Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. New Living Translation Yes, if she refuses to wear a head covering, she should cut off all her hair! But since it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or her head shaved, she should wear a covering. English Standard Version For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. Berean Standard Bible If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. Berean Literal Bible For if a woman does not cover her head, also let her be shorn. And if it is shameful to a woman to be shorn or to be shaven, let her cover her head. King James Bible For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. New King James Version For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. New American Standard Bible For if a woman does not cover her head, have her also cut her hair off; however, if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, have her cover her head. NASB 1995 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. NASB 1977 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. Legacy Standard Bible For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut short. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut short or her head shaved, let her cover her head. Amplified Bible If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should cover her head. Berean Annotated Bible If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. Christian Standard Bible For if a woman doesn’t cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her head be covered. Holman Christian Standard Bible So if a woman’s head is not covered, her hair should be cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should be covered. American Standard Version For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled. Contemporary English Version A woman should wear something on her head. It is a disgrace for a woman to shave her head or cut her hair. But if she refuses to wear something on her head, let her cut off her hair. English Revised Version For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled. GOD'S WORD® Translation So if a woman doesn't cover her head, she should cut off her hair. If it's a disgrace for a woman to cut off her hair or shave her head, she should cover her head. Good News Translation If the woman does not cover her head, she might as well cut her hair. And since it is a shameful thing for a woman to shave her head or cut her hair, she should cover her head. International Standard Version So if a woman does not cover her head, she should cut off her hair. If it is a disgrace for a woman to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her own head. NET Bible For if a woman will not cover her head, she should cut off her hair. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should cover her head. New Heart English Bible For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. Webster's Bible Translation For if the woman is not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. Weymouth New Testament If a woman will not wear a veil, let her also cut off her hair. But since it is a dishonor to a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her wear a veil. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. World English Bible For if a woman is not covered, let her hair also be cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or be shaved, let her be covered. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor if a woman is not covered—then let her be shorn, and if [it is] a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven—let her be covered; Berean Literal Bible For if a woman does not cover her head, also let her be shorn. And if it is shameful to a woman to be shorn or to be shaven, let her cover her head. Young's Literal Translation for if a woman is not covered -- then let her be shorn, and if it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven -- let her be covered; Smith's Literal Translation For if the woman is not covered, let her also be shorn: and if shameful to the woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor if a woman be not covered, let her be shorn. But if it be a shame to a woman to be shorn or made bald, let her cover her head. Catholic Public Domain Version So if a woman is not veiled, let her hair be cut off. Truly then, if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off, or to have her head shaven, then she should cover her head. New American Bible For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. New Revised Standard Version For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor if a woman does not cover her head, let her also cut off her hair; but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her cover her head. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For if a woman is not covered, she should also be sheared, but if it is a disgrace for a woman to be sheared or shaven, let her be covered. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor if a woman has no vail on, let her also be shaved. But if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her have a vail. Godbey New Testament If a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it is a disgrace for a woman to be shorn or shaven; let her be covered. Haweis New Testament For if the woman be not veiled, let her hair be clipped: but if it would be scandalous for a woman to appear clipped or shaved, let her be veiled. Mace New Testament a woman may as well have the tonsure, as not wear her veil: the one is as indecent as the other. Weymouth New Testament If a woman will not wear a veil, let her also cut off her hair. But since it is a dishonor to a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her wear a veil. Worrell New Testament For, if a woman is unveiled, let her also be shaven; but, if it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled. Worsley New Testament For if a woman be not covered, she may as well be shorn: but if it be shameful to a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Roles in Worship…5And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved. 6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. 7A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.… Cross References If a woman does not cover her head, Genesis 24:65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. Genesis 38:14-15 she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. / When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. Ruth 3:15 And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured in six measures of barley and placed it on her. Then he went into the city. she should have her hair cut off. Jeremiah 7:29 Cut off your hair and throw it away. Raise up a lamentation on the barren heights, for the LORD has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath.’ Micah 1:16 Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning for your precious children; make yourselves as bald as an eagle, for they will go from you into exile. Deuteronomy 21:12 then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails, And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, Isaiah 3:17 the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” Isaiah 3:24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame. 2 Samuel 10:4-5 So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. / When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” she should cover her head. Songs 4:3 Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon, and your mouth is lovely. Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate. Songs 5:7 I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city. They beat me and bruised me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls. Isaiah 47:2-3 Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. / Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” Genesis 24:65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. Numbers 5:18 After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD your God. Isaiah 47:2 Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. Treasury of Scripture For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. but. Numbers 5:18 And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Jump to Previous Cover Covered Cut Disgrace Disgraceful Dishonor Hair Head Herself Shame Shameful Shaved Shaven Shorn Veil WearJump to Next Cover Covered Cut Disgrace Disgraceful Dishonor Hair Head Herself Shame Shameful Shaved Shaven Shorn Veil Wear1 Corinthians 11 1. He reproves them, because in holy assemblies,4. their men prayed with their heads covered, 6. and women with their heads uncovered; 17. and because generally their meetings were not for the better, but for the worse; 21. as, namely, in profaning with their own feast the Lord's supper. 25. Lastly, he calls them to the first institution thereof. If a woman does not cover her head In the cultural context of Corinth, head coverings were a sign of modesty and respectability for women. The practice of women covering their heads during worship was a reflection of the social norms of the time, where a covered head symbolized a woman's honor and her acknowledgment of authority. This practice is rooted in the broader biblical principle of headship, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11:3, where Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman. The head covering served as a visible sign of this order. she should have her hair cut off And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off she should cover her head Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing issues within the Corinthian church. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, including various religious practices. 3. Corinthian Church The early Christian community in Corinth, dealing with issues of order and propriety in worship. 4. Women in the Church The specific group addressed in this passage regarding head coverings during worship. 5. Cultural Practices The customs and societal norms of the time, particularly concerning gender roles and public appearance. Teaching Points Cultural Context and ApplicationUnderstanding the cultural context of Corinth is crucial. Head coverings were a sign of modesty and respectability. In today's context, the principle of modesty and respect in worship remains, though the specific practice may differ. Symbolism of Head Coverings Head coverings symbolized authority and submission within the church. This principle can be applied today by recognizing and respecting the roles and order established by God in worship and community life. Respect for Tradition and Order Paul emphasizes maintaining order in worship. This teaches us the importance of respecting church traditions and practices that promote unity and reverence. Gender Roles and Equality While the passage addresses specific gender roles, it is essential to balance this with the biblical teaching of equality in Christ, where all are valued and have unique roles. Personal Reflection and Modesty Reflect on personal expressions of modesty and how they align with biblical principles. Consider how your appearance and actions reflect your faith and respect for God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:6?2. What cultural context influenced Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 11:6? 3. How does 1 Corinthians 11:6 relate to biblical teachings on gender roles? 4. Why does Paul mention "shaved" and "cover her head" in this passage? 5. How can modern Christians apply 1 Corinthians 11:6 in worship settings today? 6. What other scriptures address head coverings or gender distinctions in worship? 7. Why does 1 Corinthians 11:6 emphasize women covering their heads during prayer or prophecy? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 11:6 reflect cultural norms of the time it was written? 9. What theological significance does head covering hold in 1 Corinthians 11:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 11? 11. In 1 Corinthians 11:3-10, how can the requirement for women to cover their heads be reconciled with the claim that there is 'no male and female' in Galatians 3:28? 12. Why does the Bible say women must cover their heads when praying (1 Corinthians 11:5-6)? 13. Why do modern churches differ in head covering practices despite 1 Corinthians 11:2 mentioning traditions from Paul, suggesting a contradiction or lost context? 14. Is long hair a woman's glory? What Does 1 Corinthians 11:6 Mean If a woman does not cover her head- Paul is addressing public worship (1 Corinthians 11:4–5) where visible symbols matter. - The head covering signals willing submission to God’s created order—“the head of the woman is man” (1 Corinthians 11:3; cf. Genesis 2:18, 21–23). - By removing the covering, a woman would set aside that God-given distinction, just as ignoring modest apparel would in 1 Timothy 2:9–10. - Paul’s logic appeals to propriety before both heaven (angels observe, 1 Corinthians 11:10) and earth (believers watching). she should have her hair cut off - Paul uses a forceful comparison to show how serious the symbol is. - In that culture long hair was naturally feminine (1 Corinthians 11:15), so cutting it short equated with rejecting femininity. - The same shock value appears in Deuteronomy 22:5, where crossing gender boundaries is called “an abomination.” - Paul’s point: neglecting the covering is as jarring as chopping off what marks womanhood. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off - Everyone in Corinth knew the disgrace attached to a shaved female head—often linked to adultery or slavery (cf. Isaiah 3:24). - Because that shame was self-evident, Paul reasons from common sense: if you recoil at the latter, you should equally recoil at worship without a covering. - This logic follows the pattern “how much more” that Jesus used (Luke 11:13), tying an agreed-upon shame to a spiritual one. she should cover her head - The command returns: keep the covering in place during prayer and prophecy (1 Corinthians 11:5). - It protects the testimony of the church, honors male headship (Ephesians 5:23), and mirrors Christ’s own submission to the Father (1 Corinthians 11:3). - Modern settings may differ culturally, yet the underlying principle—public, visible respect for God’s order—remains timeless, just as modesty does across eras (1 Peter 3:3–4). - Application today focuses on clear, outward expressions that reinforce rather than blur God-designed distinctions. summary Paul links the outward sign of a head covering with the enduring truth of created roles. Refusing the sign is as egregious, he argues, as a woman mutilating her natural hair—an act that everyone would call shameful. Therefore, to honor God, respect His design, and guard the church’s witness, women in worship should maintain the appropriate symbol of submission, whatever culturally faithful form that takes. (6) Let her also be shorn.--The force of this argument depends on the fact that a woman's head being uncovered would be regarded by others as implying the same shame as was indicated by a woman's hair being cut short (i.e., shorn), or altogether removed (i.e., shaven). It is as if the Apostle said--If a woman insists on her right to pray and speak in an assembly with uncovered head, let her carry out this principle to its logical result; let her insist on her right to have her hair cut short, so as to show her equality with man--and what would be thought of her then! No woman with a spark of shame in her would think of doing that. Accordingly you admit that this principle of sexual equality does not apply in all such matters; and it is illogical to argue in favour of any general principle as if it were of universal obligation, when you yourselves admit that it is not applicable in some cases.Verse 6. - Let her also be shorn. Not a command, but, a sort of scornful inference, or reductio ad absurdum. If it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven. When a woman was tried by "the ordeal of the water of jealousy," her head was uncovered by the priest (Numbers 5:18). To be shorn or shaven was a sign of mourning (Deuteronomy 21:12), and was a disgrace inflicted on adulteresses.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Ifεἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. a woman γυνή (gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. {does} not οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. cover her head, κατακαλύπτεται (katakalyptetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2619: To veil, cover the head. From kata and kalupto; to cover wholly, i.e. Veil. let her hair be cut off. κειράσθω (keirasthō) Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2751: To shear, cut the hair of; mid: I cut my own hair, have my hair cut. A primary verb; to shear. And δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. if [it is] εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. shameful αἰσχρὸν (aischron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 150: Base, disgraceful. From the same as aischunomai; shameful, i.e. Base. for a woman γυναικὶ (gynaiki) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. to have her hair cut κείρασθαι (keirasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle Strong's 2751: To shear, cut the hair of; mid: I cut my own hair, have my hair cut. A primary verb; to shear. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. shaved off, ξυρᾶσθαι (xyrasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 3587: To shave, shear, cut off the hair. From a derivative of the same as xulon; to shave or 'shear' the hair. she should cover her head. κατακαλυπτέσθω (katakalyptesthō) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2619: To veil, cover the head. From kata and kalupto; to cover wholly, i.e. Veil. Links 1 Corinthians 11:6 NIV1 Corinthians 11:6 NLT 1 Corinthians 11:6 ESV 1 Corinthians 11:6 NASB 1 Corinthians 11:6 KJV 1 Corinthians 11:6 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 11:6 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 11:6 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 11:6 French Bible 1 Corinthians 11:6 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:6 For if a woman is not covered (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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