Topical Encyclopedia
The topic of head covering is primarily addressed in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. This practice has been a subject of theological discussion and varying interpretations within the Christian community.
Biblical References:1.
1 Corinthians 11:2-16: This passage is the most comprehensive biblical text concerning head coverings. Paul writes, "Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you" (
1 Corinthians 11:2). He then discusses the practice of head coverings in the context of worship, stating, "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved" (
1 Corinthians 11:4-5).
Paul continues by explaining the theological reasoning behind this practice, emphasizing the order of creation and the relationship between men and women: "For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man" (
1 Corinthians 11:8-9). He also mentions the angels as a reason for women to have a symbol of authority on their heads (
1 Corinthians 11:10).
The passage concludes with an appeal to the natural order and the customs of the churches: "Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself 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" (
1 Corinthians 11:13-15).
2.
Cultural and Historical Context: In the Greco-Roman world, head coverings were a common cultural practice, often associated with modesty and social status. For women, wearing a veil or head covering in public was a sign of respectability and submission to authority, particularly within the family structure. In the Jewish tradition, head coverings also held religious significance, with men covering their heads during prayer as a sign of reverence.
Theological Implications:The discussion of head coverings in
1 Corinthians 11 has been interpreted in various ways throughout church history. Some view it as a cultural mandate specific to the Corinthian church, while others see it as a timeless principle reflecting the created order and the distinct roles of men and women in worship.
Church Tradition and Practice:Throughout church history, the practice of head covering has varied. In the early church, it was widely observed, as evidenced by writings from Church Fathers such as Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria. During the Reformation, many Protestant groups continued the practice, though its observance has waned in modern times.
In contemporary Christianity, the practice of head covering is maintained by some denominations and individual believers who interpret Paul's instructions as applicable to all Christian worship settings. Others view it as a cultural practice that is not binding on modern believers.
Conclusion:The topic of head covering remains a point of discussion and diversity within the Christian community. While interpretations and practices may vary, the passage in
1 Corinthians 11 continues to be a significant text for understanding the biblical perspective on gender roles and worship.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 11:1-34Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Topicalbible.org1 Corinthians 11:5
But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
Topicalbible.org
1 Corinthians 11:4
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
2571. kalumma -- acovering... Transliteration: kalumma Phonetic Spelling: (kal'-oo-mah) Short Definition: a veil
Definition: a
covering, especially a
covering of
head and face, a veil.
...Strong's Hebrew
6440. panim -- face, faces... 137), condition (1), confront* (1), corresponding* (2), countenance (12),
covering*
(1), defer
... 86), front line (1), gaze (1), ground* (1),
head (2), headlong (1
...Library
The Bed and ItsCovering
... They do not care particularly about thiscovering for thehead, but they think they
will get a pair of slippers, and thus cover their nakedness....
HisHead is as the Most Fine Gold, his Locks as the Clusters of...
... By the lockscovering hishead are to be understood the holy humanity which
covers and conceals the Divinity. These same locks, or...
Devout Customs and Usages
... It is often highly ornamented, and may be adorned on the crook or top with jewels.
The Mitre is ahead-covering generally worn by Bishops with the cope....
Of virgins.
... For they who allow to virgins immunity fromhead-covering, appear to rest on this;
that the apostle has not defined "virgins" by name, but "women," [8873] as...
The visitation
... Herhead-covering was yellowish in color. They... [See Figure 11.] She was wrapped
fromhead to foot in a long whitecovering. Beneath...
How Man is the Image of God. Whether the Woman is not Also the...
... to that rational cognition that is conversant with things corporeal and temporal;
this ought to have power on itshead, which thecovering indicates, by which...
A Prince's Bride
... a gray mantle hung negligently from his shoulders. Limbs and arms were
bare and hishead-covering of red wool hung from his arm....
The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the...
... directions given for undressing and dressing in the bathroom, of six, or perhaps
more generally, of five articles: the shoes, thehead-covering, the Tallith or...
Much Less May the Christian Put the Service of Idolatry on his Own...
... said, upon Christ, since Christ is theHead of the Christian man"(for hishead)
is as free as even Christ is, under no obligation to wear acovering, not to...
The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... Two women then held a broad cloth stretched above the body, while two others removed
thehead-covering and wrappings under this cloth, leaving the body clothed...
Resources
What does Genesis 3:15 mean that “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does INRI stand for? What was written on the sign nailed to the cross above Jesus' head? | GotQuestions.orgHead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
