1 Corinthians 11:2-16
English Standard Version
Head Coverings
2 Now I commend you (A)because you remember me in everything and (B)maintain the traditions (C)even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that (D)the head of every man is Christ, (E)the head of a wife[a] is her husband,[b] and (F)the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife[c] who prays or (G)prophesies (H)with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same (I)as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since (J)he is the image and glory of God, but (K)woman is the glory of man. 8 For (L)man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but (M)woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.[d] 11 Nevertheless, (N)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 (O)all things are from God. 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. 16 (P)If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do (Q)the churches of God.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Corinthians 11:3 Greek gunē. This term may refer to a woman or a wife, depending on the context
- 1 Corinthians 11:3 Greek anēr. This term may refer to a man or a husband, depending on the context
- 1 Corinthians 11:5 In verses 5–13, the Greek word gunē is translated wife in verses that deal with wearing a veil, a sign of being married in first-century culture
- 1 Corinthians 11:10 Or messengers, that is, people sent to observe and report
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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