1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
3 of 14
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
δόξα
a glory
G1391
δόξα
a glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
5 of 14
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόμη
her hair
G2864
κόμη
her hair
Strong's:
G2864
Word #:
10 of 14
the hair of the head (locks, as ornamental, and thus differing from g2359; which properly denotes merely the scalp)
ἀντὶ
for
G473
ἀντὶ
for
Strong's:
G473
Word #:
11 of 14
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
περιβολαίου
a covering
G4018
περιβολαίου
a covering
Strong's:
G4018
Word #:
12 of 14
something thrown around one, i.e., a mantle, veil
Historical Context
Roman and Greek women prized long hair as a sign of beauty and femininity. Hair care was elaborate among wealthy women. Cutting or shaving women's hair was shameful (v. 6). Paul doesn't reject cultural aesthetics but Christianizes them—long hair isn't vanity but God-given glory that points to deeper theological realities. The covering in worship extends the principle nature establishes through hair: women's beauty and glory are real but should be displayed within proper order, not flaunted autonomously.
Questions for Reflection
- How does nature (long hair) point to theological truths about gender and glory?
- What is the relationship between natural covering (hair) and cultural covering (veil)—does one replace the other or reinforce it?
- How can women embrace their God-given beauty and femininity while avoiding vanity or immodesty?
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Analysis & Commentary
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering—The contrast: man's long hair is shame (v. 14), woman's long hair is glory (δόξα, doxa). Long hair signifies femininity, beauty, and God's design. The parallel structure (doxa to woman, atimia to man) reinforces gender distinctiveness as divinely ordained, not culturally arbitrary.
For her hair is given her for a covering (ὅτι ἡ κόμη ἀντὶ περιβολαίου δέδοται αὐτῇ)—anti peribolaiou (instead of/in place of a covering) is crucial. Does this mean:
Nature provides a built-in covering (hair), which itself teaches that women should be covered; in worship, an additional covering symbolizes the principle nature already illustrates. Long hair and head covering both signify the same reality: feminine glory under male headship, creational order honored.