1 Corinthians Chapter 11 · Verse 7

Authorized King James Version

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For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Original Language Analysis

ἀνδρός a man G435
ἀνδρός a man
Strong's: G435
Word #: 1 of 18
a man (properly as an individual male)
μὲν indeed G3303
μὲν indeed
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 2 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 3 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οὐκ not G3756
οὐκ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 4 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ὀφείλει ought G3784
ὀφείλει ought
Strong's: G3784
Word #: 5 of 18
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
κατακαλύπτεσθαι to cover G2619
κατακαλύπτεσθαι to cover
Strong's: G2619
Word #: 6 of 18
to cover wholly, i.e., veil
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλήν his head G2776
κεφαλήν his head
Strong's: G2776
Word #: 8 of 18
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
εἰκὼν the image G1504
εἰκὼν the image
Strong's: G1504
Word #: 9 of 18
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δόξα glory G1391
δόξα glory
Strong's: G1391
Word #: 11 of 18
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 12 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὑπάρχων· forasmuch as he is G5225
ὑπάρχων· forasmuch as he is
Strong's: G5225
Word #: 13 of 18
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
γυνὴ the woman G1135
γυνὴ the woman
Strong's: G1135
Word #: 14 of 18
a woman; specially, a wife
δὲ but G1161
δὲ but
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 15 of 18
but, and, etc
δόξα glory G1391
δόξα glory
Strong's: G1391
Word #: 16 of 18
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
ἀνδρός a man G435
ἀνδρός a man
Strong's: G435
Word #: 17 of 18
a man (properly as an individual male)
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 18 of 18
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis & Commentary

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God—Paul grounds his argument in Genesis 1:26-27. Εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα θεοῦ (eikōn kai doxa theou, image and glory of God) echoes the creation account. Man directly images God and displays His glory. Covering the head symbolically obscures this glory-bearing function. The ὀφείλει (opheilei, ought) indicates moral obligation rooted in creation order, not cultural preference.

But the woman is the glory of the man—This is not ontological inferiority but relational derivative. Woman is equally image-bearer (Genesis 1:27) but uniquely displays man's glory as his helper and complement (Genesis 2:18-23). Just as man's glory derives from God, woman's derives from man (her source, vv. 8-9). The covered head acknowledges this derivative glory—not hiding shame but honoring the chain of glory: God → Christ → man → woman. Far from denigrating women, Paul places them in a creation-ordered relationship that honors both sexes' distinct roles.

Historical Context

Genesis 1-2 was foundational for Jewish and Christian theology of gender. Paul interprets creation narratives typologically: Adam's formation from dust (direct creation) versus Eve's formation from Adam's side (derivative creation) grounds their respective relationships to divine glory. In a culture obsessed with honor and glory (Romans valued public reputation above life itself), Paul reframes glory Christianly: true glory comes from reflecting God's image, not self-promotion. The head covering visibly enacts this theology during worship.

Questions for Reflection