11:3 11:3

1 Corinthians 11:4

11:5 11:5

Bible Versions

Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head.
Every {G3956} man {G435} praying {G4336} or {G2228} prophesying {G4395}, having {G2192} his head {G2776} covered {G2596}, dishonoureth {G2617} his {G846} head {G2776}.
Every man who prays or prophesies wearing something down over his head brings shame to his head,
Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head.

Context

First Corinthians 11:4 is part of a larger discussion by the Apostle Paul concerning order, decorum, and the concept of headship within the church at Corinth. This passage immediately follows Paul's foundational statement in 1 Corinthians 11:3, where he establishes a divine hierarchy: God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman. The Corinthian church was known for various issues, including disorder in their worship gatherings, and Paul addresses specific practices related to public prayer and prophecy.

Culturally, head coverings in the Greco-Roman world and Jewish tradition often signified honor, status, or submission. For men, being uncovered in public was generally a sign of freedom and honor, especially when praying or prophesying, as it reflected their direct relationship with Christ as their head, without an intermediary covering. Covering a man's head could, in certain contexts, symbolize shame or a lack of authority.

Key Themes

  • Order and Decorum in Worship: Paul emphasizes the importance of appropriate conduct during public spiritual activities like praying and prophesying. This verse, along with the surrounding verses, seeks to bring a respectful order to the worship gatherings in Corinth.
  • Headship and Authority: The core of this verse directly relates to the principle of headship established in the preceding verse. For a man to cover his head while engaging in spiritual leadership roles (praying or prophesying) was seen as a dishonor to Christ, who is his spiritual head. It would symbolically obscure or diminish the direct authority and glory given to him by Christ.
  • Honor and Dishonor: The phrase "dishonoureth his head" carries significant weight. It implies an act that brings shame or disrespect. In this context, it is not merely a social faux pas but an act that undermines the established divine order and, by extension, dishonors Christ himself, the ultimate "head" of man.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "head" used here is kephalē (κεφαλὴ), which can refer to a literal physical head but also carries the metaphorical meaning of "source," "chief," or "authority." In this verse, it clearly functions with both meanings: the physical act of covering one's head, and the metaphorical dishonor brought upon one's spiritual head, Christ.

The term "covered" comes from the Greek katakalyptō (κατακαλύπτω), meaning "to cover down" or "to veil completely." This suggests a distinct act of concealment rather than a mere partial covering.

Practical Application

While the specific cultural practice of head coverings for men in public worship is not universally observed in most contemporary churches, the underlying principles of 1 Corinthians 11:4 remain highly relevant:

  • Respect for Authority: The verse calls believers to acknowledge and respect the divine order and the authority of Christ as the head of the church and individual men. Our actions in worship should always reflect an honor for God and His established ways.
  • Decorum in Worship: Whether through attire, attitude, or actions, believers should strive for an atmosphere of reverence and order in public worship. Paul's concern was not merely about externals but about the heart and message conveyed by outward practices.
  • Understanding Spiritual Roles: The passage highlights that men, when leading in prayer or prophecy, are to do so in a manner that reflects their direct accountability and honor to Christ. This principle encourages men to embrace their spiritual responsibilities with humility and integrity, ensuring their actions consistently glorify God. Our conduct in worship should always point to Christ and avoid anything that would detract from His glory or confuse His divine order.
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.

  • 2 Samuel 15:30

    And David went up by the ascent of [mount] Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that [was] with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:14

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

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10

    To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28

    And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

  • 2 Samuel 19:4

    But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1

    ¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:25

    And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
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