The passage in 1 Corinthians 11:10 that says a woman should cover her head “because of the angels” has puzzled many Bible readers over the years. What does covering a woman’s head have to do with angels? In order to properly understand this verse, we must look at the larger context of the passage in 1 Corinthians 11 about head coverings for men and women.
The Context of 1 Corinthians 11
In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul is addressing issues of propriety in worship gatherings of the church in Corinth. He talks about head coverings for both men and women, and explains the theological significance of the practices.
Paul begins by commending the Corinthians for holding firmly to the traditions passed down to them (v.2). But then he turns to address problems with gender distinctions in worship. In verse 3, Paul lays out a theological basis for proper gender roles, grounded in the order of creation: “the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
Based on this theological foundation, Paul instructs men not to cover their heads when praying or prophesying (v.4), dishonoring their status as the “head.” But every woman who prays or prophesies should have her head covered (v.5), to show honor to man as her “head” (v.10). To not cover her head would dishonor her “head” and be the same as having her head shaved (v.6).
Man should not cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God (v.7). But woman is the glory of man (v.7), therefore she should cover her head. Paul appeals to the creation order to support his teaching: man was not made from woman, but woman from man (v.8); woman was created for man, not man for woman (v.9).
It is within this passage about appropriate head coverings that Paul states, “That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” What did he mean by this cryptic reference to angels?
The Meaning of “Because of the Angels”
There are several interpretations of what Paul meant by women covering their heads “because of the angels” in worship:
1. Out of respect for angelic beings present at worship gatherings: Angels are unseen participants in worship (Psalm 138:1), so women should show reverence with head coverings.
2. Due to the watchful gaze of angels: Angels watch human behavior for how they relate to God. Improper worship is offensive to angels who are continually in God’s presence.
3. So angels are not tempted: Female hair/beauty could tempt angels towards unnatural sexual desire, as in Genesis 6:1-4. Head coverings prevent this.
4. Visual markers of authority: A covered head signals a woman’s submission to her husband’s/man’s authority over her. This authority structure is important for angels to witness.
5. Cultural convention: In Corinth, an uncovered female head was a sign of sexual looseness or protest against the husband’s authority. Head coverings helped avoid this perception.
Of these views, #4 is a commonly held interpretation. As Paul argues in the passage, a wife’s/woman’s covered head signals her submission to man’s authority over her. This displays the divine order of authority. Since angels are watching worshiping communities, it is important that this authority structure is evident through the right head covering practices.
Some additional factors support this interpretation:
– The reference to angels is sandwiched between verses about authority on a woman’s head (vv.9-10). This suggests the link between head coverings, authority, and angels.
– In Jewish tradition, angels were guardians of the created order. Head coverings maintained order.
– Paul stresses head coverings when “praying and prophesying” (vv.4-5). This is when worshipers interact with angels.
– “Because of the angels” provides the capstone reason for why women should cover up, after Paul’s theological argument from the creation order.
Therefore, Paul instructs women to cover their heads as a marker of man’s authority over them, out of reverence to creation order and for the benefit of angels present observing worship.
Alternative Views
There are some alternative interpretations of “because of the angels” that do not see it as primarily about a woman’s submission to male authority:
– It refers to angelic beings tempted by female sensuality, whom head coverings would help avoid tempting. But this view has little support in the passage context about authority.
– It is about showing respect to angelic messengers, similar to showing respect to human messengers. Head coverings display reverence.
– Paul was speculating about invisible spirit beings at worship, a common ancient idea. So this phrase may not have had actual theological significance.
– It relates to cultural conventions about head coverings, not theological concerns about angels.
However, these views are generally deemed less convincing than connecting the phrase to female submission to authority within the passage context.
What Practices are In View
What actual head covering practices did Paul have in mind? Most likely he was referring to something like a shawl or veil draped over a woman’s head, common in ancient Mediterranean cultures for married women as a symbol of modesty and submission to a husband’s authority. Both married and unmarried women were expected to display this head covering, especially during public worship.
Exactly what garment was used as a head covering likely varied in different times and places. The key point for Paul is that, whatever the local convention, women should cover their heads and men should not when worshiping “because of the angels.”
Application for Today
How should Paul’s instructions be applied today? There are three main views:
1. The head covering command is a timeless biblical principle for women when praying or prophesying. Many conservative groups, like Mennonites, still practice women wearing head coverings.
2. The command was just for first-century Corinth based on cultural conventions at the time. The principle today is for women to dress modestly and respectfully when worshiping.
3. Male authority over women was a cultural concept that we should reject today as sexist and oppressive. Commands about head coverings are irrelevant.
Views #1 and #2 represent more common evangelical approaches. Both recognize male headship as a biblical principle, but differ on whether head coverings are required today. View #3 rejects male authority as antiquated and argues Paul was wrong to ground it in creation order.
Most Christians today do not view head coverings as a binding requirement. However, they still see principles from this passage about showing respect to God’s authority structure in worship, culturally appropriate attire, and not being needlessly distracting by our dress. Many also believe angels continue to participate in Christian worship, even if unseen.
Conclusion
Paul’s difficult phrase about women covering their heads “because of the angels” has been understood in different ways. Yet within the passage context about gender roles and authority, it likely refers to women displaying submission to male authority with head coverings out of reverence and for the benefit of angelic beings observing worship. While specifics of cultural practice may change, principles of honoring God’s authority and displaying holiness given angels’ presence at worship remain important today. Proper worship involves both men and women embracing their distinct roles, which head coverings helped visibly demonstrate in Paul’s day.
