1 Corinthians 11:13

KJV

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

KJV (with Strong's)

Judge {G2919} in {G1722} yourselves {G5213}{G846}: is it {G2076} comely {G4241} that a woman {G1135} pray {G4336} unto God {G2316} uncovered {G177}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Decide for yourselves: is it appropriate for a woman to pray to God when she is unveiled?

Berean Standard Bible

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

American Standard Version

Judge ye in yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:13, the Apostle Paul directly appeals to the Corinthian believers' innate sense of propriety and discernment, asking them to consider if it is fitting for a woman to pray to God without a head covering. This rhetorical question serves to reinforce his teaching on order, authority, and appropriate decorum within public worship, urging the community to reflect on how their practices align with both divine principles and widely understood cultural norms of modesty and respect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended discourse on head coverings in public worship, spanning from [1 Corinthians 11:2-16](/1_corinthians/11-2-16 "1 Corinthians 11:2-16 - Instructions on Head Coverings"). Paul begins this section by commending the Corinthians for remembering his teachings and maintaining traditions. He then immediately pivots to address a specific issue concerning the roles of men and women, particularly in the context of prayer and prophecy within the assembly. The preceding verses ([1 Corinthians 11:3-12](/1_corinthians/11-3-12 "1 Corinthians 11:3-12 - Headship and Creation Order")) establish a theological framework of "headship" – God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman – which undergirds his arguments regarding outward expressions of honor and submission. Verse 13, therefore, is not an isolated command but a direct appeal to their internal judgment, built upon the theological and cultural foundations he has just laid out. It serves as a bridge, moving from theological principle to practical application, before he concludes the discussion by appealing to nature and the practice of other churches.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its diverse population, wealth, and moral laxity. Public life, including religious practices, was highly visible. In Greco-Roman society, a woman's appearance, particularly her hair and head covering, often communicated her marital status, social standing, and modesty. Unveiled or unbound hair could be associated with prostitutes, women of loose morals, or those in mourning, depending on the specific cultural nuances. For a woman to pray or prophesy "uncovered" in public might have been perceived as a sign of immodesty, rebellion against societal norms, or even a blurring of gender distinctions, which could bring disrepute to the Christian community. Paul's instruction, therefore, was not merely about a piece of cloth but about maintaining a witness of honor, decency, and distinction for the nascent Christian church in a pagan environment, ensuring that their worship practices did not become a stumbling block to outsiders or a source of confusion internally.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order in Worship") is **order and decorum in public worship**. Paul consistently emphasizes that Christian gatherings should be conducted in a manner that reflects God's character and brings Him glory, as seen in his later instruction for [all things to be done "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40)](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Decency and Order"). This verse also highlights the theme of **discernment and conscience**, as Paul appeals to the Corinthians' own judgment ("Judge in yourselves"). He expects believers to apply spiritual wisdom to cultural practices, considering what is "comely" or appropriate in a given context to honor God and avoid scandal. Furthermore, the broader passage from which this verse is drawn introduces the theme of **divine order and headship**, establishing a framework for understanding relationships and authority within creation and the church, which influences the outward expressions of reverence and respect.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, meaning "to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." In this context, Paul is not asking them to condemn but to exercise their faculty of discernment and make a sound judgment based on their understanding of propriety and divine principles. It implies a reasoned evaluation, not just an emotional reaction.
* **Comely (Greek, _prépō'_):** From G4241, meaning "to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e. (by implication) to be suitable or proper." This word signifies what is fitting, appropriate, or becoming. It carries a sense of what is outwardly honorable and respectable, aligning with cultural expectations of decency and what would reflect well on the Christian community. Paul appeals to a shared, intuitive sense of what is right.
* **Uncovered (Greek, _akatakályptos'_):** From G177, meaning "unveiled." This term specifically refers to the absence of a covering, particularly over the head. In the cultural context of Corinth, for a woman to be "uncovered" while praying or prophesying publicly would have been considered immodest or rebellious, potentially bringing shame upon herself and the church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Judge in yourselves:"** Paul begins with a direct imperative, calling the Corinthians to internal reflection and critical thinking. He is not merely issuing a command but inviting them to engage their own spiritual and cultural understanding to arrive at the conclusion he is presenting. This highlights the importance of personal discernment and a Spirit-informed conscience in applying biblical principles.
* **"is it comely"**: This introduces a rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious "no" answer. The term "comely" (prépō) emphasizes what is fitting, proper, or becoming in a public, social, and spiritual sense. Paul is appealing to their shared sense of what is honorable and respectful within their cultural context, especially in the sacred act of addressing God.
* **"that a woman pray unto God uncovered?"**: This is the specific scenario presented for their judgment. The act of "praying unto God" signifies a sacred, reverent engagement with the divine. The question challenges whether the state of being "uncovered" (unveiled) aligns with the reverence due to God and the societal expectations for women demonstrating modesty and respect, particularly in a public religious setting. The implication is that such an act would indeed be uncomely or inappropriate.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** in this verse ("is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?"). This device is not meant to solicit new information but to guide the audience to a specific conclusion that the speaker believes is self-evident. By posing the question, Paul engages the Corinthians' own sense of propriety and cultural understanding, making them active participants in the reasoning process rather than passive recipients of an instruction. This technique appeals to their **Common Sense** or natural intuition, suggesting that the answer should be apparent to anyone with a discerning mind. The use of the word "**comely**" (prépō) itself functions as a form of **Appeal to Decorum**, emphasizing what is fitting and honorable, thus reinforcing the idea that certain behaviors or appearances are inherently appropriate or inappropriate in specific contexts, especially in the presence of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:13 underscores the profound theological principle that worship is not merely an individual act but a communal expression that reflects God's order and character. Paul's appeal to what is "comely" highlights that our outward conduct, even in culturally specific practices, should always align with the reverence due to God and the honorable witness we are called to bear before the world. This principle extends beyond head coverings to encompass all aspects of Christian life, reminding believers that their actions in the assembly contribute to the overall testimony of the church and should therefore be marked by intentionality, respect, and a desire to glorify God. The verse implicitly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on wisdom and discernment in applying divine truths to daily living.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")
* [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Think on These Things")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural practice of head coverings may be interpreted differently across various Christian traditions today, the underlying principles of 1 Corinthians 11:13 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. Paul's appeal to "judge in yourselves" challenges us to cultivate a Spirit-led discernment regarding our conduct and appearance, particularly in contexts of worship and public witness. It prompts us to consider not just what is permissible, but what is truly "comely" – what honors God, builds up the body of Christ, and avoids unnecessary offense or distraction to both believers and unbelievers. This requires a thoughtful balance between cultural sensitivity and unwavering biblical truth, ensuring that our expressions of faith are both authentic and edifying, always seeking to reflect the beauty and order of the Gospel. Our aim should be to draw attention to Christ, not to ourselves, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and unity in all our gatherings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do our contemporary cultural norms influence our understanding of what is "comely" or appropriate in worship settings today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, apply the principle of "judging in yourselves" to ensure our public conduct brings honor to God and the Gospel?**
* **Beyond outward appearance, what inner attitudes or dispositions are truly "comely" when we approach God in prayer and worship?**

### FAQ

**Is Paul's instruction about head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:13 a universal command for all time, or was it culturally specific?**

Answer: The interpretation of whether Paul's instruction on head coverings is a universal command or culturally specific is a long-standing debate among scholars and denominations. Many argue that the specific practice of head coverings was deeply rooted in the Greco-Roman cultural norms of modesty, honor, and social distinction prevalent in Corinth at the time. Paul's appeal to what is "comely" (G4241, _prépō_) and his references to "nature" and the "custom" of the churches ([1 Corinthians 11:14-16](/1_corinthians/11-14-16 "1 Corinthians 11:14-16 - Appeal to Nature and Custom")) suggest an engagement with the prevailing cultural understanding of propriety. However, the underlying principles of order, respect for authority, avoiding offense, and conducting worship with decorum are considered timeless and universally applicable. Therefore, while the outward expression (head covering) may have been culturally specific, the spiritual principles it aimed to uphold (reverence, modesty, honoring God's order) remain relevant for believers in all ages. The challenge for believers today is to discern how these enduring principles are best expressed in their own cultural contexts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 11:13 addresses a specific cultural practice, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and redefinition in Christ. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of perfect reverence, submission to God's will, and the ultimate example of what is truly "comely" in the eyes of God. He perfectly honored the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), demonstrating a profound humility and obedience that transcends any outward symbol. In Christ, the emphasis shifts from external regulations to internal transformation and a heart of worship. While outward expressions of reverence are still important, they are now understood through the lens of the freedom and unity we have in Him. In Christ, distinctions that once divided are transcended ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")), yet the call to live honorably and avoid causing others to stumble ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")) remains. Therefore, the "comeliness" Paul seeks is ultimately a reflection of Christ's character in His people, manifested in ways that bring glory to God and build up the Body, rather than adhering to a rigid, universally applied cultural custom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:57

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

1 Corinthians 10:15

¶ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.