1 Corinthians 11:5

Authorized King James Version

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πᾶσα

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

γυνὴ

G1135

woman

a woman; specially, a wife

προσευχομένη

G4336

that prayeth

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

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

προφητεύουσα

G4395

prophesieth

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

ἀκατακαλύπτῳ

G177

uncovered

unveiled

τῇ

G3588

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

κεφαλὴν

G2776

head

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

#10

καταισχύνει

G2617

dishonoureth

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

#11

τὴν

G3588

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

#12

κεφαλὴν

G2776

head

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

#13

ἑαυτῆς·

G1438

her

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#14

ἓν

G1520

all one

one

#15

γάρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#16

ἐστιν

G2076

that is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#17

καὶ

G2532

even

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

τὸ

G3588

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

#19

αὐτὸ

G846

as if

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

#20

τῇ

G3588

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

#21

ἐξυρημένῃ

G3587

she were shaven

to shave or "shear" the hair

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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