Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the topic of a woman wearing her hair long as a covering is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. This passage has been a subject of theological discussion and interpretation within the Christian community, particularly concerning the roles and appearances of women in worship and daily life.Biblical Reference: The primary scriptural reference for this topic is found in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. In this passage, Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding customs of head coverings during prayer and prophesying. 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 just as if her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head." (1 Corinthians 11:4-6) Paul further elaborates on the natural distinction between men and women, stating: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering." (1 Corinthians 11:14-15) Theological Interpretation: From a conservative Christian perspective, this passage is often understood to emphasize the importance of maintaining distinct roles and appearances for men and women, as ordained by God. The long hair of a woman is seen as a natural covering, symbolizing her femininity and submission to divine order. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical theme of headship, where Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman (1 Corinthians 11:3). Cultural and Historical Context: In the cultural context of the Corinthian church, head coverings were a common practice, signifying modesty and respectability. For women, wearing a veil or having long hair was a sign of honor and propriety. Paul's instructions reflect the customs of the time, while also appealing to a universal principle of order and distinction between genders. Practical Application: For many conservative Christian communities today, the principle of a woman wearing her hair long as a covering is upheld as a sign of obedience to biblical teachings. It is viewed as an outward expression of an inward commitment to God's design for gender roles. While interpretations and applications may vary, the underlying emphasis remains on honoring God through adherence to scriptural principles. Contemporary Considerations: While some modern Christian denominations and individuals may interpret these passages differently, the conservative viewpoint maintains that the biblical directive for women to wear their hair long as a covering is a timeless principle. It serves as a reminder of the distinct and complementary roles of men and women within the church and family, as established by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 11:15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 1 Cor. xi. 2 Against Embellishing the Body. Choosing the Tens Change not Always Improvement. On Clothes. A Prince's Bride The Shepherd of Pella Letter xxxix. To Paula. The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ... Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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