1 Corinthians 11:10
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὀφείλει
ought
G3784
ὀφείλει
ought
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
3 of 13
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
6 of 13
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἔχειν
to have
G2192
ἔχειν
to have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλῆς
her head
G2776
κεφαλῆς
her head
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
10 of 13
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Historical Context
Jewish tradition held that angels were present during worship and Scripture reading (Hebrews 12:22). Qumran texts (Dead Sea Scrolls) excluded physically disabled men from worship 'because holy angels are in their congregation' (1QSa 2:8-9). Paul assumes angelic presence during Christian worship and argues that gender confusion in worship offends not just human sensibilities but cosmic order observed by heavenly beings. This elevates the head-covering issue from cultural trivia to theological significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does awareness of angels observing worship change your approach to corporate gatherings?
- What does this verse teach about the cosmic significance of how we worship, not just our private devotions?
- In what ways do modern casual approaches to worship fail to reflect the weightiness of participating in heavenly realities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels—One of Scripture's most enigmatic verses. Ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς (to have authority on the head) likely means the symbol of authority (the covering itself), not autonomous power. The head covering represents a woman's acceptance of her place in the created order—her exousia (authority/right) to participate in worship while honoring God's design.
Because of the angels (διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους)—interpreters propose:
Most likely, angels as witnesses to worship (Ephesians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:21) require proper order that reflects heavenly realities. The covering signals submission to cosmic order, not merely social convention.