1 Corinthians 11:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:15
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, fellowship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 11:15
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Analysis
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:
- hair replaces the need for a veil (making vv. 5-6 contradictory)? Unlikely.
- Hair is a natural covering that points to the need for an additional symbolic covering in worship? Most likely.
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Glory: δόξα (Doxa) G1391 - Glory, majesty, splendor