1 Corinthians 11:14

KJV

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

KJV (with Strong's)

Doth {G2228} not even {G3761} nature {G5449} itself {G846} teach {G1321} you {G5209}, that {G3754}, if {G1437}{G3303} a man {G435} have long hair {G2863}, it is {G2076} a shame {G819} unto him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Doesn’t the nature of things itself teach you that a man who wears his hair long degrades himself?

Berean Standard Bible

Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,

American Standard Version

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:14, the Apostle Paul appeals to common societal understanding and established norms, referring to "nature" as a cultural instructor, to support his argument regarding appropriate appearance and decorum, particularly for men, within the Corinthian church. He posits that long hair on a man was widely considered a source of shame or dishonor in their cultural context, reinforcing the broader theme of maintaining order and distinctions that reflect God's created design in public worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's broader discourse in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order in Worship and the Lord's Supper"), which addresses issues of order, authority, and appropriate conduct in corporate worship. Beginning in [1 Corinthians 11:2](/1_corinthians/11-2 "1 Corinthians 11:2 - Paul Commends the Corinthians"), Paul praises the Corinthians for remembering his teachings, then immediately transitions into a complex discussion about head coverings for men and women. His argument hinges on the concept of "headship" – God as the head of Christ, Christ as the head of every man, and man as the head of woman ([1 Corinthians 11:3](/1_corinthians/11-3 "1 Corinthians 11:3 - Headship and Authority")). The specific issue of hair length, particularly for men, serves as an illustrative point within this larger framework of honoring divinely ordained distinctions and maintaining decorum in the assembly. The immediate verses leading up to [1 Corinthians 11:14](/1_corinthians/11-14 "1 Corinthians 11:14 - Nature's Teaching on Hair Length") discuss the implications of men praying or prophesying with covered heads and women with uncovered heads, framing the discussion around what is "proper" or "improper" in their cultural setting.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman colony known for its wealth, trade, and diverse population. Greco-Roman society, while varied, generally held specific norms regarding appearance, particularly hair length. For men, short hair was typically associated with respectability, military discipline, and citizenship. Long hair on men, conversely, could be associated with effeminacy, certain philosophical schools (like Cynics), or even slavery, and was generally considered dishonorable or a sign of rebellion against societal norms. While Jewish men sometimes grew their hair long as a sign of a Nazirite vow ([Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - The Nazirite Vow")), this was a specific religious practice, not a general societal norm. Paul's appeal to "nature" (φύσις, *physis*) in this context is not a reference to a biological imperative but rather to commonly accepted societal customs, cultural expectations, and perhaps even an intuitive sense of what is fitting or unfitting for men and women, derived from a general understanding of the created order.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - A Letter to the Church in Corinth"). One prominent theme is **Order and Decorum in Worship**, where Paul consistently emphasizes that all things should be done "decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Done Decently and in Order")). The discussion on hair length and head coverings serves as a practical application of this principle, aiming to prevent practices that would cause scandal or dishonor within the community or to outsiders. Another theme is **Gender Distinctions and Divine Order**, which Paul grounds in creation itself ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female in God's Image")). He argues that observable differences between men and women are not arbitrary but reflect a divinely established hierarchy and complementary roles, which should be honored in outward appearance as well as in conduct. Finally, the theme of **Cultural Sensitivity and Christian Witness** is subtly present. Paul's argument appeals to what was "natural" or culturally understood in Corinth, suggesting that believers should consider how their actions and appearance might impact their witness to the wider society, avoiding anything that would bring unnecessary reproach upon the gospel ([1 Corinthians 10:32-33](/1_corinthians/10-32-33 "1 Corinthians 10:32-33 - Giving No Offense")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nature (Greek, _phýsis'_):** From G5449, meaning "growth (by germination or expansion), i.e. (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage." In this context, *physis* refers not to biological nature in a strict sense, but to the customary practice, societal norms, or the general "constitution" of things as understood and accepted within their culture, implying an intuitive sense of what is fitting or proper.
* **teach (Greek, _didáskō'_):** From G1321, a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb (to learn), meaning "to teach (in the same broad application)." Here, it signifies that this cultural understanding or common sense acts as an instructor, imparting a lesson about appropriate appearance.
* **shame (Greek, _atimía'_):** From G819, meaning "infamy, i.e. (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace." This word denotes dishonor, disgrace, or something that brings discredit. Paul uses it to convey that long hair on a man was perceived as unfitting or discreditable in the Corinthian cultural context, bringing dishonor to the man himself and potentially to the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Doth not even nature itself teach you":** Paul begins with a rhetorical question, appealing to a shared understanding or common sense among the Corinthians. The term "nature" (φύσις, *physis*) here encompasses not just biological or physical reality, but also deeply ingrained societal customs, cultural norms, and an intuitive sense of what is appropriate or fitting for men and women in their context. He suggests that these cultural understandings are so pervasive and self-evident that they function as a teacher, conveying a clear message.
* **"that, if a man have long hair":** This clause introduces the specific point of contention. The phrase "have long hair" (κομάω, *komáō*) refers to the practice of wearing one's hair long, beyond what was considered culturally acceptable for men in Corinthian society. It implies a deliberate choice to deviate from the prevailing norm.
* **"it is a shame unto him?":** This concludes the rhetorical question, stating the perceived outcome of a man having long hair. The word "shame" (ἀτιμία, *atimía*) signifies dishonor, disgrace, or something that brings discredit. Paul asserts that such an appearance would be considered unfitting and dishonorable for a man in their cultural setting, aligning with the broader principle of maintaining decorum and respecting established distinctions within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** in [1 Corinthians 11:14](/1_corinthians/11-14 "1 Corinthians 11:14 - Nature's Teaching on Hair Length"), "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?" This device is used not to elicit new information, but to affirm a self-evident truth or widely accepted cultural norm, compelling the audience to agree with the implied answer. By posing it as a question, Paul engages the Corinthians directly, inviting them to reflect on their own cultural understanding and acknowledge the validity of his point. Furthermore, Paul uses **Personification** by attributing the act of "teaching" to "nature itself." This gives an abstract concept (societal norms, cultural intuition) the ability to instruct, emphasizing the pervasive and seemingly inherent quality of the cultural expectation regarding hair length. The use of **Ethos** is also evident, as Paul appeals to a common ground of shared cultural values and what is considered "natural" or proper, thereby strengthening his argument by aligning it with the Corinthians' own sensibilities and avoiding a purely authoritative decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's appeal to "nature" in 1 Corinthians 11:14, while culturally specific in its application to hair length, points to a broader theological principle: that God's created order often finds echoes in human societal norms and an intuitive sense of propriety. The distinction between male and female, rooted in creation ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female")), is seen by Paul as having implications for how men and women present themselves, particularly in contexts of public worship. The "shame" associated with long hair for men in Corinth was not a universal moral absolute, but a cultural expression of a deeper principle of honoring distinctions and maintaining decorum that reflects God's design and avoids bringing disrepute to the gospel.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Done Decently and in Order")
* [Romans 1:26-27](/romans/1-26-27 "Romans 1:26-27 - Against Nature")
* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural norm regarding hair length in Corinth may not directly translate to every modern context, the enduring principle of 1 Corinthians 11:14 remains highly relevant: believers are called to exercise wisdom and discernment in their appearance and conduct, particularly in corporate worship, so as to honor God, respect the community, and avoid causing unnecessary offense or distraction. This means understanding the prevailing cultural norms of one's own time and place and considering how one's presentation might be perceived. The goal is not legalism, but love and witness—to ensure that our outward presentation does not hinder the clear proclamation of the gospel or undermine the unity and decorum of the church. It encourages us to ask: "Does my appearance reflect a reverence for God and respect for my community?" and "Does it align with the spirit of humility and order that should characterize Christian worship?"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do cultural norms influence our understanding of "propriety" and "shame" today, particularly in the context of Christian gatherings?**
* **In what ways might our outward appearance or conduct unintentionally cause distraction or dishonor within our faith community or to those outside it?**
* **How can we discern between cultural preferences and timeless biblical principles when applying passages like 1 Corinthians 11:14 to our lives?**

### FAQ

**Does 1 Corinthians 11:14 mean it's a sin for men to have long hair today?**

Answer: No, not necessarily. Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 11:14](/1_corinthians/11-14 "1 Corinthians 11:14 - Nature's Teaching on Hair Length") is rooted in the specific cultural norms of first-century Corinth, where long hair on men was widely considered a sign of shame or effeminacy. The word "nature" (φύσις, *physis*) here refers more to societal custom and common understanding than to a biological imperative. The enduring principle is about maintaining decorum, respecting established distinctions (which Paul links to creation), and avoiding anything that would cause unnecessary offense or bring disrepute to the gospel within a given cultural context. In many modern cultures, long hair on men does not carry the same negative connotations of "shame" or "dishonor" that it did in Corinth. Therefore, while the principle of modesty and avoiding unnecessary offense remains, the specific application regarding hair length is culturally relative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 11:14 primarily addresses cultural norms and decorum within the church, its underlying emphasis on order, distinction, and avoiding shame ultimately points to Christ. In the Old Testament, the concept of "shame" often related to deviation from God's covenant or the bringing of dishonor upon His name. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled God's righteous order, embodying humility and obedience even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He bore the ultimate "shame" of humanity's sin, becoming a "reproach" for us ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith"); [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")), so that we might be clothed in His righteousness and experience true honor before God. The believer's pursuit of decorum and order, as encouraged in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order in Worship and the Lord's Supper"), is not about earning salvation or pleasing God through outward appearance, but about reflecting the new nature we have in Christ ([Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - Put On the New Self")) and honoring the One who redeemed us from all shame. Our ultimate identity is found not in cultural conformity, but in being united with Christ, who is our true head and the source of all order and glory ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

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

2 Samuel 14:26

And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled [it]: because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

1 Corinthians 14:35

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.