For years I’ve been asked about the validity of women wearing head coverings. I thank a reader named Brandy for prompting me to write this article! My sincere desire is to see The Body of MESSIAH come out of the traditions of men and walk in the Truth of GOD’S Word! This small step for some might be a HUGE leap for others… May you be challenged to study HIS Word to see for yourself!
“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.”
Here we are told that if a man prays or prophesies with his head (MESSIAH, his spiritual covering) “covered” (veiled or not clearly seen for who HE is), the man “dishonors” (shames or disgraces) his head. We are also told that if a woman prays or prophesies with her head (The man who is her spiritual covering), “uncovered” (exposed and shamed), the woman dishonors (shames or disgraces) her head.
When considering the concept of a woman who uncovers her head (remembering who her head would be), it is likened to the dishonor that would be ascribed to a woman that is shaved. We are left to think that this act of a woman shaving (or being uncovered and/or being made to shave) her head was outward evidence of some shameful act. At least here Paul refers to it with that perspective…
In verses 7-9, “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.”
These verses confirm what we have seen so far in that MESSIAH should not be covered and must be seen in and through any ministry that a man might offer. As the man submits to MESSIAH as his head, so in proper order a woman offering ministry must also be in proper submission to her head, whether he be her husband, her father or to those in leadership and authority in the local assembly, thus proving that she is in submission to the ultimate Head, GOD. It was/is GOD who has so ordained it to be this way… Paul confirms this in typical Hebrew fashion as he recites how this order was established in the beginning; (i.e. man created first, then woman from man… thus woman created for man). This biblical structure should never be used to browbeat, dictate, abuse and/or disrespect women simply because they are women! That is not the intention of GOD, nor the apostle in stating the ordained structure in this way. It is shameful that some men have and do misapply these verses because of their own warped perspectives and insecurities!
Then in verse 10 we see how the translators INSERTED words based on their own bias instead of the context of these passages! NOTICE: “10For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” If your bible has the words “a symbol” and “her” in italics it’s because they have been inserted and were NOT in the original manuscripts!!!
How should the verse literally read then? “For this reason the woman ought to have authority on head, because of angels.” That takes on an entirely different application doesn’t it? Instead of suggesting that a piece of cloth is to be used as some sort of symbol to denote authority and submission, reading the verse as it was originally written and maintaining context we now can see how the proper biblical order will make a difference in the spiritual realms pertaining to angels. Keep in mind who it was that deceived Eve in the garden when enticing her to reject the Commandment of GOD in favor of the lie that brought banishment and ultimately death! It was a fallen angel! Here Paul is reminding us that the expression of ministry, whether it be praying (communicating TO GOD), and/or prophesying (receiving from GOD and being used to pass that on to others), are VERY serious matters not only here on earth, but also in the heavenlies! Even though Paul refers specifically in this text to just these two expressions of spiritual ministry, elsewhere we are taught that ALL of the expressions of spiritual ministry must be in done “decently and in order” to have a viable affect upon people as well as in the spiritual realm. (See Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 14, Galatians 6 and Ephesians 4 for further study on Spiritual Ministry)
Based on our understanding of the Scriptures, especially the above exegesis of 1 Corinthians 11, we do not practice the wearing of veils in our congregation. From my own observance during the 30+ years of ministry I have witnessed that it must be easier for some to wear a veil than it would be for them to actually live in an attitude of submissiveness… :>) My 2 cents worth… rh
Amen Brother. And just as woman was created for man, to not dishonor her husband, so creation was created for Yahshua, our Creator, and we are not, as HIS bride, to shame or uncover HIM as, sadly, the professing bride has done for generations upon generations, dishonoring HIM through her adultery.. This is a good look and one that I pray that it is heard. Blessings…..
Hey Sally! Appreciate you reading and participating! The word “angels” certainly could refer to messengers in human form, although we are warned and exhorted to be on the lookout for the those of the angelic realm as well! Over the years I know that I have “entertained angels” from both the heavenly and fallen state, as the writer of Hebrews suggests. Knowing that they exist and that we may encounter them leaves that option as a possibility. Being in proper alignment with how we are created is absolutely essential in these times as rebellion and lawlessness permeates our society! The safety of submission to authority is enjoyed by those who practice it! May you be blessed in HIS Body as you walk in HIS Truth!