1 Corinthians 11:15

KJV

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1437} a woman {G1135} have long hair {G2863}, it is {G2076} a glory {G1391} to her {G846}: for {G3754} her hair {G2864} is given {G1325} her {G846} for {G473} a covering {G4018}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But a woman who wears her hair long enhances her appearance, because her hair has been given to her as a covering.

Berean Standard Bible

but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.

American Standard Version

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:15, Paul concludes his discussion on head coverings by appealing to nature, asserting that a woman's long hair is inherently a source of glory to her, serving as a natural covering. This verse underscores the principle of divine order and distinction between genders, suggesting that even creation itself provides cues for appropriate decorum and honor, aligning with the broader call for all things to be done decently and in order within the Christian assembly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Paul's extended argument in [1 Corinthians 11:2-16](/1_corinthians/11-2-16 "1 Corinthians 11:2-16 - Order in Worship and Head Coverings"), which addresses proper conduct and authority structures within the Corinthian church's public worship. Paul begins by establishing a hierarchy of authority (God, Christ, man, woman) in [1 Corinthians 11:3](/1_corinthians/11-3 "1 Corinthians 11:3 - Headship and Authority"), then discusses the implications for men praying or prophesying with their heads uncovered and women doing so with their heads uncovered. The immediate preceding verses, particularly [1 Corinthians 11:13-14](/1_corinthians/11-13-14 "1 Corinthians 11:13-14 - Nature's Teaching on Hair Length"), introduce the idea of nature's teaching, asking the Corinthians to judge for themselves if it is proper for a woman to pray to God unveiled and stating that nature teaches long hair is a dishonor for a man. Verse 15 then presents the counterpoint for women, using the natural argument of long hair as a glory and a covering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city known for its diverse population and often lax moral standards. Public appearance and social norms were significant, and the church was navigating how to maintain its distinct Christian identity while interacting with the surrounding culture. In Greco-Roman society, a woman's hair was often seen as a symbol of her modesty, honor, and marital status. Unveiled or shorn hair on a woman could indicate promiscuity or disgrace. Paul's discussion, therefore, touches upon both theological principles of creation order and practical applications within a specific cultural milieu, aiming to prevent scandal and promote order within the Christian community, particularly during public worship.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order and Decorum in Worship") is **Divine Order and Authority**, emphasizing God's established design for creation and relationships, including gender roles. This verse contributes to the theme of **Natural Revelation**, suggesting that even nature itself bears witness to certain truths about God's design, specifically regarding gender distinction and appropriate appearance. It also connects to the broader theme of **Glory and Honor**, as Paul asserts that long hair is a "glory" (G1391, _dóxa_) to a woman, reflecting a God-given attribute that brings honor. Finally, the concept of **Modesty and Decorum** in public worship is central, as Paul seeks to ensure that the Corinthian believers conduct themselves in a manner that honors God and avoids bringing reproach upon the gospel, aligning with his later exhortation in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All things done decently and in order") that "all things be done decently and in order."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term refers generally to a female human being, but in this context, it specifically denotes a woman in contrast to a man, highlighting gender-specific attributes and roles within Paul's discussion of headship and decorum.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of δοκέω (dokeó), meaning "to seem," "to think." Here, it signifies "glory as very apparent," encompassing dignity, honor, praise, or worship. In this verse, it indicates that long hair is a source of honor and beauty for a woman, reflecting a God-given attribute that brings her distinction and esteem.
* **covering (Greek, _peribólaion'_):** This word means "something thrown around one," such as a mantle or veil. It is distinct from the term for a literal head covering (κατακάλυψις, _katakalypsis_) used elsewhere in the chapter (e.g., [1 Corinthians 11:6](/1_corinthians/11-6 "1 Corinthians 11:6 - The meaning of 'uncovered'")). Paul's use of _peribólaion_ here suggests that long hair functions as a natural, God-given "wrap" or "mantle," serving a similar symbolic purpose of modesty and distinction that a literal covering might convey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if a woman have long hair":** This clause introduces the natural argument for women, contrasting with the previous verse's statement about men. Paul shifts from a cultural practice (head coverings) to a natural characteristic (long hair), setting up a parallel between the two. The phrase "have long hair" (κομάω, _komáō_) specifically refers to wearing tresses of hair, implying hair that is grown out and allowed to be long, as opposed to merely having hair on one's head.
* **"it is a glory to her":** This is the core assertion regarding the natural beauty and honor associated with a woman's long hair. The term "glory" (δόξα, _dóxa_) signifies dignity, honor, and praise. Paul posits that this natural attribute, given by God, inherently brings honor and distinction to a woman, aligning with divine design.
* **"for her hair is given her for a covering":** This explanatory clause provides the reason why long hair is a glory. The hair (κόμη, _kómē_, specifically referring to ornamental hair) is "given" (δίδωμι, _dídōmi_) by God, indicating its divine origin and purpose. It is given "for" (ἀντί, _antí_, meaning "instead of" or "for the purpose of") a "covering" (περιβόλαιον, _peribólaion_). This does not mean long hair *is* the literal veil, but rather that it serves a similar *function* or *symbolic purpose* as a natural, God-provided mantle or wrap, contributing to a woman's modesty and distinct identity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Argument from Nature** in this verse, appealing to what is naturally evident and understood by common sense. By stating that nature itself teaches that long hair is a glory and a covering for a woman, he grounds his theological and practical instruction in a universal, created reality. This is a form of **Rhetorical Question** in the broader context of [1 Corinthians 11:13-14](/1_corinthians/11-13-14 "1 Corinthians 11:13-14 - Nature's Teaching on Hair Length"), where he asks the Corinthians to judge for themselves, implying an obvious answer. The use of **Analogy** is also present, as long hair is presented as a "covering" (_peribólaion_), drawing a parallel between a natural attribute and the symbolic function of a literal head covering, without equating the two. This analogy reinforces the principle of modesty and distinction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:15 profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of creation order, gender distinction, and the manifestation of God's glory in humanity. Paul argues that God's design is evident not only in explicit commands but also in the natural world. A woman's long hair is presented as a God-given attribute that brings her glory and serves as a natural covering, reflecting an inherent modesty and distinction that aligns with the divine order. This resonates with the idea that our physical bodies and natural attributes are not arbitrary but are part of God's purposeful creation, designed to reflect His wisdom and order. It underscores the principle that even in matters of appearance, believers are called to honor God's design and maintain a decorum that reflects His glory and the order of His church.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Man and Woman in God's Image")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Adornment of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 11:15 invites believers to consider how God's design is woven into the very fabric of creation, including our physical bodies and natural attributes. For women, long hair is presented as a natural source of glory and a covering, signifying a God-given beauty and distinction. This doesn't impose a rigid legalistic requirement for hair length today, but rather calls us to a deeper appreciation for the wisdom of God's design in gender and to consider how our outward appearance can reflect an inner reverence for Him. It challenges us to think critically about cultural norms versus timeless biblical principles of modesty, honor, and distinction. Ultimately, our aim should be to conduct ourselves in a manner that brings glory to God, whether through our physical presentation or our spiritual disposition, ensuring that all we do contributes to the edification and order of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing "natural glory" in our physical attributes, as mentioned in this verse, shape our understanding of body image and self-worth in a contemporary context?**
* **In what ways can believers today honor the principles of modesty and distinction, even if specific cultural expressions (like head coverings or hair length) differ from first-century Corinth?**
* **How does our understanding of God's creation order, as reflected in this verse, influence our approach to gender roles and relationships within the church and society?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 11:15 command women to have long hair today, or is it merely a cultural observation?**

Answer: 1 Corinthians 11:15 states that if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, and her hair is given for a covering. This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in [1 Corinthians 11:2-16](/1_corinthians/11-2-16 "1 Corinthians 11:2-16 - Order in Worship and Head Coverings") about order and decorum in public worship. While the immediate context involves cultural practices like head coverings, Paul appeals to "nature" in verses 14-15. The phrase "nature itself" (φύσις, _physis_) suggests an appeal to what is generally understood or inherent in creation, indicating that long hair is a natural attribute that brings honor and serves a symbolic purpose for women. Most scholars interpret this not as a universal command for women to maintain a specific hair length, but as an argument from natural design that reinforces the principle of gender distinction and modesty. The "covering" (περιβόλαιον, _peribólaion_) here is distinct from the literal head covering (κατακάλυψις, _katakalypsis_) mentioned earlier in the chapter, suggesting a natural, inherent "wrap" rather than a fabricated one. Therefore, the verse highlights a timeless principle of honoring God's design in gender and appearance, rather than a strict legalistic rule on hair length for all cultures and times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 11:15 speaks to creation order and natural glory, its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance are found in Christ. The "glory" (δόξα, _dóxa_) that a woman's long hair represents points to the greater glory of God, perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate embodiment of divine order and the head of all creation ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ as Creator and Head")). The principles of distinction and decorum, which this verse touches upon, are ultimately upheld and transcended in the new creation inaugurated by Christ. In Him, the distinctions of male and female, though still present, are unified under His headship, where all believers are equally valued and have access to God ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")). Furthermore, the concept of "covering" for glory foreshadows Christ as our ultimate covering, whose righteousness covers our sin and grants us true glory before God ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness through Faith in Christ")). Thus, while the verse addresses practical matters of appearance, it subtly directs our gaze to the One who is the source of all true glory and the perfect fulfillment of God's design for humanity.

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.