Headcovering

Some time ago, I had been prompted by the spirit of the Lord to ask why the relationship between men and women was such a mess, particularly within the church. What I received was that men and women in the church have rebelled against the Lord by disobeying commands governing their gender roles. Myself included! One example concerns headcovering. You too may have been deceived regarding this practice by those you have trusted to teach and model proper God fearing behavior. May the Lord in His kindness, mercy and grace grant us eyes to see and the wisdom and courage to obey. Glory to God!

My first real indication that headcovering was personally relevant came when I was praying in my office one day a few years ago. A relative had recently given me a beautiful tallit. She had purchased this traditional prayer shawl during a recent trip to Jerusalem and I was very pleased to receive it as a gift. Jewish men typically wear a tallit on their head while praying and you will find men in Messianic congregations wearing them as well. While I was praying in my office that day I unwrapped the tallit and placed it over my head. What I had expected to find was a more intimate and powerful experience but what I found instead was that I was extremely uncomfortable praying with it on. While I didn't understand the reason why, I took it off immediately and never put it over my head again. Some time later, the Lord began to open my eyes as to why I had that experience. I had dismissed headcovering as not applicable and unimportant, but the Lord showed me that it really did matter to Him and that it effected our relationship.

The truth of this passage in 1 Corinthians is very practical but it also informs us about profound spiritual realities, about divine order and how the saints may choose to honor and bear witness to it. There is in this the leading of the wise into obedience and love through proper order, which is not at all a bondage of "religious requirement." This study about the head covering, veil or scarf is one that I'm very honored to present. I praise the Lord, who has been so patient and generous in bringing me into a right order!

Here is the focal passage about headcovering, from the NASB.

If you are confused about what point Paul really made in the headcoverings address, see how the commands are very simply stated in verses 4-5a. Don't let the supporting collection of what may seem to be rather esoteric discussions distract you from the simplicity of the command itself.

The practice itself is really very simple. During prayer and prophesying, two very specific activities, what is proper for the man is that his head must not be covered. In contrast, a woman's head must be covered. No distinction is made with regard to anyone's cultural heritage. Likewise, no consideration is given to the formality of the occasion, whether one is indoors or out, in public or in private. Any contention about the matter was settled with this argument; that neither those with Paul nor any of the churches of God had any variant practice.

Some folks confuse the woman's head covering with her hair, focusing narrowly on what is written in the 15th verse, "For her hair is given to her for a covering." While a woman's hair is "a covering" there is another. If the commands were strictly relating to hair, the woman could have been commanded to let her hair grow long and the man to uncover his head by cutting it short or shaving it off - and that would simply be the end of it. If the commands about covering and uncovering the head were all about the hair, it makes little sense that praying and prophesying are particularly identified. Are we expected to either have hair or not have hair depending on the activity we might engage in at the moment? That would be ridiculous! Clearly, there's something more to the covering than hair!

Furthermore, consider what we read in verse 6, "For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off." If, "a woman does not cover her head," and hair is her covering, hasn't she already cut it off? What sense does it make to "let her also have her hair cut off"? Not much, if any!

For many, what I just addressed may be sufficient to satisfy your interest in this subject. It's not required of us to understand why we should obey the command because the benefit is for simple compliance, the ever present promise of blessings for obedience. For those who are seeking deeper insight into the passage there is so much more to be discovered! If you're not already convinced and convicted that this practice is for you, let me encourage you to continue reading, to continue to pursue this for everything the Lord may have for you.

Most of the passage in 1 Corinthians 11 explains head covering and hair length and how they relate to one another in the honoring of and expression of divine order. Some of this is stated plainly enough but questions are raised for which answers don't come easily. Verse 10 explains that the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head because of the angels. If that was ever a very satisfying reasoning, it's certainly lost on most of us today! The passage is rightly considered to be "difficult." Was Paul just deficient in his communication skills and the sovereign God unable to overcome this deficiency? No. We know this has to do with honor and disgrace and the order of headship, but it must be acknowledged that, to those of us who know this is divinely inspired, it seems like something has been hidden on purpose.

The passage is esoteric, which means that it's concealed from most and only revealed to a few. The deeper truths are special, reserved, protected. There is treasure locked away inside and some key is required to open the lock. (See Keys to Developing a Hearing Ear - Part I: The Key Parable) We are invited to search it out, and a diligent effort is rewarded!

The key to this esoteric passage involves what I call the glory language. When you understand this profound spiritual matter, head covering and hair length makes perfect sense! I'll explain this in some detail, but first I want to introduce a helpful tool.

One of the methods of Bible study I have learned to enjoy is very technical. Have you ever noticed how there often seems be an excessive amount of repetition in the biblical text? The repetition allow for the existence of linguistic patterns. Multiple themes are introduced and then repeated in ways that form symmetrical patterns. Through this deliberate and highly organized repetition of themes, the Author conveys both emphasis and meaning. This provides the diligent student with more insight into the context, which can be a valuable aid to interpretation!

What follows is an interactive presentation of the chapter of interest, based on my detailed analysis of the linguistic structure.

Hover your mouse over the passage slowly to explore the patterns. (If you're using a tablet or smartphone you can interact by tapping on the bars and lines of text.)

So, what is the glory language of 1 Corinthians 11? By practicing the head-covering and hair length commands we visibly model fundamental laws that aren't perceived by the carnal mind in the natural realm. It speaks to those in heaven and on earth in an unspoken language that's inherently understood by angels, who operate within the realm that is to us, unseen. Those who perceive the spiritual truths can rightly interpret the message that's transmitted in this peculiar symbol language. The matters of covering the head with hair and of covering the head with a hat or some kind of appropriate fabric and construction provide a testimony about spiritual authority.

In the expression of this symbolic glory language, covering the head engages the heavenly realm. When an individual is in agreement with divine order there is a supernatural benefit, a blessing that is spiritual and which may manifest in the natural!

The fundamentals of divine order are set forth in verse 3.

Headship is a matter of relative authority. This informs us about the "chain of command" in the institution of divine government. Even in this simple matter a question is raised, or two. Why, in this presentation about divine order, do these three relationships appear out of sequence? Think about it. The one with more authority in a relationship is consistently presented first in the three comparisons, a very orderly sequence. With this observation, it seems very curious that in the order of the comparisons, the lowest ranking appears second and the highest, third. The order of the second, third and then the first draws our attention. On that observation, another question arises. But, what about the woman? This is the same question I want to ask when I consider verse 7's revelation that the woman is the glory of man. Because of the pattern arising from the natural symmetry of the linguistic structure, these two lines are directly linked together. Wisdom dictates that we benefit from this form of guidance to help us understand what the Author is conveying thereby. So, we ask: What about the woman? Who or what then is the glory of the woman? What provision has been made for her? Sure, somebody has to be last, but is there no compensation for her assignment at the bottom of the hierarchy? There are no apologies made for this and none are necessary. We will discover how that she has not been neglected because a provision has been made for her.

Let's apply ourselves to understanding this glory language that bears witness to divine order.

Verse 15 informs us that if a woman has long hair it's a glory to her. This isn't just a way of telling us how it makes her look pretty. Long hair is a glory to her while, in contrast, long hair on a man is a dishonor to him (v 14). This is a spiritual reality and not, as some may suppose, a matter of vanity or cultural fashion. There are divinely appointed distinctions between the genders, and for reasons like the appointment of glory and the expression of divine authority, the embracing of gender-fluidity, transexuals and non-binary identification should be recognized as an extreme offense to the Creator and an abomination.

Moving on to the matter of wearing of some kind of hat or fabric as a head-covering, if a man's head is uncovered, since he is the image and glory of God (v 7), the image and glory of God is manifest. Conversely, if a man's head is covered, the image and glory of God is hidden. If a woman's head is uncovered, since she is the glory of man, the glory of man is manifest. Since her hair is also exposed and her hair is a glory to her, that glory is also manifest. Conversely, if a woman's head is covered, neither the glory of man or that which is a glory to her is manifest. With these states that are expressive of glory in mind, we can begin to consider the commands about what is proper while praying or prophesying.

If we concern ourselves with what it is that makes these two activities special, we can glean some insight into the spiritual dynamic. When we pray and prophesy, whether praying in tongues or with our understanding, whether we're in a public or a private setting, we communicate with our God. Angels may be involved, who are in His presence. One illustration of this activity is found in Revelation 8.

It's in this engaging of the heavenly realm in the presence of God that covering the head becomes important. When we take into consideration what the covered and uncovered head means in the symbolic glory language the picture that appears makes perfect sense! When one enters into the presence of an earthly king or queen, one does not call attention to one's self because that would be dishonorable to all present. A subject does not appear in the presence of royalty and present himself or herself in some exalted manner. One appears properly before royalty with an expression of humility, with honor. It is proper in the divine order as well. When entering into the Lord's presence, as when praying and prophesying, to exalt one's self with an expression of the man's or woman's own glory is a dishonorable thing!

We have a witness to the impropriety of boasting or glorying in His presence in the following passage from 1 Corinthians.

To the carnal mind, the practice of head covering is a foolish and a weak thing. Verse 29 reveals the reason for a most significant humbling, "That no flesh should glory in His presence."

The image presented here illustrates the models of a man and woman in the various states of expressing and covering glory. When the woman's head is uncovered, the man's glory is manifest and flesh is glorying in His presence, bringing dishonor. If she has long hair, she, too, has glory, and again, flesh is glorying in His presence, bringing dishonor. Dishonor is brought to all present, and this testimony is witnessed in heaven and earth.

Suppose the man covers his head while praying and prophesying? In this case, it's not a matter of glorying in His presence because the woman is the glory of man. What happens is that the image and glory of God is hidden, and the failure to bring forth this witness disgraces his head.

The head that is disgraced is his own, which is to say he disgraces himself, and it must also be inferred that his head is disgraced which is Christ, according to verse 3's declaration "that Christ is the head of every man."

If the expression of glory weren't important, attention would not have been given it in the Bible. To suggest head covering and hair length are somehow unimportant is to dismiss the attribute of glory given to the man and woman by their Creator. What an offense this must be to Him, who seeks blessing for us in this matter of profound spirituality and simplicity of deed.

Today, the tradition of head covering is largely considered quaint, a formal, outdated tradition that has no place in a feminist culture where women and men are encouraged to consider themselves interchangeable. Unless you're a male with a hat during the playing of the National Anthem, or a veiled bride who is heading toward her groom at the altar, few in my culture seem to give covering the head a thought. What trends appear in the world at large are one thing, but the honorable matter of uncovering and covering of heads while praying and prophesying has been nearly entirely neglected by the saints, to our shame.

A Symbol of Authority on her Head

If you've been following me thus far in this presentation you may find the interpretation of the enigmatic 10th verse has now become more apparent, and this will shed light upon the Lord's provision for the woman who has been assigned last place in the hierarchy of divine authority.

The phrase, "symbol of authority on her head" might be taken in two different ways. One is preferred over the other, a point I'm able to confidently demonstrate. The veil or scarf has been interpreted as a symbol of authority on her head, meaning it is a sign of submission and humility. The woman who wears it makes a statement about her submission to higher authority through compliance. Technically, this assumes an instance of a figure of speech of omission (ellipsis). The text actually reads, "symbol of authority," and not, "symbol of submission to authority." Note the difference. The language of the Bible is rich with figures of speech but we must respect where and how they are used, and where they are not. The symbol is not the veil or scarf that covers but rather her long hair, which is a glory to her.

The woman's long hair is easily identified as the symbol of exousia on her head when the thematic structure is given due respect as the Author's signature guide, which definitively links verse 10 to verses 13-15. If you give the interactive display of the symmetry of the passage your attention until you can attest to the validity of what is being presented, you will know this to be so with confidence, as I do. The organization of the passage is intentional and not devoid of purpose. The focus of attention in the passage linked to verse 10 is the hair, and herein we are told her long hair is a glory to her.

The Greek word for "authority" in verse 10 is exousia, and the Greek word for "glory" is doxa. A little time spent in "word studies" may be helpful for making the connection.

It's a dishonor for the man to have long hair because that has been given to the woman as a symbol of exousia on her head, and this must be given due respect. The woman's long hair is a legitimate and respected symbol of exousia, in contrast to the worthless token many assign it in gross ignorance, as though it were for nothing more than vanity, an opportunity to express her personality and sense of style.

Because of the Angels

The reason why the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head is presented to us as being "because of the angels." This cryptic explanation should now begin to make more sense. Angels surely acknowledge the woman's long hair and give it due respect as a legitimate symbol of exousia. Demons and angels alike respect spiritual authority, for their domain is set in array with rank and order like the armies of men in the earth. Between our realm and theirs, significant interaction and engagement is an ongoing reality, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. What we say, do, and even think influences activity in their realm, where the order of authority and chain of command defines the engagement. A spiritually minded person does not take this matter lightly.

Don't pray to the angels, but respect their presence and role. Angels are engaging on our behalf, who are all ministering spirits.

What exactly a woman's long hair brings for benefit I cannot say, yet there is the plain declaration that it is because of the angels that a woman ought to have exousia upon the head. Simple obedience always brings blessing, and disobedience, which is rebellion, a curse. Personal choice may be exercised in this matter, so I exhort you to choose wisely.

With an understanding about the woman's hair being the symbol of exousia on the head, how that it's more than a token of no account, the importance of covering her glory while praying and prophesying should be obvious. To fail to cover her glory and herself as the glory of man is dishonorable, and no good can come of that.

You may find yourself thinking how you may never have practiced correctly but the Lord has already blessed you plenty, and you may feel content with that. Despite what we may consider as blessings wrought in a season of disobedience, an honest man or woman will accept that there has been some level of forfeiture, a waiving of blessing on account of ignorance or intentional disobedience. The Lord can and sometimes does overlook or wink at our sin, but to presume upon His mercy, dear brother or sister, is foolish arrogance. Lawlessness is exalted by Mystery Babylon, the mother of harlots. Humble submission with careful obedience is the way of the Bride of Christ. It is she who will shortly enter into great reward!

When we accept the value of the woman's hair, which was assigned to her and not to the man, we have a sense of the provision made for her as compensation for her assigned position in the hierarchy of authority. While some may scoff at the suggestion, it's my testimony that the biblical claim is borne out by the spirit of God. I don't believe this compensation is to be taken as something like the full measure of an equitable balance of justice, because justice is a matter that will be taken up by the Judge of all on an individual basis, but what has been appointed to the woman in this life is not to be demeaned. The Devil is ever accusing the Creator of unfairness and every manner of evil, but give no heed to his lies. Yahweh will be vindicated!

Consider the following passage from the book of James and reflect upon what has been discussed about the practice of head covering.

When we read what James wrote about God being opposed to the proud, we can picture a woman praying and prophesying with long hair and her head uncovered, who glories in the presence of God. A similar disgrace is when a man denies the expression of the image and glory of God in that season by covering it. Such as that must be considered as foolish arrogance, and God opposes it. In contrast, He gives grace to the humble, and those who humble themselves in the presence of the Lord are exalted. I want to call attention to another benefit, as verse 7 is sandwiched in the midst. There is power in this submitting to God and resisting the devil. The attendant promise is that the devil will flee from you. That's the basis for spiritual warfare, a matter of serious consequence.

Prayer often involves spiritual warfare, defensive and offense engagements with weapons that are not carnal, even the engagement of angelic forces called into action on our account. When praying or prophesying, humble yourself in the presence of the Lord with the humility of obedience and genuine regard for divine order. Will there not be honor given in the spiritual realm as honor is received? If you have neglected to abide in a right way according to divine order can you rightly claim to have put on the whole armor of God in your efforts to engage heaven?

In consideration of that array of attributes we may consider as virtual, there is a tangible article that must be given due respect for its role in the struggle against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, the head covering.

I do pray all who read here will take stock of the following warning.

It remains to be said that the practice of head covering alone will assure nothing, but disregard for it is assured to bring nothing good.

Closing Thoughts

There is another observation I'd like to make about the passage in closing.

Verse 11 defines another condition and makes an implication about when that condition is not met.

When we read, "However, in the Lord," we must give heed to the changing condition. What had been written applied to all, whether in the Lord or not. Then, what we read applies only to those in the Lord, saints, even those who abide in Him. In the Lord, according to a more straightforward expression, woman is dependent upon man and man is dependent upon woman. What is implied in the converse, as it must be taken, is that this is not so for those who are not, in the Lord. This is the inference that must be made given the application of logic. When I think about this and consider the behavior of men and women in their relationships, the truth of it is striking! I don't think any further commentary about this is necessary.

Finally, this proposition may seem radical, but please imagine an assembly where the pastor has been convicted of sin in the matter of headcovering and that he has come to repentance. Imagine that he has the courage of his new conviction. What if he boldly preached and taught this matter to the assembly and feared God rather than man? (II Timothy 4:1-4) What would it look like to believe I Corinthians 11:5-6?

Since a woman who prays or prophesies and does not cover her head is to have her hair cut off, she might be presented with one option or the other. "Men, please bring your women up to the front, and choose a line. Head coverings will be distributed to those at my right hand. For those who would like to opt out, please form a line on my left, where the elders await with clippers." Imagine what obedience in a community of believers would look like even in this "small" thing. Imagine the honor, the benefits of submission, the grace for those who would begin to abide in divine order according to this simple observance.

If you haven't yet begun to practice of head covering and claim the benefit, let me encourage you to do so. It's not yet too late to enter into this blessing. For any of you who profit from the business of cutting women's hair, may I suggest you quickly find another line of business?

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