1 Corinthians 11:4

Authorized King James Version

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πᾶς

G3956

Every

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνὴρ

G435

man

a man (properly as an individual male)

προσευχόμενος

G4336

praying

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

προφητεύων

G4395

prophesying

to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

κατὰ

G2596

covered

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

κεφαλὴν

G2776

head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

ἔχων

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καταισχύνει

G2617

dishonoureth

to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush

#10

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

κεφαλὴν

G2776

head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

#12

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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