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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.