1 Corinthians 11:2-16

About the Text

Note: This is a difficult passage for many to accept, especially in today's modern world. God's Word may offend some of you today. Often, as a result, we read "into" the text our own preconceived ideas about gender roles. Please be aware that the gender discussions of the world, such as the feminist movement, tempts us to color our interpretation of the Bible and how we live our lives. That is why I urge all readers to come to the Word of God with a humble, ready, and willing heart to obey God's will, and to come with the strength to resist the influence of the world.

(3) What does the Bible mean by "head"? "Head" refers to authority. See Ephesians 1:21-22, 5:22-23, Col. 1:18, and 2:10. In other words, there is a chain of authority, where Christ is in authority over man, and man over woman.

(4) In summary, why did Paul want women to cover their heads? In this passage, Paul appeals to two reasons. First, because it was "disgraceful" in that culture for women not to cover their heads (v. 4-6). Second, it was because of creation order, that is, woman was created after man and from him (v. 7-12).

(4) What kind of "covering" is being written about in this verse? We don't exactly know. All we know is that it something that was put over and draped down from the head. Because no other details are given in Scripture, we can assume that God did not intend this covering to be practiced throughout all time. Rather, He intends for us to follow the timeless principle underlying the practice.

(4) What is the meaning of "prays and prophesies"? It refers to the gathering of Christians for worship. It is not a phrase that limits the discussion to only prayer and prophecy, but to the worship service in general.

(7) What does it mean that man is the "image and glory of God?" "Image of God" refers to man's being made in the likeness of God. See Gen. 1:26-27 and 9:6. "Glory of God" refers to man's being made from God, just as the radiance of God's glory shined from God Himself. In other words, God was the source of man.

(7) What does it mean that woman is the "glory of man"? Just as God was the source of man, so man was the source of woman. In Gen. 2:22-23, woman (Eve) was made out of one of Adam's ribs.

(10) What is the meaning of "because of the angels"? Scholars do not know for sure, except that it was an appeal by Paul to a universal reason for women to practice special decorum in worship. Other Scriptures related to this passage: Eph. 5:22-33, 1 Peter 3:1-7.

Insights

• God designed women and men to different roles where women are to submit to men in the home and in the church. (2-10)
• God designed women to be equal to men in worth, abilities, and honor. (11-12)

The Bottom Line

Submit to God's design for men and women. God sacrificed His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to pay the price for our sin. Those who simply believe are assured of their eternal and begin a new life in Christ. But living for Christ takes a lot of trust sometimes. Some of God's commands don't make sense to us. Since we live in a world of women governors, mayors, and CEO's, it seems unreasonable that God should limit the authority of women in the home and in the church. But we must trust God and His Word. We may not know the full reason for God's placing men and women in different levels of authority, but we must trust that God knows best - He is the creator, you know. As you further your study of the Scriptures on the issue of gender roles, how readily would you accept what you read? How ready are you to accept your station in life? In a world where men dress like women, and women dress like men, do you accept God's design for you and your gender?