Well, I was just reading a post in one of the blogs I regularly read, and I saw that she had written on the topic of head coverings. I started wearing a head covering during worship last fall, so I thought I’d reply to her post, even though — poor thing! — she didn’t ask me to! So in a spirit of humility, and not trying to say that I’ve got anything figured out, I would like to explain why I wear one.
I agree with her — a head covering is not “commanded” in the Bible, per se. However, if I am to take Scripture literally, then I must admit that 1 Corinthians 11 says I should wear a head covering IF I want to pray or prophesy in the context of the local church, otherwise I am dishonouring my “head” and that it is a shame.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. (1 Cor. 11:5-6)
Yes, head coverings were a custom in Old Testament times. We can see examples of this in Genesis 24:64-65, Numbers 5:18, and several places in the prophets. Were they necessarily a custom in Corinth? Not all scholars agree. An interesting view on this is written about here.
She writes that veils are something that hide, that separate, that cover. I agree! Yes, the vail (KJV spelling) in the temple was to separate us from a holy God, because of our sinfulness. This veil was torn when Christ, our passover Lamb, spilled His blood (Matt. 27:51). Today, we don’t need that veil because we have direct access to God through Christ.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)
But the reason given for covering our heads in 1 Corinthians 11 is not the same context as free access to God through Christ. Paul gives several reasons for head covering:
1. To show proper honor to our God-given authority.
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1 Cor. 11:3)
Christ showed authority to His head, His Father. (See John 14:10-13 as just one example.) When we pray or prophesy without showing the chain of authority to which we willingly submit, we are giving dishonor to our head — our husbands. I believe God enjoys object lessons; we are children, and we need visible, tangible reminders of His ways. (Examples: Deuteronomy 11:16-21, Exodus 12 with Passover, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 with the Lord’s supper, among many others) Some women may be able to show proper honor and respect without heeding the object lesson, but I’ve found it’s much easier with it on my head.
2. To show that I am made in the image of man.
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. (1 Cor. 11:7-9)
This isn’t something I’d want to get too dogmatic about, but I do find it interesting that this is what Paul says. (Different opinion? Send me a comment.) Notice also what Genesis says.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)
Notice that it says, “created he him.” What does that mean? I’ve never heard a sermon on this! 
3. Because of the angels
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. (1 Cor. 11:10)
Paul also writes that someday we will judge angels. I believe angels are watching us. If we are not willing to submit to God and to our husbands, why should we be deemed competent to judge angels someday?
4. To show marital interdependence
Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. (1 Cor. 11:12-12)
5. Because it has been a custom throughout history!
Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. (1 Cor. 11:13-15)
I find it very interesting that head coverings are still normal for most women in cultures around the world today. I find it interesting that even here in the United States, head coverings were normal, especially in church worship, until only a few decades ago. I don’t believe we should lightly cast away almost 6,000 years of traditions, simply because it isn’t the custom now. Rather, we should ask why it was the tradition. Could it be that, as you research this issue, you’ll find that the tradition was based on a careful understanding of Scripture? I’ll let you do your own searching on this, as I have.
In the blog I was reading, the author mentioned that Paul did not wish to be contentious about this issue:
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. (1 Cor. 11:16)
I don’t believe that the King James Version is inspired of God (although I do believe God’s Word is inspired in its original texts), so I’d like to note on how others have translated this verse.
- But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. (NASB)
- If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. (NIV)
Notice also how Paul opened his argument:
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep (Strongs #2722, to hold down) the ordinances (Strongs #3862, transmission, that is, (concretely) a precept; specifically the Jewish traditionary law), as I delivered them to you. (1 Cor. 11:2)
To me, though, none of these arguments are the reason I started to cover my head. To me, this is not a social or cultural issue; nor is this solely an issue of submission (since I know a few Godly women who are submissive to their husbands yet do not cover their heads).
To me this is an issue of the authority of Scripture. Covering my head is not politically correct. It is not “church” correct, either. I’ll look a little odd, won’t I? (Not necessarily; I agree with the conclusion this author comes to; therefore, I wear headcoverings that are simple and don’t draw a lot of attention to me.)
When the Bible says to do something, will I obey? This is a question I have been asking myself repeatedly in many areas over the last year. Sadly, I’ve often had to answer, “No, Lord, I’m not obeying.” To obey makes me “peculiar” (1 Peter 2:9), and it requires laying down my own will.
Do our churches obey the last half of 1 Corinthians 11? Then why is the first half a “cultural issue”? If the first half is “not for today,” then what about every other verse in the Bible? Can I explain away all of those, too? Get out your scissors! Let’s cut out everything that we don’t like! Snip, snip…
So, while I may not understand and I often don’t like it, I will choose to obey. I am praying that my obedience in this outward, obvious thing will prompt others to ask me why I’m doing it!
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price… But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:1-4, 14-16)
Sorry for such a long post! I welcome your comments!
i so enjoyed this post , it is a subject i too have studied for a long while and we have both reached the same conclusions 🙂
Hi – I came across your post about the headcovering giveaway, and thought that I would look up your other post about headcovering – I really appreciate what you’ve written, and I think it’s really well done. You didn’t receive too many comments on it here, but I do hope that over time you’ve been able to shine the light of humble obedience to others quietly (as Peter said we should). 🙂 Thank you for posting this, with all the links. I’m sure you’ve encouraged others.
Excellent post. I’ve come to the same conclusions although I still am not covering for worship … yet … as my husband isn’t comfortable with the idea … yet …
Thanks for your thoughts!
I have been reading some things on your blog. I came to it from your Bible curriculum website, and wanted to find out where you stand on the doctrine in the Bible that isn’t considered “commands.” My husband asked me to cover some years ago, and I have done it because we read it in the scripture. we have also homeschooled our children because we couldn’t follow the mandate in Deuteronomy 6 when they weren’t with us the majority of the day. Thank you for this honest look at head covering. 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this post. I follow the blogs of the Dixon family which also have posted about head coverings for women. Feelin Feminine, Pondering Heart, City on a Hill, and Gleaning the Harvest. I must admit, I absolutely love their posts and their obvious love for Yahweh! I also follow your emails and blogs and absolutely look forward to each Friday when I receive your Coffee Break E-zine and read your latest thoughts. I have felt strongly convicted by Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to follow G-d obediently and wear head coverings. Previously, I hated wearing head coverings, and am still not always comfortable with it. My family is a bit surprised and perplexed by my my decision. However, I am using their inquiries to point to the scripture and truth of Adonai!
And for an update here… my husband has been studying through this passage in the last couple weeks (wow, what a long way we’ve come from when he thought I had lost my mind a few years ago), and he wants me to cover each day now. So new adjustments here. I STILL don’t like wearing it, LOL! 🙂 But I guess… maybe… I’m getting more used to it.
Please excuse all the UN-covered heads in the images on my blog. I use stock photos, and they don’t sell to many women with headcoverings, LOL. 🙂
Just curious… any of you ladies wear tzitzit? Numbers 15:38-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12. See also https://tzitzitforwomen.com/
You ladies are so much fun and such an encouragement. Hugs to all,
~Anne
Wearing a head covering is a blessing, it reminds you that you are a servant, and that you are under authority. The men address you with respect. It is a signal to the spiritual world that God is over you, because your are under authority. God knows what is best for the woman, and it´s just a piece of cloth over your head.
I couldn’t believe this post! I am one of the new subscribers to your newsletter and wasn’t sure I would continue it, but thought I’d check out a couple issues. I was amazed to see, at the end of the submission article, a link to this post about headcoverings. Not only do I rarely find much about that, but I was really pumped when I read your comment above about wearing it all the time. It’s so rare to find women who do that! I’m a headcovering-wearer, too, and it’s always nice to find other ladies who have reached the same conclusion. Thanks for writing this!
And I confess I’ve never even thought of tzittzit. I guess I always thought it was a man thing. May have to research that. I’ll be interested to know what you think about it.
I love my tzitzit! It really is a simple reminder, all day long, of my royal Heavenly Father (I get that from the strand of blue), of my commitment to honor His commands and His Word, and of His precious name, because mine is knotted to remind me of YHWH, which means “I AM that I AM” and reminds me of His presence with me at all times. So comforting… wonderful. It is quite small, so sometimes I’m the only one who can see it, but that’s okay because it IS for me, not for others. It doesn’t say anything in Scripture about it being only for men, or only for ancient Israel, but I am one of “His people” and love to know that He is my God. Okay, off my soapbox.
Oh, and I’m much more comfortable today with my daily headcovering than I was a few weeks ago. It’s not so bad after all! God is good…
~Anne
Hi, Anne. So great to hear about your journey. I started wearing a head covering about 3 years ago, and when I did, it was every day, all the time – prayer and prophesy can occur any time :). This came after about five years of wondering/praying/studying, etc.
It took a little getting used to at first, but it’s so natural now. A wonderful, tangible reminder of the Lord’s design for His creation. I used to be pretty vain about my hair, too, so this has been a lesson in humility as well. I don’t know what kind of coverings you wear (because of your pictures :)), but check out http://www.garlandsofgrace.com. These ladies have some beautiful pieces, and they’re so nice to work with.
Blessings!
Sheila
Shalom ,First I want to thank u for all that you have writen for us women. Father has given you Great Wisdom and you have help me in more whys then i will ever get to to share with you, I was looking for a kosher marsmellow receipe and got so much more. I had to move to a state that all the kekila were to far to get to and i was so hungury for the word and fellowship that i was going crazy(litery) I had no were to turn and a family of bully’s who wanted me to conform to what they wanted me to do. When I saw your stories on the side i clicked on one and have never stopped about two weeks now. Your teaching are like drinking Samart Water. Im alone raising my 1st grandaughter alone in a place i do not want to be. But you have giving me hope though the word and I take it day by day. I wish I had some were to go but I thing Farther want some alone time with me so for now i will obey(lol) What a concept!!!!!!!!!!! Please keep myself(Stella) and daughter(Felicia) in prayer.
When you say that you use less reveling head coving what does that mean can you send pic’s of them. Shalom & Blessing,
Stella
I just visited the Cover Your Hair website, because I was curious about the tichels. I really like them, and I’d been wondering what they were called and how to “use” them. Great! 🙂
It is very interesting to read all this. I was raised in a Mennonite home where it is tradition to wear a head covering. I accepted it as part of my culture until some of my family questioned it or discarded it. I looked at many devout Christian women who wore no head covering and listened to all the arguments about the hair being a veil or covering; and the argument that we don’t need to do this since it’s only mentioned once in the Bible, and etc. I really wondered about it all. Then I decided I can’t answer for anyone else, but I will just do what the Bible says, in obedience and belief. Since then I have begun to realize many things…1. The Corinthian culture was much like ours- pagan- I’m told, and Paul was giving them instruction. 2. A woman’s (long) hair is sexually appealing to a man. (What other part of us that’s sexually appealing would we leave uncovered for other men to see?) 3. The things that Anne mentioned about how it hasn’t been so long ago that it was cultural for all women to cover their heads, and not necessarily for spiritual reasons. 4. It’s my opinion that head coverings went out with women’s lib…. What does that say about submission and men in authority? Of course I mean the beautiful version of that! 🙂 It’s scary to me how women have intimidated men in the last decades. I’m told that cultures with women leading, are on the way out. It sure looks like it! Let’s get back to the Bible way! God bless all you who are! 5. When we cover our hair, as one source of pride, it seems to make us question or eliminate jewelry, make-up and certain dress styles. All the prideful things we women tend toward. May be there are other things I have learned that I am forgetting. I wonder what you discover as you believe and obey this scripture? Funny, but I often check to see whether the person who’s teaching scripture is obeying this part of it. Blessings on your journey!
Hi Sisters,
Thanks Anne for this post it is very good. I cover everyday and I now love it. I love that you said why is it that we obey the last part of 1 Cor 11 and not the first. It is so true how we only want to obey the easy things. Gods word is not a book of suggestions. Obedience truly does bring peace and His word says if you love Me you will obey Me. Its not always easy but I believe if we make up our minds that we will obey and not rely on our feelings we will have more joy.
I didnt know anything about the Tzitzit. That is very interesting. I am going to have check that out and do some research. Thank you for sharing.
I pray everyone has a blessed day with the Lord
Hugs
Anna Barrett
Thank you, Anna! Obedience seems to be the theme of my day today! You’re right about the peace and confidence it brings. Simply taking God’s Word at face value and doing what it says takes a lot of questions and striving out of my life. It helps me rest, huh?
I love, love, love the tzitzit. They are SO rich in meaning. As I tie them into knots, the order of the knots tells me about God’s name so I can meditate on it. The blue strand reminds me that He is the everlasting King (and needs to be king of MY life, too). I am to remember all His commands and all He has done for me.
I am so humbled that He knows my mind is forgetful and that I will get busy and preoccupied. He knows that little “object lessons” like tzitzit and head-coverings help me *remember* Him all day long. Then we can write His words on our walls, etc., etc. God is so good and great, and I love that He is also so practical and gracious.
Hugs, ~Anne
I wear tzit-tzitot but haven’t made it to wearing a head covering …yet? I did just buy some pretty head bands that look like head coverings and probably technically could be. My husband likes them, but i get over stimulated wearing them for too long. I pray FATHER will move my heart and give me the inclination to do what’s pleasing to HIM! I suppose i could at least start by covering when i pray,especially in front of the kiddos, and when i seek to bless my husband.
Shalom Anne,
I just read your article on head covering. Very well done. You write so well! It is difficult to find like-minded believers. Such a blessing to have found you. I also wear tzit-tzit and it also took me a while to do but as we understand the scripture -I am no Hebrew expert- it speaks to all children of Israel.
It is also noticed by people and it gives me an opportunity to share. It doesn’t have to be visible but I wear it visible for that reason.
I see modest clothing, head covering and tzit-tzit all as ways for us women to let Abba Yahovah’s light shine as His set apart people.
Shalom and thanks for all the time you put into teaching righteousness.
Elsa
I think many of you all would love the free book and cd’s offered by Epharta Christian Ministries on “the veiling”
They are available at Epharta Christian Ministries or Charity Christian Fellowship both places are free.
This is so beautiful well said! I have felt in my heart about covering as I pray and you mentioned we are “peculiar people”. While I prayed with my head covered For the first time, I felt as G-D spoke to my heart saying “ I have called you for the unpopular choice”.
Thanks so much for your article, Anne.
When I was at the Torah Sisters conference in 2019,I was not covering my head. It’s been 2 and a half years, and with each year, I grow in more wisdom as to why I do what I do. Sometimes we learn more as we practice, instead of thinking we should have it all figured out before giving it a try.
According to the church practices found in 1st Corinthians 11-14, Paul says that what he has written is a command from Yeshua- 14:37-38. Also, the passage on covering and uncovering closes with a declaration that this is taking place in all the assemblies everywhere. I’ve learned that it isn’t a women’s issue, but a church issue for both men and women to practice as believers in Yeshua. Paul did not write this to people’s personal convictions as individuals, but to an entire church to understand. Paul is falsely accused of introducing this practice to the church. However, scripture testifies that Paul received the right hand of fellowship from the actual disciples of Yeshua, not the other way around. It was James who told Paul to conduct a Nazarite vow in Jerusalem. It was Paul who was among the carriers of the letter from the Jerusalem council in Acts 15. So whatever practice Paul is explaining in 1st Corinthians 11 is not only happening in Corinth, not is it happening without the authority of the Jerusalem council. He operating in submission to the council.
Meanwhile, if Paul wanted to present the practice of covering as a matter of dispute and optional, he would’ve written in the same way he wrote Romans 14, but he did not. In fact, in Romans 14, he essentially says that their disputable matters should not cause for fellowship to be broken. Yet, with these traditions and ordinances, he says they are commands from the Messiah. Also, in 2nd Thessalonians 2 and 3, he says we’re not to have any fellowship with those who refuse these traditions delivered to the church.
Stark difference between the optional practices in Romans 14 versus the ordinances of 1st Corinthians 11-14, isn’t it?
It’s very unfortunate that these traditions have been reduced to individual conviction today. These are commands from Yeshua, given to his apostles to give to his body. Yeshua said to those that he sent out that if we don’t believe those he’s sent, we’re rejecting him, and then we’re rejecting the one who sent him. Yikes! I don’t want to be lawless against the commandments of the Messiah because I rejected the authority he gave to his disciples and apostles until he returns- 1st Peter 5:2-4.
Blessings to you.