1 Corinthians 11:7
For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The surprising point here isn't just about head coverings, but how Paul connects them to God's very nature. He asserts that a man, by not covering his head, directly reflects the image and glory of God, implying that to cover his head would somehow obscure that divine reflection. This suggests that both men and women are created in God's image, but with different roles in how that image is expressed and recognized within the community.
Paul is addressing a controversy in the Corinthian church concerning public worship, specifically about whether men and women should cover their heads. He's building his argument by referencing creation order, first explaining why women should be covered, and now explaining why men should not, linking it to their created roles and what they represent in God's order. This sets the stage for his discussion on spiritual gifts and proper conduct in church gatherings.
Paul grounds his instruction to men in their unique relationship to God. What does it mean to be the 'image and glory of God'?
Paul states that a man 'ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God.' This connects directly to the creation account in Genesis, where humanity is made in God's likeness (Genesis 1:26-27).
Image Bearers
Being the 'image of God' means reflecting God's character and authority in the world. It’s about representing God. For men, in the context Paul is discussing, not covering their heads was a way to visibly signify this God-given representation and authority.
Glory of God
The 'glory of God' refers to His presence, His splendor, and His honor. Paul asserts that man, by his very creation, bears this glory. Therefore, covering his head would be akin to veiling or obscuring this divine representation.
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The verse then makes a contrasting statement about woman. What does this 'glory of man' signify in Paul's argument?
Paul immediately follows by stating, 'but woman is the glory of man.' This is a challenging and often misunderstood phrase. It doesn't diminish woman's value or her standing before God, but rather speaks to the relational dynamic within the created order and the specific context of Corinth.
Relational Order
In the immediate context of 1 Corinthians 11, Paul is discussing roles within the church gathering. 'Glory of man' suggests that woman’s beauty and significance are displayed through man, and perhaps that man is the head of woman, as he is the image and glory of God. This speaks to a specific order intended by God, not of superiority but of relationship and representation.
Cultural Context
It's crucial to remember the cultural setting of Corinth. Veiling practices were complex and tied to social status, purity, and propriety. Paul is addressing specific issues of disorder and disrespect in their worship services, using these statements about God's image and man's glory to frame his instructions on head coverings.
Understand the original words
anēr · Greek Noun
Refers to the male gender, particularly in the context of creation order and relational roles between men and women.
eikōn · Greek Noun
The resemblance or reflection of God's character, attributes, or authority manifested in human beings, fundamentally rooted in the creation narrative.
doxa · Greek Noun
Refers to the manifestation of worth, dignity, or splendor; here, it is used to describe the relationship of origin and reflection between God, man, and woman.
This verse directly echoes the creation account in Genesis, establishing both man and woman as made in God's image, providing foundational context for Paul's argument.
Genesis 2:18Paul's statement that 'woman is the glory of man' likely draws from the creation narrative where woman is described as a 'helper fit for him,' emphasizing their complementary relationship.
1 Corinthians 11:3This verse immediately precedes 1 Corinthians 11:7 and sets up the discussion about headship and covering, highlighting Christ as the head of man, and man as the head of woman.
1 Corinthians 11:10Paul mentions that woman ought to have a 'symbol of authority' on her head because of the angels, adding a spiritual dimension to the discussion on covering and order that relates to the concept of glory.
The surprising point here isn't just about head coverings, but how Paul connects them to God's very nature. He asserts that a man, by not covering his head, directly reflects the image and glory of God, implying that to cover his head would somehow obscure that divine reflection. This suggests that both men and women are created in God's image, but with different roles in how that image is expressed and recognized within the community.
Paul is addressing a controversy in the Corinthian church concerning public worship, specifically about whether men and women should cover their heads. He's building his argument by referencing creation order, first explaining why women should be covered, and now explaining why men should not, linking it to their created roles and what they represent in God's order. This sets the stage for his discussion on spiritual gifts and proper conduct in church gatherings.
Paul is addressing a controversy in the Corinthian church concerning public worship, specifically about whether men and women should cover their heads. He's building his argument by referencing creation order, first explaining why women should be covered, and now explaining why men should not, linking it to their created roles and what they represent in God's order. This sets the stage for his discussion on spiritual gifts and proper conduct in church gatherings.
"For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man." — The surprising point here isn't just about head coverings, but how Paul connects them to God's very nature. He asserts that a man, by not covering his head, directly reflects the image and glory of…
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