Topical Bible: Having a Covering

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In biblical terms, the concept of "having a covering" encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, often symbolizing protection, authority, and propriety. This entry explores the various contexts in which coverings are mentioned in the Bible, drawing from scriptural references and theological interpretations.

Physical Coverings

1. Head Coverings: In 1 Corinthians 11:4-7, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of head coverings in worship. He writes, "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man" . This passage has been interpreted to reflect cultural norms of the time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinctions between genders and honoring established roles within the church.

2. Garments as Coverings: Clothing serves as a basic form of covering, providing modesty and protection. In Genesis 3:21, after the fall of man, "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" . This act of God clothing Adam and Eve signifies His care and provision, even after their disobedience.

3. Veils and Mantles: In the Old Testament, veils and mantles are often mentioned as coverings. Rebekah, upon meeting Isaac, "took her veil and covered herself" (Genesis 24:65), signifying modesty and respect. Elijah's mantle, which he used to part the waters of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8), symbolizes prophetic authority and the passing of his ministry to Elisha.

Spiritual Coverings

1. Divine Protection: The concept of God as a covering is prevalent throughout Scripture. Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart" . This imagery conveys God's protective and nurturing nature, offering believers a place of safety and security.

2. Atonement and Righteousness: In a spiritual sense, coverings also relate to atonement and righteousness. The Hebrew word "kaphar," often translated as "atonement," literally means "to cover." In the sacrificial system, the blood of animals served as a covering for sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Romans 4:7-8 quotes David, saying, "Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered; blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him" . Here, the covering of sin is associated with forgiveness and divine grace.

3. Authority and Submission: The idea of covering also extends to authority and submission within the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 11, the discussion of head coverings is linked to the order of authority established by God. This reflects a broader principle of spiritual covering, where believers are called to submit to God-ordained leadership and authority structures.

Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical coverings is essential for interpreting these passages. In ancient Near Eastern societies, coverings often signified social status, marital status, and religious devotion. The New Testament teachings on coverings, particularly in the Corinthian church, reflect the intersection of Jewish, Greek, and Roman customs, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity and discernment in application.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of having a covering is multifaceted, encompassing physical, spiritual, and cultural dimensions. It serves as a symbol of protection, authority, and propriety, reflecting God's care and order within creation. Through coverings, believers are reminded of their identity in Christ and their call to live under His authority and grace.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 11:1-34
Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 11:14
Does not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame to him?
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Library

The Brachmans; their Mode of Life; Ideas of Deity; Different Sorts ...
... but enveloped in a body outside himself (or his own body) (just as if one carried
a covering of sheepskin to have it seen); but having stripped off the body in ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxi the brachmans their mode.htm

St. Ambrose Meets the Objection of those who Make the Desire of ...
... some that marriage should again be entered upon for the sake of having children ... intenser
longing), does not she, I say, seem to herself to be covering over the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xv st ambrose meets.htm

The Bed and Its Covering
... a bedstead of gold; the pillars thereof are of silver, the covering thereof is ... Oh,
if my name might be handed down to posterity, as having done something, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the bed and its covering.htm

Of the Monk's Robe.
... nudity, and keep off harm from cold, not such as may foster the seeds of vanity
and pride; for the same apostle tells us: "Having food and covering, with these ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter ii of the monks.htm

Again on the Lord's Prayer, Matt. vi. To the Competentes.
... Forasmuch as the Apostle saith, "We brought nothing into this world, neither can
we carry anything out: having food and covering, [2047] let us be therewith ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon viii again on the.htm

Israel the Beloved
... by Saul having been a member of it, and by the Temple having been built on ... 28 in
reference to Israel; the second one, of God's protecting covering, is extended ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/israel the beloved.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ...
... "Neither can we carry anything out." Acknowledge it, this is true also. 10. What
follows then? "Having food and covering, let us be therewith content; for they ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xi on the words.htm

This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin
... was exposed with naked body: He was not deemed worthy even of covering; and, in ... place
of the dead, and ascended to the height of heaven, having suffered for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v this is he who.htm

Of the World, Man, and the Providence of God.
... become immortal are previously born mortal, and then, having completed the course
[1597] of their temporal life, and having laid aside the covering [1598] of ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap lxviii of the world man.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... Teachers. When then Paul says, "having food and covering we shall be therewith
content" (1 Timothy 6:8.), says he this only to Teachers? ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm