NOTES ON THE COVERING OF 1 COR. 11:1-16

By David J. Riggs

Definitely two coverings are under consideration in 1 Cor. 11:1-16: (1) the hair--the natural covering that one always has; and (2) the covering or veil--an artificial covering that was to be worn while praying or prophesying. Prophesying (by revelation speaking forth the mind and counsel of God) has ceased today but praying (no indication that he is referring to inspired praying) remains.

HEADSHIP

  1. Headship is not a custom, but the manner of showing one's recognition of headship is a matter of custom. Humility is not a custom and does not change with custom, but the method of showing it has been changed by custom--ex. foot-washing. Cordiality among brethren does not change with custom, but the method of showing it has been altered by custom--e.g., the holy kiss. Headship is not a custom, and is not changed by custom, but the manner of showing it has been changed by custom--e.g., the veil.


A CUSTOM IN CORINTH

  1. Verse 13 -- It does not sound like Paul is commanding the artificial covering as divine law because where God has spoken, we have no right to "judge in ourselves." Inspired writers never ask this when giving a law. Therefore, we must conclude that Paul was requiring a covering, not because it was God's law for all time, but because it was their own customary practice.


  2. Verse 14 -- "Nature" (Greek: phusis) "A natural feeling of decorum, a native sense of propriety, e.g., in respect to national customs in which one is born and brought up." (Robinson's Greek English Lexicon on the N.T.). "A native sense of propriety." (Thayer). Paul is clearly discussing a social stigma in Corinth. No one is ever asked to judge whether stealing or murder is a shame or not. It is a sin, whether one judges it so or not. Thus, Paul is discussing the characteristics by which the Corinthians maintained the difference between the man and the woman. A difference in the length of the hair was one of those things. Since it was a characteristic of her womanhood, long hair was a delight or glory to the Corinthian woman. The length and style of hair change from time to time, as can be seen by a trip through almost any history book. That same book will show a difference in the appearance cultivated by the man and the woman. The styles change, but the difference remains. Among many of the American Indians it was not considered womanly to have long hair, since both the man and the woman had long hair. However, it was considered womanly to hoe the garden or pick up firewood. Paul is teaching the Corinthians, as well as all people, to maintain the customary characteristics by which men and women are distinguished. Never should the dress and grooming of a respectable man give him the characteristics which are considered womanly in that place, and vice-versa for a woman.


  3. Verse 16 -- "Custom" (Greek: sunetheia) "Custom...a being used to, accustomed." (Thayer) "A custom, customary usage." (Vine) If custom was not under consideration, why mention custom at all? Paul is saying, "But if any man seem to be contentious, (e.g., a Corinthian saying that their women should not wear the veil) we have no such custom, (e.g., we don't have the same custom you have) neither the churches of God (it is not a customary practice among the other churches)."


OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  1. 1 Corinthians is a book dealing with problems. What is the problem in 1 Cor. 11:1-16? Apparently, the woman, while praying or prophesying, were stepping out of their place by no longer wearing their customary veil. It is similar to a woman in Iran today who becomes a Christian and on certain occasions stops wearing her veil.


  2. To me, binding the wearing of the covering on all women today (while praying when men are present) seems to place a terrible burden on them (like some of the things of the O.T., Acts 15:10). She would have to place a covering on her head anytime she prayed when men were present. 1 Cor. 11:1-16 did not mention the assembly and, thus, applied at all times.


  3. Each Christian is to make up his own mind on this issue as well as all others. On this and all things, let us have love and consideration for one another.