...for her hair is given to her for a covering." This is the key part and the source of much debate. The verse suggests that long hair naturally functions as a covering.
Context and Interpretations:
To understand this verse, it's crucial to consider the surrounding verses and the cultural context of Corinth in the 1st century:
Head Coverings: The broader argument Paul is making is about propriety and order in worship. He suggests that women should wear a head covering (likely a veil or cloth) when praying or prophesying. He argues that not covering one's head is dishonorable, and equates it to shaving one's head, which was a sign of disgrace for women in that culture.
Cultural Significance: In Corinth, hairstyles and head coverings had significant cultural meaning. A woman's appearance could signify her marital status, social standing, and respectability. For a woman to shave her head or go uncovered could have been seen as rebellious or immodest.
Meaning of "Covering": The Greek word for "covering" (ἀντὶ περιβολαίου, anti peribolaiou) can be interpreted in a few ways:
Instead of a Covering: This is the most common interpretation. It suggests that long hair serves the purpose of a covering. In other words, long hair is a natural substitute for an artificial head covering (like a veil). The point is that a woman's long hair naturally provides a level of covering/modesty, therefore, while praying or prophesying, she should use a veil or other covering to show extra respect and obedience in the church setting.
As a Covering: Some argue that the verse means hair is the covering, and therefore no additional covering is necessary. This interpretation is less common, as it contradicts the rest of the passage where Paul seems to be advocating for a separate head covering.
Possible Interpretations of 1 Corinthians 11:15:
1. Long Hair as a Natural Covering, Requires Additional Covering: The most prevalent view is that long hair is a natural covering, but it doesn't negate the need for an additional head covering during prayer or prophecy. Paul's point is that if God gave women long hair as a form of covering, then they should also willingly adopt the cultural symbol of respect and submission (the head covering) when participating in church services.
2. Cultural Accommodation: Some scholars believe Paul was primarily concerned with maintaining order and avoiding cultural offense. He may have been adapting his message to the specific customs of Corinth, without necessarily establishing a universal and timeless rule for all churches. In this view, the head covering issue was specific to that time and place.
3. Symbolic Interpretation: It's also possible to interpret the passage more symbolically. Long hair can be seen as a symbol of femininity and a woman's glory. The head covering, then, becomes a symbol of respect for God's order and submission to spiritual authority within the church.
Important Considerations:
Differing Views: Christians hold diverse views on the interpretation and application of this passage. Some believe it's a timeless command for women to wear head coverings in church, while others see it as a culturally specific instruction.
Focus on Underlying Principles: Regardless of one's view on head coverings, it's important to focus on the underlying principles Paul emphasizes: orderliness, respect for cultural norms, submission to authority, and glorifying God in worship.
Love and Unity: The ultimate goal is to maintain unity and love within the church, even when there are disagreements on specific practices.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 11:15 suggests that long hair is a natural glory and a kind of covering for women. However, the exact implications of this verse and its relationship to the broader passage on head coverings are subject to ongoing debate and interpretation within Christianity. It's best to study the passage in its entirety, consider different perspectives, and pray for understanding.