10For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
10For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head,
The words “a symbol of” are an unfortunate rendering implying that a woman ought to wear a head covering. The Greek says, “The woman ought to have authority on her head.” The reason for this is that she is the glory of man (vv. 7-9).
The woman’s authority refers to her hair (11:14) and not to a veil or hat. Her hair frames her face and is part of her feminine beauty. Her hair is an indication of her feminine submission to masculinity. Her hair is a badge of feminine submission to her husband. The male rejoices in a woman’s femininity because this complements him. The word “authority” means the freedom or right to choose. This is not an external authority (exousia) but an internal authority possessed by the woman. Women should freely choose to accept their husband’s headship or authority. Feminine women are both in a subordinate relationship to men and, by their femininity manifested by long hair, are free to pray and prophesy in public. This is a delegated authority.
because of the angels.
Angels watch women’s reactions to authority for a special reason. Some angels followed Satan’s rebellion against God. This was an issue of rejection of the authority of God (Isaiah 14:12-14). The fall of certain angels was an issue of the freedom to exercise volition. Some angels volitionally chose to go independent from God. The issue for angels is, “Will women inferior to angels go independent from God, or will they volitionally accept the authority of men?”
PRINCIPLE:
Authority in the Bible is important from the principle of an orderly relationship in creation.
APPLICATION:
This chapter deals with the husband and wife and is not making a general statement about all possible relationships between men and women. The principle is true for all women, Christian or otherwise. Obviously, non-Christian women do not accept the principle because they are in rebellion against the authority of God in the first place.
The ancient world viewed the value of women as somewhere between a first-class camel and a human being. When Christ came, he placed high value and equality on the woman. Wherever Christianity has gone, it has dignified women. God protects women both by divine principle and by her own free will. The greatest freedom and protection of the woman is her own free will.
It is important to note the crucial role women play in ministry. Euodia and Syntyche were “co-laborers” with the mighty apostle Paul, no less in ministry (Php 4:1f). There were women prophets in the Old Testament. Phoebe served the church at Cenchrea (Ro 16:1-2). Priscilla explained the Bible more accurately to the great preacher Apollos (Acts 18:24-26).
i am so confusedof other's translation of Acts 2:16 onward that men & women are same
Gigi, your question is not clear. Acts 2:16ff is translated well in most versions.
Why is it other churches are different? some they allow women to rule the church but other they don't allow & which is right to allow or not pls explainpls?
Why is it other churches are different? some they allow women to rule the church but other they don't allow & which is right to allow or not pls explain?
Gigi, some churches believe 1 Th 2:12ff and others do not. Those that do not attribute explicit statements in that passage to culture.
If the 1 Cor. letter were taken as a whole, ch.2:2 defines “ordinances” of 11:2. Also ch. 7:1 defines the setting of this passage. I feel that the phrase “because of the angels” completes the first three words of this verse. Because of the Christian woman(see “In the Lord” of v.11)having angelic guidance, (see Heb. 1:14) she ought to have rule/power over her own head.
My studies indicate that several key words have been misinterpreted in this passage. The word “Head” in v.3 is defined as “Supply” by vs.8-9. Adam was the supply for the creation of Eve. This same Gr. word was translated to “Sum” in Acts 22:28, referring to money as the supply for obtaining citizenship. Our context has no indication to chief or leader.
The Gr. words for “Power on” simply mean “authority, rule, or jurisdiction on or over. These two words are also translated to “Power over” in Rev.2:26.
In v.16, Paul clearly concludes that “We have no such custom.” For the fallen daughters of Adam,(vs.3-9) such a symbol of shame is quite appropriate. Shame was removed by Jesus for women who are now “In the Lord,” Male and Female now have the same connection to the creator.(Gal.3:28)
Our vs. 11-12 explain that both the man,(Jesus)and woman (Mary, representing humanity) were needed for this connection, whereas Adam had no mother.
May our Lord direct and bless your scrutiny.
love from ben
1 Cor. 11:15. The Gr. Lexicon explains that the word “Long” means “Hair worn long” rather than long hair bobbed, as some do.
The word “Given” is a puzzle, since God also created men with the ability to grow it long. History tells us that tradition recognized a woman’s elaborate coiffure as a covering. Maybe that was one of their questions following ch.7:1. I don’t know, but Paul did not support it for Christian women, in the Lord.
written in love, and welcome responses.
ben
Ben,
My apology for not responding to your blogs sooner. I was in Indonesia at the time and missed your comments entirely.
I believe you are wrong in your idea that this commentary misinterprets certain concepts. It appears to me that you have superimposed or interpolated your ideas into the text. The idea of “head” as “supply” is a reading into this passage something not found in the text itself. To bring in other passages such as Acts 22:28 is not good hermeneutics. It is clear in recent Greek studies that “head” as source has been rounded defeated by further exegetical studies.
The word “authority” translated by NKJV translators is a normal translation for the word ἐξουσία. The word indeed means jurisdiction over the wife. It appears to me that your point has no relevance to my interpretation.
The point in verse 16 about “custom” has to do with division or schism in the church. The idea is that it is not customary to make an issue like long hair to divide the church. You have misinterpreted this verse.
Read my exposition of Galatians 3:28. This passage has nothing to do with the role of the woman in marriage or her relation to authority in the church. It has to do with male and female having equal status with God spiritually. Again, you have superimposed an outside passage on this passage to interpret this passage.
Lastly, you have spiritualized verses 11-12 and not used normal hermeneutics for interpreting this passage. It is very serious business to try to make the passage what you want it to mean.
There is also a Bible scripture that states that a woman should wear a head covering when prophesying
Happy New Year to you Dr.Grant, I praise God with your hard word in verse by verse commentaries in as a Ptr. of one Christian church here in the Philippines your work helps me a lot.
My question concern is regarding Complementarianism vs Egalitarianism. Most of the Baptist church are Complementarian,Why is it that most of there missionaries being sent were women and of course they will be the one to teach men.Hope to hear from you soon,God speed!
Robert, thank you for your blog. May God bless you in this new year. Here is my article on the subject: https://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/doctrine/women-in-ministry/
Dr.Grant,
Shaloom,Shaloom!
Very well noted with your clear clarification regarding Complementarianism vs Egalitarianism and may God richly bless you as you continue to run the race that our heavenly Father entrusted to you. This verse by verse commentary helps me a lot, once again God bless you more!
Your Co-Worker in Christ,
Bro.Robert