1 Corinthians 11:6

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:6 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 11:6 is part of a complex and often debated passage where the Apostle Paul addresses issues of order, authority, and appropriate conduct for men and women in the Corinthian church, particularly concerning public worship. This specific verse employs a rhetorical argument to underscore the importance of women being "covered" during prayer or prophesying, linking it to the severe cultural shame associated with having one's hair "shorn" or "shaven."

Historical and Cultural Context

The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Greco-Roman world, known for its diverse population and a culture that placed a high value on public honor and shame. For women in this society, hair was often a significant marker of modesty, marital status, and social standing. Respectable women, especially married ones, typically covered their heads in public, signifying their modesty and adherence to social norms. Conversely, having one's hair cut very short ("shorn" – keirō) or completely shaved ("shaven" – xyraō) was a severe sign of disgrace, often associated with women who were captives, slaves, prostitutes, or those accused of adultery. Paul leverages this deeply ingrained cultural understanding of shame to make his point about public decorum within the Christian assembly.

Key Themes and Messages

• Order and Decorum in Worship: Paul's primary concern throughout 1 Corinthians is maintaining order and avoiding anything that would bring dishonor to God or the Christian community. This verse underscores his emphasis on proper conduct during public gatherings.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Witness: The passage highlights the importance of the church's witness to the outside world. Actions that were considered shameful or scandalous in the prevailing culture could hinder the spread of the Gospel and bring disrepute to Christ's name.
• Avoiding Public Scandal: By equating an uncovered head with the disgrace of shorn hair, Paul emphasizes that women should avoid any appearance that might be interpreted as immodest, rebellious, or dishonorable within their cultural context. This aligns with the principle of not causing a brother or sister to stumble or bringing reproach upon the Christian faith.
• Respect for God-given Order: While focused on cultural implications, this verse is rooted in the broader concept of God-given headship and order within creation and the church, as discussed in the preceding verses of this chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "shorn" and "shaven" to translate two distinct but related Greek verbs. "Shorn" comes from keirō (κείρω), which means to shear, clip, or cut short, often referring to sheep or hair. "Shaven" is from xyraō (ξυράω), meaning to shave completely. The pairing of these terms emphasizes the severe and deliberate cutting of hair, which in that cultural context was a clear mark of public disgrace or punishment for women. The term "covered" is from katakalyptō (κατακαλύπτω), meaning to cover completely, highlighting the contrast with an uncovered or disgraced appearance.

Practical Application

While the specific cultural practice of head coverings may not be universally observed by Christians today, the underlying principles of 1 Corinthians 11:6 remain highly relevant.

• Decorum in Worship: Christians are still called to conduct themselves with reverence and respect during worship, ensuring that our actions reflect the holiness of God and do not distract or dishonor the assembly. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on all things being done decently and in order.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Believers should be mindful of how their actions and appearance are perceived by both fellow believers and the wider society. While not compromising biblical truth, wisdom dictates avoiding unnecessary offense or conduct that might misrepresent the Christian faith in our specific cultural context.
• Unity and Witness: The ultimate goal is to promote unity within the church and present a compelling witness to the world, ensuring that our conduct reflects the transforming power of the Gospel.