1 Corinthians 11:15

1 Corinthians 11:15 states, "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering." This verse concludes Paul's discussion on head coverings and proper decorum in worship, emphasizing a natural aspect of a woman's appearance that brings her honor.

Context

This verse is part of a broader passage in 1 Corinthians chapter 11 where Paul addresses issues of authority, gender roles, and appropriate conduct during public worship within the Corinthian church. He had previously discussed the symbolic significance of head coverings for women, particularly in verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:6, where the lack of a covering was equated with being shaven. Here, he shifts to a natural argument, suggesting that long hair inherently serves a similar function to a covering, providing a woman with a natural glory.

Key Themes

• Natural Glory and Beauty: The verse highlights that long hair is a natural attribute that brings "glory" (Greek: doxa) to a woman. This suggests that God's creation itself endows certain characteristics with inherent beauty and honor, affirming the natural design of femininity.
• Hair as a Natural Covering: Paul uses the term peribolaion (covering/mantle/wrap) for hair in this verse. This implies that nature itself provides a form of covering that aligns with principles of modesty and distinction, even if not a literal veil. It suggests that long hair is a natural expression of a woman's distinct identity and beauty that complements the principles of order.
• Divine Order and Distinction: While the immediate context is about outward appearance in the Corinthian church, the underlying principle is about recognizing and respecting the distinctions God has established in creation, whether through natural attributes or cultural practices. This aligns with Paul's broader concern for order and edification in the church, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:40, where he emphasizes that "all things be done decently and in order."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "covering" in verse 15 is peribolaion (περιβόλαιον), which means "something thrown around," "a mantle," or "a wrap." This is distinct from the word katakalypsis (κατακάλυψις) used in 1 Corinthians 11:6 for a literal head covering or veil. This distinction is crucial: Paul is not saying that long hair *is* the literal veil, but rather that it serves a similar *purpose* or carries a similar natural significance as a covering, contributing to a woman's glory and a sense of natural modesty and distinction.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 11:15 offers several insights into Christian conduct and God's design:

• Appreciation for Natural Beauty: It encourages an appreciation for the natural attributes God has given, recognizing them as sources of beauty and glory. This applies to recognizing God's hand in creation and our physical forms.
• Modesty and Distinction: The verse underscores the timeless principle of modesty and the honoring of gender distinctions, not necessarily through specific hair length, but through an attitude of respect for God's design. It encourages a thoughtful approach to appearance that reflects Christian values.
• Cultural Relevance vs. Enduring Principle: While specific cultural expressions of modesty (like literal head coverings) may vary across time and place, the underlying principle of respectful conduct and honoring God's order in public worship remains relevant. The natural "covering" of long hair serves as an analogy to underscore this enduring principle.

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that even in our physical appearance, we can reflect the glory of God and embody the principles of order and distinction that He has established in creation.