I.        INTRODUCTION

A.      One subject that is sometimes a source of conflict among Christians is that of the head covering for women from 1Corinthians 11:2-16.  Before we delve into this passage, let us clarify a few points.

                                                             1.      This passage has a true meaning.  Our aim in this lesson is to discover that meaning without being hindered by preconceived notions or opinions which are not supported by the Scriptures.

                                                             2.      Let us not look into this passage for a reason to be divided.  There is room for variations in conscience and strength of faith within the brotherhood.

                                                             3.      We traditionally interpret this as a passage about women, but this passage is as much about men as it is about women.  Let us make sure that we get the full message.

B.      Now that we are ready, let us examine this passage to see what it really says about the matter.

II.      UNDERSTAND THE DIVINE ORDER

A.      In verse 3, Paul wrote, "But I want you to understand...," and then he stated the divine order of authority.  Therefore, let us understand that order.

                                                             1.      God (i.e., the Father -- see 1Cor. 15:27) is the head of Christ.

                                                             2.      Christ is the head of every man.

                                                             3.      Man is the head of a woman.

                                                             4.      Notice that the term "head" is used figuratively in verse 3 to indicate authority.  We will have to be careful to rightly interpret the meaning of "head" throughout this passage.

B.      Let us also notice what Paul wrote about the glory of each part of the divine order in this passage.

                                                             1.      Man is the glory of God (v. 7).  This is because man was made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27).

                                                             2.      Woman is the glory of man (v. 7).  This is because woman originated from man and was created for the man's sake (vv. 8-9; Gen. 2:18-25).

                                                             3.      A woman's long hair is a glory to her (v. 15).  This is because her hair is given to her for a covering.

C.      Let's put this in a graphic form to help us understand better.

III.   VIOLATION OF THE DIVINE ORDER

A.      In this passage, Paul addressed two disgraceful situations (vv. 4-5).  Before we make any interpretations, let us simply state these two situations:

                                                             1.      Men who prayed or prophesied with something on their heads disgraced their heads.

                                                             2.      Women who prayed or prophesied without something on their heads disgraced their heads.

B.      Now, to understand these disgraceful situations, we will have to make some interpretations.  Let us do so by answering a series of questions with the Scriptures.

                                                             1.      Which type of head was disgraced -- the physical head or the authoritative head?

a.       Dishonor for the physical head is addressed in verses 5-6 and 14-15.

i.         By nature, it is a dishonor for a man to have long hair.

ii.        Likewise by nature, it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved.

b.       Therefore, it seems that improperly praying or prophesying must be a disgrace to the authoritative head, not the physical head.

                                                             2.      In this context, what is praying or prophesying?

a.       Prophesying is the same in this context as in any other context.  Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit whereby men or women could speak forth the mind and counsel of God.

b.       Praying in this context appears to be a reference to a spiritual gift also.

i.         To pray is to speak to God.  However, because of the association with prophesy in this context, it is likely that Paul was writing about a spiritual gift of prayer.

ii.        It is possible that this type of prayer was a form of speaking in tongues (see 1Cor. 14:14-17).

c.        Therefore, it is likely that Paul was addressing the exercise of two spiritual gifts.

                                                             3.      How could improperly praying or prophesying disgrace a person's head?

a.       The disgrace is due to violation of the divine order of authority that was noted in verse 3.

i.         Consider 1Timothy 2:11-14 and notice the similarity in reasoning to 1Corinthians 11:7-10 -- "A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.  But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.  For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.  And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."

ii.        A woman who prayed or prophesied was teaching and exercising authority over those to whom she spoke.  By doing so, she stood in danger of defying the divine order and disgracing her (authoritative) head.

b.       This is why Paul wrote in verse 10 that "the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels."

i.         To show that she was not defying the divine order by praying or prophesying, she needed to wear a symbol of authority on her head.

ii.        By the same token, it was a disgrace for a man to wear a symbol of authority on his head while praying or prophesying, for he needed no such symbol according to the divine order.

iii.      Regarding the phrase "because of the angels," this seems to be a reference to the fact that the divine order was given by angelic authority (see 2Pet. 2:10; Jude 8).

c.        Consider how this is illustrated by nature in verses 13-16.

i.         Just as it is a dishonor for a man to have long hair (a natural covering), so also it is a dishonor for a man to pray with a symbol of authority on his head.

ii.        Just as it is a disgrace for a woman to cut off her hair or shave her head, so also it is a disgrace for a woman to pray or prophesy without a symbol of authority on her head.  If a woman should not have her natural glory (her hair) cut off, then she should not violate the spiritual precept that she is the glory of man.

iii.      Paul seemed to think that these things should be naturally understood, so he said, "Judge for yourselves."  However, if anyone still contended against these things, then Paul affirmed that this was to be the practice of the church.

IV.    CONCLUSIONS / OBSERVATIONS

A.      Because we no longer have spiritual gifts (see 1Cor. 13:8-12), this passage no longer has an immediate application.  Neither men nor women are praying or prophesying today as described in this context.

B.      This passage never applied to the assembly of the church, for women have never been permitted to speak in the assemblies (see 1Cor. 14:34-35 regarding to the use of spiritual gifts in the assembly of the church).

C.      The application of this passage for us today is that we must still respect the divine order of authority.

D.      If a woman is convicted in her conscience that she should wear a covering on her head at any time, then let it be so.  She does so due to her respect for the divine order.

E.       If a woman does not wear a covering on her head, then let it be so.  This passage does not compel her to wear a symbol of authority, for she does not pray or prophesy as described in this context.