I have a question on head covering. When should sisters wear head coverings? And, if it is only during church gathering, what happends if you do not have the usual Sunday gathering at a church building, but your fellowship gathering is at a house, so do the sisters wear the head covering every time they gather with brothers and sisters?
Note that these questions are for those who believe in sisters wearing head coverings.
Thank you,
Lisa
myfirstLove wrote:
When should sisters wear head coverings? And, if it is only during church gathering, what happends if you do not have the usual Sunday gathering at a church building, but your fellowship gathering is at a house, so do the sisters wear the head covering every time they gather with brothers and sisters?Note that these questions are for those who believe in sisters wearing head coverings.
Thank you,
Lisa
Lisa, I may not be experienced enough to comment on this, but I will on what I have read and understand it to be...
NIV
1 Corinthians 11
1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Propriety in Worship
2I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings,[a] just as I passed them on to you.
3Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as though her head were shaved. 6If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. 7A man ought not to cover his head,[b] since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.
11In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. 13Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
KJV
1 Corinthians 11
1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3But 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.
4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6For 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.
7For 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.
8For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.
9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
AS I SEE IT...Christ Jesus is both of our coverings. Christ covers the man and the man covers the women, but both are mutually covered by God.
Maybe I am wrong... BUT I think putting a cloth covering over ones head makes no difference whatsoever, much like circumcision.
Then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about.
God Bless,
BrianMira :-(
Lisa,
Here is a good article on this subject:
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=15891&forum=34#123220
Now to specifically answer your questions:
When should sisters wear head coverings?
1 Corinthians 11 tell us to do it when you pray or prophecy. Now, when do you pray or prophecy? Only when you are in the gathering of Believers? or when you go about your business during the day?
It would be helpful to you if you would make a list of all the reasons given in 1Corinthians 11 that say why it should be worn. This in itself will be very enlightening.
The women of the early church wore it as well as throughout history. Not until the 20th century has been discarded by women.
Personally, I wear one and I am not ashamed of it. It makes me stand out like a sore thumb, but if Jesus was willing to die a cruel death on the cross, which was a shameful thing to do, the least I can do is be willing to be obedient to this Biblical directive. And you know what? I experience respect from the males in the public! They will open/hold doors for me when entering a building! Now this of course, is not required Biblically, but it is a nice gesture.
Apparently, the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about this?
Blessings,
ginnyrose
My wife started wearing a covering in the last year and this is what I'd suggest. She wears it all the time and I think it's a proper principle. However, if you need to pray and realize you're not wearing it, don't worry about it.
For the record, I think it's such a blessing when a sister wears a covering.
JelloTaster,
There are so many blessings in wearing one I am reluctant to detail them because one can not back them up with scripture. It is like the icing on the cake, a fringe benefit or who knows? Perhaps it is the natural result by divine order when done?
ginnyrose
1 Corinthians 11 tell us to do it when you pray or prophecy. Now, when do you pray or prophecy? Only when you are in the gathering of Believers? or when you go about your business during the day?
I do the same. Having very little hair I wear my hat in the market and uncover my head in the gathered assembly. The size and location are not the issue, the nature of the gathering is... in my opinion. No matter how small, if it is the church that is gathered I think the admonitions of 1 Cor 11-14 apply.
quote]but your fellowship gathering is at a house, so do the sisters wear the head covering every time they gather with brothers and sisters?
My wife wears her head covering when shes in public or when we are assembled together as a fellowship in a house.
It seems to me, Lisa, this is an issue you will have to let the Holy Spirit give you inspiration. There are well meaning folks who will declare it is only for worship services and others who will say for all-time wearing.
Now let me share something I heard recently - and this by means is the first time I have heard of it or something similar. The latest testimony: a man was experiencing demonic attacks at night. In the course of dealing with this (and I do not know the details) it was decided his wife would wear a headcovering at night. The attacks stopped.
Lest any would accuse me of using it as a good luck charm or anything remotely similar, you should go back and read 1Corinthians 11. It talks there about the angels and that is one reason why it should be worn. How this influences them is not stated, only that it does. Some things are left unsaid which means the LORD did not think it was important for us to know although some of these things do become apparent when it is observed by obedience.
I regard 'head covering' as an ordinance (1Cor 11:1)
Since this is the case, we would do well to work to understand it, but lack of understanding should in no wise interfere with its application.
I do the same. Having very little hair I wear my hat in the market and uncover my head in the gathered assembly.
I find it very interesting that when public prayers are made, males who are wearing hats, will reach up and remove them when prayer is offered! Even males who do not embrace the headcovering for females!
God bless you, Lisa, you are in for some pleasant experiences in your walk with the LORD if you submit to this ordinace.
ginnyrose
find it very interesting that when public prayers are made, males who are wearing hats, will reach up and remove them when prayer is offered! Even males who do not embrace the headcovering for females!
Well stated sister!
Thank you all for sharing. I will continue to pray to God about it.
Yeah, when I started to wear a head covering I have notice that my prayer time have been felt with more power of the Holy Spirit! This may sound strange to everyone, but it seems that I have a more burden for revival, where I don't have to work it up, but its been given to me. Its like this was the last thing that God was waiting for me to obey. Not like I've have nothing more to obey, but I've been allowing the Lord to do do a deep cleansing in me, inwardly and outwardly. I've given it all to Christ. I really want to say that it is not me who lives, but Christ!
I wore it to go evangelise and I could tell a difference. I am treated with more respect, and taken more seriosely from the guys and women. Not that I am looking for it or desire it.
Thanks again,
Lisa
another thing I want to add is that women who may not find a difference of wearing a head covering, I believe it has to do with the SELF. It is more of a burdensome to them, an embarrasement, and not out of love for God and believing in His ways (much doubt) or depending on it for holiness.
1 Corinth 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: [b]for her hair is given her for a covering
Dont know, y'all... that seems pretty clear to me. Why make it more complicated than God intended?
Krispy
Why make it more complicated than God intended?
Come on krispy - I expect more from you then that.
I can take one verse of scripture and make it say anything I want too.
In Christ - Jim
Hi Krispy,
This topic was noted to be for those who believe in head coverings. Couldn't resist huh :)?
I find it interesting that Paul says that women is the glory of man v.7 and man is the glory of God and thats why man does not need to be covered.....and then Paul states how the hair is a glory to her (man's glory). The glory that needs to be covered!
So Paul is saying women need to be covered because she is the glory of man. How can you cover up man's glory with long hair when it is stated to be a glory to her?
Paul is saying long hair is given to females and not males as a natural covering
Does that part make sense to you?
Here is a post that is from my husband under another topic. I believe it to make a lot of sense and will show that there is more to a covering than just long hair.
Quote:
It seems the scriptures say that women should wear head coverings in the church - especially when prophesying or praying.
I think the confusions comes because the first part of the passage seems to say one thing and the last part of the passage seems to say just the opposite.
4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.
5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved.
6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.
7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.
8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;
9for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake.
10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.
12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.
These verses say that the covering is NOT her hair. Notice verse 4 and 5:
Quote:
5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.
Paul says that if a women prays without a covering let her shave her head. So obviously she has hair already. Therefore the covering is external.
Here's where I think it is confusing for some. Here it can seem like Paul is saying a womans hair is her covering but that's not what it is saying.
Quote:
13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him,
15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
Paul is making a comparison to show what should be obvious to his hearers. It seems as if Paul is saying "this should be obvious to you just like men having short hair and women having long hair should be obvious as what is right". Paul is using something his hearers would agree was obvious to say the same thing about women covering their heads.
Paul then concludes this passage by saying :
"16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." NASB
Paul is saying..."you can disagree but this is the practice of the Churches of God".
I think this passage as a whole is even more confusing in the KJV. In the kjv verse 16 says: 16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
That really doesn't make much sense. It would seem odd that Paul would lay out a whole teaching on why women should have their hair covered then say "oh, by the way..we don't do that".
That would be like laying out a whole teaching on Jesus being the only way to heaven and then at the end say "by the way..you can actually get to heaven by many way". It wouldn't make sense.
I can take one verse of scripture and make it say anything I want too.
You're kidding me, right? I didnt make it say anything. It's clear all on it's own. Thats why I didnt elaborate... I didnt need to. Nor will I elaborate now. It says what it says. Even if I quoted 30 verses before and after it... it still says the same thing.
Krispy
I used to think that this kind of teaching was focused primarily for women but i have found there is so much of 1 Cor 11 for the man. I have been around a group of women who are head-covered and modest (both are synanomus) and truly have been blessed. There is a difference. Its definately a spiritual thing and i think that a sister to make a decision to change something so "radical", at least in today's time, only the Holy Spirit can convict that. There are sermons on this site that go into detail explaining if the long hair is the covering and whatnot.
Let me clarify something... I am not against women wearing a head covering. Those I know who do really have a deeper understanding of godly submission than most Christian women.
I simply believe that it is up to the woman to decide between her and her God. There is [b]no[b]not
But there are those people and denominations that insist their women wear head coverings. Thats wrong. And it no longer is a sign of whats happening in their hearts... it's now a compulsory thing. A requirement. It's lost it's meaning.
The same principle applies to those who insist that tithing is for the NT believer (altho it is never once taught in the NT as a requirement for the NT believer.)
We want to make everyone do godly things instead of just letting godly things happen because it is in someones heart to please God.
Thats called religion.
Krispy
Krispy, as you will notice, I have not forced any one on this forum to wear headcovering and telling them that they will loose their salvation if they don't. I have not even shared with anyone that they need to wear a head covering, only if they ask, I will share.
You will notice that my first post on this thread made it clear that I only want those people who believe in head coverings to comment because I do not want this thread to turn into a debate.
Your the one that is turning it into religion.
KrispyKrittr wrote:
1 Corinth 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her:[b]for her hair is given her for a covering[/b] .Dont know, y'all... that seems pretty clear to me. Why make it more complicated than God intended?
Krispy
That was my point, but I included vesus 1-15.
:-(
I used to think that this kind of teaching was focused primarily for women but I have found there is so much of 1 Cor 11 for the man.
Very true.
Brian, you need to read in context.
KrispyKrittr wrote:
Let me clarify something... I am not against women wearing a head covering. Those I know who do really have a deeper understanding of godly submission than most Christian women.I simply believe that it is up to the woman to decide between her and her God. There is
[b]no[/b] commandment in scripture for a Christian woman to wear a head covering, and Paul explains why (very clearly). However, it's important to note that he did[b]not[/b] forbid it, either. Paul seemed to understand that this is something that some would do because for them it was an outward sign of the submission that has taken place in their heart.But there are those people and denominations that insist their women wear head coverings. Thats wrong. And it no longer is a sign of whats happening in their hearts... it's now a compulsory thing. A requirement. It's lost it's meaning.
The same principle applies to those who insist that tithing is for the NT believer (altho it is never once taught in the NT as a requirement for the NT believer.)
We want to make everyone do godly things instead of just letting godly things happen because it is in someones heart to please God.
Thats called religion.
Krispy
amen...
not to mention that if you wanted to open the context, the previous (1 Corinthians 10), Paul is talking about the Believer's Freedom.
KJV
23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
NIV
23"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
25Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."[c]
27If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28But if anyone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake[d]— 29the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience? 30If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Not all things are beneficial. Not everything is constructive.
This is like hanging a cross on your review mirror in your car. There are only two possible reasons for this 1) to SHOW others and 2) to SHOW and remind you.
Where is God? He should be in your heart, in your being, not necessarily on your head, or hanging infront of your face, or as a worldly sign like circumcision.
God Bless the inside, please,
Brian
myfirstLove wrote:
I have a question on head covering. When should sisters wear head coverings? And, if it is only during church gathering, what happends if you do not have the usual Sunday gathering at a church building, but your fellowship gathering is at a house, so do the sisters wear the head covering every time they gather with brothers and sisters?Note that these questions are for those who believe in sisters wearing head coverings.
Thank you,
Lisa
Hi Krispy,This topic was noted to be for those who believe in head coverings. Couldn't resist huh :)?
Lisa, I think you need to listen to what is being said. You asked a question that implied women SHOULD wear head coverings and then footnoted that it is for BELIEVERS only.
Besides your sarcasm about not being able to resist commenting on this topic, you also implied that I am reading out of context. Krispy was clear in the verse that he pointed out, which was the same chapter I quoted.
You are trying to get a narrow answer to a broader question. If you want to feel more holy with a head covering, I am sure you have seen nun or muslim ladies with theirs. Why not just take their example?
This is not to knock head coverings per say, just to say that your question about this topic seems rather worldly. If you do not want to hear the full and complete answer, then do not ask. It reminds me of the person who wanted to talk about apple pies.
God Bless apple pies,
Brian :-)
myfirstLove wrote:
Krispy, as you will notice, I have not forced any one on this forum to wear headcovering and telling them that they will loose their salvation if they don't. I have not even shared with anyone that they need to wear a head covering, only if they ask, I will share.You will notice that my first post on this thread made it clear that I only want those people who believe in head coverings to comment because I do not want this thread to turn into a debate.
Your the one that is turning it into religion.
I do not want to be 'sticking up' for Krispy, because he is quite good at that himself, but Lisa, you seem to be passively argumentative. I do not know you, nor have I read anything from you (i don't think), but your responses do tell me something.
By mentioning that you do not want to turn this thread into a debate, you obviously knew it was a 'hot' topic. I, for one, did not know. I have never seen this topic before. If you have and I think you said that your husband has as well, then why bring it up again?
No one talks about apple pies.
God Bless apple pies,
Brian
:-)
ginnyrose wrote:Personally, I wear one and I am not ashamed of it. It makes me stand out like a sore thumb, but if Jesus was willing to die a cruel death on the cross, which was a shameful thing to do, the least I can do is be willing to be obedient to this Biblical directive. And you know what? I experience respect from the males in the public! They will open/hold doors for me when entering a building! Now this of course, is not required Biblically, but it is a nice gesture.
Apparently, the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about this?
Blessings,
ginnyrose
ginnyrose, I am truly happy that a head covering brings you respect... although, I cannot see your comparision of Jesus dying on the cross and, as you mentioned, being obedient to this Biblical directive of covering ones head, especially since 1 Corinthians 11 does not direct such a thing.
Help me understand as if I was 5.
Also, although you ask a question, I think the courts would call,"Objection! Leading the witness, you honor!" Why is it appearant that the Holy Spirit is speaking to her about this?
God Bless,
Brian
I hold the door for all women and men, too. Do you think that Jesus will open the gate for you any more or any longer, because you had something on your head? :-) I don't.
ginnyrose wrote:
JelloTaster,There are so many blessings in wearing one I am reluctant to detail them because one can not back them up with scripture. It is like the icing on the cake, a fringe benefit or who knows? Perhaps it is the natural result by divine order when done?
ginnyrose
maybe this could be an answer, but it seems worldly or fleshy to me...you know?...the icing on the cake?!
Brian you are very wrong.
There was no sarcasm in my words, but there are plenty in yours.
You were very rude in your posts. Insinuating that I am using head coverings to be more holy and adding to my words.
I ask a question about when to wear head coverings. Thats all. How is that trying to get a narrow answer to what I believe? I am not asking help in wanting to know if head coveing is material or not. I am asking when to wear it.
Your adding to my words when you say I am asking only for believers to answer. I ask those who believe in women wearing coverings to answer because I was not looking to understand about the covering, BUT when to wear it.
The reason why I told you to read it in context is because you only pulled one verse out.
You need to reread your posts because it is full of pride, immaturity, ill humor and rudeness.
I will not continue this conversation with you in that attitude.
[b]This is an excerpt from an article on headcoverings. It's from a messianic website. Though I disagree with much of the doctrine found in some Messianic Churches I found part of this article to be a good teaching on headcoverings.)
THE VALIDITY AND VALUE OF WOMAN'S HEADCOVERING
INTRODUCTION
D. L. Moody once mentioned an old minister who said that "the cries of neglected texts were always sounding in his ears, asking why he did not show how important they were."2 For a number of years, this text concerning the woman's headcovering has been sounding in my ears, asking why I do not show how important it is.
I realize that most Bible-believers consider headcovering one of the least important commandments, and perhaps they are right. There are certainly many things that are more vital to our faith than headcoverings. However, the subject requires attention because it is a practice that is ignored by all but a small minority of women. Merle Ruth, a Mennonite writing about the subject, points out that "a practice, once it becomes neglected, ought to receive more attention than it otherwise would, and this is obviously a neglected practice."3 It is for this very reason that we should closely examine what the Bible actually teaches about this neglected, forgotten custom.
The prophet Jeremiah was commanded "to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant" (Jer.1:10).I do not want to tear down people who hold erroneous views about the headcovering. However, as a teacher whom God has set in the Body, it is my duty to root out, to pull down, to destroy, and to throw down the erroneous view, themselves, because erroneous views rob God's people of potential blessings. In New Testament terminology, this is called "casting down imaginations" or "destroying speculations." (2 Cor.10:5 KJV/NASB).
In the first part of this paper, I must "cast down" by exposing the inadequacies of some opinions believers typically have about the woman's headcovering. This must be done to establish the validity of the practice for believers today. Then I want "to build and to plant" by presenting a sound, Biblical understanding of the subject to establish the value of the practice. It is my prayer that both the validity and the value of the headcovering will be planted in the hearts and minds of readers, and thereby build up the Body of Messiah.
PART I:
VALIDITY OF THE HEADCOVERING
SOME TYPICAL RESPONSES
Whenever the issue of the woman's headcovering is brought up, people often dismiss the practice in one of several ways. There are some who simply ignore the subject because, they say, there are different ways to interpret the passage. Others avoid further discussion by saying that the headcovering Paul refers to is just the hair itself, and not a scarf or shawl worn over the hair. Many others insist that these instructions about headcovering applied only to the congregation in Corinth, and that the reasons for the headcovering were due to some local, cultural customs of the First Century that are irrelevant to Twentieth Century believers. Some people dismiss the subject by saying that God is concerned with what is in the heart, and the headcovering is merely an unimportant outward symbol. Finally, there are some women who do not wear a headcovering simply because no other women in their congregation do it, and they fear they might project a "holier-than-thou" image by wearing a headcovering in a bareheaded congregation.
Let us now examine each of these five responses in detail, honestly and objectively.
RESPONSE #1: IGNORING THE SUBJECT
Those who say there are different ways to interpret 1 Corinthians 11 are right. Different people interpret this passage in different ways. There are different ways to interpret almost any passage of Scripture. However, this does not mean we should ignore a subject, especially when fifteen verses (half a chapter) are devoted to giving detailed explanations and instructions about a practice. A passage of instruction this lengthy should not be neglected by God's people simply because there are different ways to interpret it.
Paul felt it was important enough to write about, and the Holy Spirit felt it was important enough to preserve as Scripture for the instruction of future generations, including ours. When people interpret Biblical instruction differently, the response most pleasing to God is not to ignore it, but to seek the correct interpretation, and then humbly respond in cheerful obedience to the will of our Heavenly Father.
RESPONSE #2: THE WOMAN'S HAIR AS A "COVERING"
Those who say that the only covering a woman needs is her hair base their conclusion on a statement near the end of the passage: "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory for her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (va.15).
There are three proofs that the hair cannot be the only covering Paul refers to, and certainly not the covering he refers to earlier in the passage.
PROOF A: TWO GREEK WORDS
First, the Greek word translated "covering" in this verse is peribolaion, a word that is different from and unrelated to katakalupto, the "covering" spoken of in all the previous verses. If Paul had meant that the hair is the only covering a woman needs, he would have used the word katakalupto -- the term he uses all six times that the "covering" is mentioned in the preceding verses. But Paul does not write "her hair is given her for a katakalupto." He uses a totally different word, peribolaion, when he tells us the hair is a "covering." Paul switches to another term for a reason: He wants to make sure we do not confuse the woman's natural covering, her hair (peribolaion), with the scarf or shawl (katakalupto) which she willingly places on her head. This fact becomes even more apparent when we look at the meanings and uses of these two different Greek words.
Katakalupto, the word that refers to the covering a woman places on her head, is composed of the prefix kata-('down") and kalupto ("cover"). This is exactly what a scarf or shawl does -- it hangs down from the top of the head and covers the woman's hair.
Peribolaion, the word that refers to the woman's hair as a natural "covering," uses the prefix peri- ("around," as in our English word perimeter). The long hair functions as a frame that flows around the perimeter or border of the woman's face.
The word peribolaion appears only twice in the New Testament, but it appears twelve times in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Bible which was used and quoted by New Testament writers. It is significant that the word peribolaion is used in Deut.22:12 to refer to the tallit, the four-cornered, fringed cloak worn by men. Paul was familiar with the Greek Septuagint, and most certainly was aware of the use of peribolaion to refer to the tallit. So when Paul writes that the woman's long hair is given to her anti (literally, -instead of") peribolaion, he is telling us this: the woman is given long hair to flow around her head and shoulders instead of the peribolaion/tallit, the four-cornered, fringed cloak that men are commanded to wear.4 Therefore, Paul is not saying in 1 Cor.11:15 that the hair is the only covering a woman needs. On the contrary, he is saying that the hair is not a substitute for the katakalupto (scarf or shawl), but it is given to the woman to wear instead of the peribolaion/tallit.
This verse also points out that God uses the woman's naturally long hair to show that He expects the woman to cover her head with a scarf or shawl, and He uses the man's absence of long hair to show that the man should not be covered with a scarf or shawl hanging down over his head like a woman.5 This is why Paul appeals to nature in the preceding verse ("Does not even nature itself teach you?"). As Mennonite writer Ruth explains it, "When obedient to the dictates of nature, the man with his short hair appears uncovered the woman with her long hair appears covered. By this arrangement, God has shown what He expects."6
PROOF B: CUTTING OFF THE HAIR
A second proof that the hair is not the only covering a woman needs is found in the statement Paul makes in verse six: "For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off." If Paul meant that the woman's only headcovering were the hair itself, this verse would be saying, "If a woman does not have hair on her head, let her also have her hair cut off." It is linguistically impossible to say that the woman's headcovering is nothing more than her hair. If the hair were the only "covering," then an "uncovered" woman would be a woman who already had her "hair cut off." An already hairless woman cannot be commanded to have her hair cut off. It would be like saying, "Let the bald man get a haircut" or "Let the beardless man shave his beard."
What verse six means is this: if the woman refuses to wear a scarf or shawl, she should also remove the natural covering, her hair. In other words, she should wear both coverings or none at all. Watchman Nee comments on this verse with these strong words:
"Today people keep neither of these two commands of the Bible. If a sister will not cover her hair but shears or shaves it, she may yet be reckoned as hearkening to the words of the Bible. But today woman neither shaves nor covers her hair -- a double disobedience.7
PROOF C: BIBLICAL AND TALMUDIC EVIDENCE
One final proof which shows that the headcovering is more than the hair is the fact that women did, indeed, wear scarves or shawls on their heads in Biblical times. The Encyclopedia Judaica tells us that "the general custom was to appear in public, and in the presence of strange men, with covered hair."8 We know from both the Bible and the Talmud that this is true. In Numbers 5:18, we are told that a woman suspected of being unfaithful to her husband was to have her head uncovered by the priest.9 This tells us that a woman's normal clothing in Biblical times included a headcovering, for how else could the priest "uncover the woman's head"? We see from this passage that a woman's uncovered head marks her as one suspected of being unfaithful to her husband. Today's modern culture may attach no meaning at all to an uncovered head, but from a Biblical viewpoint, it represents suspicion of unfaithfulness. This is why Paul says, "Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with head uncovered?" (1Cor.11:13). Paul expects the answer to be obvious (at least to those familiar with the meaning of an uncovered head). The woman with an uncovered head, Paul says, "disgraces her head [i.e., her husband]" (rs.5).
RESPONSE #3: FIRST CENTURY CORINTHIAN CUSTOM
Because the headcovering is not mentioned in any other New Testament epistle, some say that the only women who needed to cover their heads were those in Corinth, perhaps due to some local to the Corinthians, but also to "all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cot.1:2). Furthermore, he ends the passage on headcoverings with these words: "But if one is inclined to be contentious, we [i.e., we Apostles] have no other practice, nor have the churches [plural] of God" (1Cor.11:16).11 In other words, it was a universal custom in all the congregations, and not even open to dispute. If someone wanted to be contentious, Paul wrote, arguing about it was not allowed. It was a non-negotiable custom that all believers in all places were expected to practice. The reason headcovering is not mentioned in any other epistle is because correction was not needed in the other congregations. It was only the women in Corinth who refused to follow the Apostles' instructions about covering the head.
Some believers today will admit that headcoverings were worn not only in Corinth, but in all congregations, when Paul wrote his epistle. But, they say, the reason had to do with time, not place -- it was just a First Century custom. For some reason unknown to us, it was considered improper for a woman to be bareheaded. But since society thinks nothing of bareheaded women today, they say, it is no longer important. It was only important then, because it was the custom of that time.
The above reasoning is flawed for a very simple reason: it overlooks the fact that the Bible plainly states the two reasons for the headcovering, and neither of these reasons is restricted to First Century cultural customs. The Bible tells us that one reason for the headcovering is to demonstrate the divine order of authority and submission that God has decreed (va.3). The other reason is -because of the angels' (va.10). Both of these reasons (which will be discussed later) have to do with eternal principles, and are not limited to some First Century cultural custom that Christians have imagined. God's order of authority and the actions of angels are not things that only First Century believers needed to be concerned with. Both of these are as valid today as ever.
When the Bible clearly states the reasons for a practice, it is presumptuous to ignore those reasons, and then excuse oneself from obedience by theorizing and imagining reasons that are not even suggested in the text. R. C. Sproul, in his book Knowing Scripture, discusses this common error that people make when they assume Paul's instructions were due to some First Century Corinthian custom:
What is wrong with this kind of speculation? The basic problem here is that our reconstructed knowledge of first-century Corinth has led us to supply Paul with a rationale that is foreign to the one he gives himself. In a word, we are not only putting words into the apostle's mouth, but we are ignoring words that are there. If Paul merely told women in Corinth to cover their heads and gave no rationale for such instruction, we would be strongly inclined to supply it via our cultural knowledge. In this case, however, Paul provides a rationale which is based on an appeal to creation, not to the custom of Corinthian harlots. We must be careful not to let our zeal knowledge of the culture obscure what is actually said. To subordinate Paul's stated reason to our speculatively conceived reason is to slander the apostle and turn exegesis into eisogesis."12
RESPONSE #4: OUTWARD SYMBOLS AND INWARD REALITIES
We know from Matthew chapter 23 that many Pharisees of the New Testament period emphasized only outward holiness and neglected inward holiness. Many Christians, in their attempt to avoid making the same mistake, make the opposite mistake -- they emphasize only inward holiness and neglect outward holiness. The headcovering, they say, is just one of those outward symbols that only Pharisaical hypocrites are concerned about.
A passage often quoted to dismiss headcovering and other matters of outward appearance is 1 Samuel 16:7b: "...for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.'
Those who so quote from this verse conveniently omit and ignore the first part of the verse, which shows us what it actually means. The context of the passage makes it clear that the Lord is not saying "dress any way you please." These words about man's looking on the outward appearance were spoken to Samuel because he was impressed by the height and good looks of Jesse's oldest son, Eliab. Samuel thought that Eliab was surely the one he was to anoint as king. "But God said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him" (1Sam. 16:7a). Then it was that the Lord spoke about man's looking on the outward appearance.
The Lord is not saying in 1 Samuel 16:7b that He does not care what we wear. He is simply saying that when He decides to anoint someone for a task, He does not base His choice on the height, weight, or physical beauty of the person. He looks at the heart, not the body.
Wearing a headcovering is only one of many Biblical practices that could be called outward, symbolic acts. Many of these acts can be done by insincere believers or even by unbelievers. As a result, there are, unfortunately, some people who emphasize only outward symbols and ignore the more important inward realities that those symbols represent. But the abuse of a Biblical practice by hypocrites does not negate or lessen its value and importance for sincere believers. Insincere believers, hypocrites, and even unbelievers sometimes get baptized or take the Lord's Supper, yet very few Christians suggest that these Biblical practices be abandoned by sincere believers. Likewise, the wearing of the headcovering should not be abandoned simply because it is an outward symbolic act that may be done by hypocrites.
RESPONSE #5: "NOBODY ELSE DOES IT"
Some women agree that wearing a headcovering is a valid Biblical practice, but they refuse to do it because no other women in their congregation do it. They fear they will draw attention to themselves and project a "holier-than-thou" image if they wear a headcovering in a bareheaded congregation.
Our motive for obeying any of the Lord's commands should be to please our Heavenly Father, of course. Our motive should never be "to be seen of men." But if we begin to obey a commandment that is neglected by our peers, our action will often draw attention upon us, whether we want it or not. It is unavoidable. Regardless of the purity of our motives, there will always be carnal people who misjudge us and accuse us of trying to project a "holier-than-thou" image.
Those women who do not wear a headcovering only because "nobody else does it" may think they are being humble and spiritual by refusing to draw attention to themselves. The sad truth is that preserving their reputation among their peers is more important to them than obeying the will of God. They fear that carnal people will misunderstand them and consider then eccentric. The great Nineteenth Century evangelist Charles Finney tells us what to expect if we want to be truly spiritual:
"You will be called eccentric; probably you will deserve it. Probably you will really be eccentric. I never knew a person who was filled with the Spirit that was not called eccentric. And the reason is that such people are unlike other folk. There is therefore the best reasons why such persons should appear eccentric. They act under different influences, take different views, are moved by different motives, led by a different spirit. How often I have heard the remark respecting such-and-such persons: "He is a good man -- but he is rather eccentric." I have sometimes asked for the particulars; in what does his eccentricity exist? ! hear the catalogue, and it amounts to this, that he is spiritual. Make up your mind for this, to be "eccentric."13
PART II: THE VALUE OF THE HEADCOVERING
When I visited India in 1988, I noticed that all the Christian women wore headcoverings. I asked my Indian friend, Brother Mathew, if the women covered their heads because of what the Bible said or because of some local, cultural custom. Brother Mathew assured me that it had nothing at all to do with Indian culture.
"When the Apostle Thomas brought the gospel to India in the First Century, he taught that the woman's head should be covered," my friend explained, "and they have been doing it ever since. Pastors in India never need to tell the women to cover their heads. The women know the Bible tells them to do it, so they do it."
Western culture, has not been as insulated as rural Indian culture has, and, as a result, women in western culture have not continued this Biblical practice as their Indian sisters have.
Many Americans think of India's culture as male-dominated and repressive toward women. That may be true among the Hindus and Moslems, but it is certainly not what I saw among the Christians of India. It is true that leadership, decision-making, and teaching the congregation are functions limited to men; however, women are quite active in other areas of public ministry. During meetings women are free to openly pray, worship, praise, prophesy, testify, and even to read a passage of Scripture and give a brief comment on it. The women of India do these things with godly fear and trembling, often with tears streaming down their faces -- and always with their heads covered, of course. They seem to possess a genuine freedom and authority in the spirit that is noticeably absent in most congregations in America, a land that supposedly offers women more "freedom" via the feminist movement.
I believe this freedom and authority that the Indian sisters enjoy is directly related to the issue of headcovering. Simply putting a piece of cloth on one's head will not impart spirituality, of course. But understanding and appreciating the significance and value of the act, and what it proclaims, will result in a newfound freedom and authority for the woman of God.
The key to seeing and appreciating the value of the headcovering is simply understanding the two reasons the Bible gives for wearing it. As mentioned earlier, the two reasons are 1) to demonstrate God's order of authority (va.3) and 2) "because of the angels" (vs.10). When these two concepts are properly understood, wearing the headcovering will not be viewed as some legalistic bondage, but as a doorway into glorious liberty. It will be viewed not as something to oppress women, but as something that gives women the freedom and privilege to rightfu!ly move into their God-given place of authority in the Body. Furthermore, the use of the headcovering will be seen as something that affects angelic and demonic activity when the woman believes in the spiritual realities the headcovering represents.
myfirstLove wrote:
Brian you are very wrong.There was no sarcasm in my words, but there are plenty in yours.
You were very rude in your posts. Insinuating that I am using head coverings to be more holy and adding to my words.
I ask a question about when to wear head coverings. Thats all. How is that trying to get a narrow answer to what I believe? I am not asking help in wanting to know if head coveing is material or not. I am asking when to wear it.
Your adding to my words when you say I am asking only for believers to answer. I ask those who believe in women wearing coverings to answer because I was not looking to understand about the covering, BUT when to wear it.
The reason why I told you to read it in context is because you only pulled one verse out.
You need to reread your posts because it is full of pride, immaturity, ill humor and rudeness.
I will not continue this conversation with you in that attitude.
Lisa, you are so funny. If I placed your name in the first word of this post, then it would make complete sense to me. I just read all my posts and yours. Besides mentioning apple pies (which someone really wanted to talk about on SI), there is no sarcasm. I am serious and I am not wrong, or 'very wrong' as you say.
Also, you stated that I had to read in context because I quoted one verse. Check again. I never did that once, Krispy did.
Your topic is about head coverings and I simply stated that they are not necessary and more of an outward sign like circumcision. One should wear them as they are led to, not told to. Someone else posted something that I agreed to and you said I was out of context, which I was not.
You may believe that I was wrong, rude, out of context, prideful, immature, unhumorous, or many other things, however, I will state again that I feel that you are passively argumentative and that my intent was to state one point...
head coverings are not necessary.
I am done.
God Bless those that wear Him in the inside and He shines on the outside,
Brian :-)
sscott, I must thank you for posting this article. Thank You!
Lisa and ginnyrose, I must say sorry for my posts. I am truly sorry.
I am not sure where I stand on this topic, but I do know it is not where I did five minutes ago.
I am sorry for jumping the gun.
So, I guess my question is,"when should women wear head coverings?" :-)
sscott wrote:I believe this freedom and authority that the Indian sisters enjoy is directly related to the issue of headcovering. Simply putting a piece of cloth on one's head will not impart spirituality, of course. But understanding and appreciating the significance and value of the act, and what it proclaims, will result in a newfound freedom and authority for the woman of God.
The key to seeing and appreciating the value of the headcovering is simply understanding the two reasons the Bible gives for wearing it. As mentioned earlier, the two reasons are 1) to demonstrate God's order of authority (va.3) and 2) "because of the angels" (vs.10). When these two concepts are properly understood, wearing the headcovering will not be viewed as some legalistic bondage, but as a doorway into glorious liberty. It will be viewed not as something to oppress women, but as something that gives women the freedom and privilege to rightfu!ly move into their God-given place of authority in the Body. Furthermore, the use of the headcovering will be seen as something that affects angelic and demonic activity when the woman believes in the spiritual realities the headcovering represents.
...now I have to talk to my fiancee... :-(
God Bless those that do not know everything,
Brian
:-( ...now I'm curious about head coverings...
fill me in please...
Hi Brian,
I do forgive you. I was really torn to the heart after my last post to you because I did not want my relationship with you to be like that, so I was so driven with much brokeness to go and pray.
I am not boasting when I share this, but I really did well up in tears because of our conversation. I thank God that He brought us back in brotherly/sister love.
Bless you, Brian and thank you for being example of humility.
Much love, Lisa
Sister Lisa,
Sorry, if I caused any trouble.
My fiancee and I are now talking about it. She threw out the same lines that I did...
Now she is reading the Bible and I am going to get her to read this thread.
Much advice is needed...
Blessings in love,
BrianMira
Greetings, brethren!
One thought to ponder... (I will admit that it's a little silly...)
We need to apply this equally. If the HAIR itself is the covering, then that means that all men must quickly remove their hair before praying or prophesying (sp?) EVERY TIME!
:)
Dumb angle, but it needs asked!
Also, look into your Greek on this subject... there are several different words translated as 'covering' in the AV. The one Krispy cited means something more akin to a 'mantle' or 'cape' or something along those lines. The other one used earlier implies an separate, physical covering.
The Greek aspect may have been covered in that LONG post from the Messianic website, but I didn't want to take the time to read it! ;)
Keep your hearts open, brethren! There are GREAT blessings in store for all those that are willing to stand out for Jesus by taking His word literally!
God bless each sister that is willing to obey the Lord and take "power on her head because of the angels!"
ginnyrose wrote:
Now let me share something I heard recently - and this by means is the first time I have heard of it or something similar. The latest testimony: a man was experiencing demonic attacks at night. In the course of dealing with this (and I do not know the details) it was decided his wife would wear a headcovering at night. The attacks stopped.
Ok...ginnyrose, like I mentioned, I am sorry for the slight attack towards you as well... let me share something with you...
Last night I wrote my original reply to Lisa, which stated that I am unfamiliar with the topic, but I was going to comment on what I understood. Within that time, you (ginnyrose) wrote that response to Lisa.
I cannot tell you exactly what affect it had on me or not, but...
I went to bed around 11:30pm and probably fell asleep soon there after... maybe around one or two in the morning...I started to be attacked in my sleep...I don't know. It is hard to explain, but it was as if I wasn't asleep but these demon like things were poking at me and trying to 'get in me'....but since I 'kinda' knew what was going on, I calmly prayed to God and they went away. I feel back asleep and it happened again and again and again...I am not quite sure how many times I had to pray to get these 'things' away from me, but it was enough for me to remember.
Finally, I got some sleep until about three...during this time I had a horribly strange dream. My old junior high school teacher was helping students (I am not sure why it was him...I am thinking three possiblities 1)he's a 'teacher' 2) he's not a Christian and needs help 3) i must not be like him).
***He was always good to me, but some people have had problems with him.***
Anyway, in the dream he and I were talking when a bunch of 'punk' kids were driving by on bikes, in cars, and some were on foot. They all were wearing stereotypical street clothes (from my neigborhood anyway)...hat on anyway but straight, baggy jeans, and some basketball jearsy. They were making a lot of noise as they went by and this made my teacher mad.
They were off in a distance (whatever distance is in a dream), so he jumped angerly in his car and drove towards them. Some how he accidentally hit one of the kids on a bike. The kid was ok, but when he got out of his car to check, a whole gang of kids swarmed him and started beating the teacher.
Somehow I knew this was 'happening' so I ran toward him, but the faster or harder I tried, the further it seemed and more kids were continued beating him. Eventually, I realized that they would kill him by the time that I got there (this short 'distance'), so I stopped running and yelled, "HEY!!!". They ALL stopped and looked at me...for one second and then turned to him and EVERYONE pulled out a gun and shot him. They filled his body with bullets.
I woke up...after 3am...
I did not know what to do, so I prayed and then went on my computer to contact the teacher. Eventually, I found his email address and asked him some basic questions. That eased my mind and little bit, so then I wrote those replies to you (ginnyrose) and Lisa...sorry.
Eventually, he replied back (at least he is not dead :-() with a response to my general questions, however, that did not help me figure out why he was in my dream, so I replied with a very simple email and asked, "Are you a Christian?". I did not tell him about the dream, yet, but I wanted to get some ground work done first.
ANYWAY...as for the 'demons', I do not know what that was all about, however, I noticed in the post that was linked to this one, "The Head covering - nee", Lisa (myfirstlove), said,
When I prayed lastnight, I receive a dream. I woke up this morning and in my dream, I saw some ladies with head coverings and some not. Then I saw myself confused not knowing wich is true. Then I saw Greg in my dream!I woke up seriously believing Greg is going to put an article about headcoverings and this will be a sign to end the confusion.
When I went to the forum and saw a title about headcoverings, a smile was on my face and I was saying to myself, I bet this is from Greg!
So what do you guys think it means
God is good and so very faithful!
This made things tie together for me a little easier. Does anyone follow me so far???
Then after apologizing to you (ginnyrose) and Lisa, I went and talked to my fiancee. She said that head coverings were beautiful, but when I mentioned that maybe we should learn more about her 'maybe' wearing one, we got in an argument.
This argument (no yelling) ended up including previous things that I brought up to her before about makeup, clothes, and shoes.
I think my fiancee is beautiful and that she does not need much, if any, make up, or fancy clothes and especially high-heel shoes (in particular, the ones she has now). She feels that she has to look more beautiful than other girls for my attention (she says this).
Not to boast or brag, but people, especially in Korea say that I am 'handsome' and she admittedly gets jealous and concerned that I would leave her for someone more beautiful.
So, when the headcovering 'thing' came up, she really got upset and now thinks that I want her to dress like a nun, which could not be any further from the truth. I love her and I love for her to 'look good' as well. Although, I do believe that she is still holding on to a style which she addmitedly tried to be.
She used my account to write Lisa a private message. We are good now, but I know that she needs some womenly advice, especially about attire and now head coverings. She said that she would like to sign up to SI, but she feels her English is not good enough. I try to encourage her, but she is not ready, yet!
That's all...we are going to her grandmother's for the night...we have two hours of driving to talk...pray for us please.
Thanks and sorry once again,
God Bless,
Brian and my lovely Mira
OK... we just got back and had a good time with her grandmother...everything seems good with us, but we are still seeking direction and advice about head coverings...
One thing that I need help about, which I will add to the "Peace be with you" thread in the General topics sections.
Last night I had a dream at her grandmother's where two people died. The night before I mentioned that an old teacher from Junior High died in that dream.
In this dream, someone and myself threw a guy in shallow water and he banged his knee and could breath but did not want to 'save himself'. I stood not far from him, but did not nor was not compelled to 'rescue him'. He seemed content with drowning in the shallow water.
The other person, I did not see die, but I was in a room with someone who had a list of names and he was trying to call people to tell about the particular persons death. I knew some of the peoples names on the list, but some of the other writing (at the top of the list) I could not read or understand.
After this, I was at some event walking around, while people were waiting in line. I seemed to have access in another door, which there were less people and it was more calm. I vaguely remember flashes of faces and things that looked familiar. For some reason I did not go inside and walked around. There was someone with me as we walked near somesort of stage. An old man asked me if I was a prophet and without thinking I said,"Yes!!", but quickly I started to think about what I just said, however, the old man said, almost as if he was reading my mind,"yep, you're a prophet! Let's go!" He guided me to the stage, where I knew that I would have to speak...
then I woke up...
:-( ...hmmm...
God Bless those that know,
BrianMira
I have read the whole thread with interest. The head covering issue seems to be irrelevant to me, since I don't pray in public, only in private, or with one person, usually female, or a man considered to be of my family. Not being a prophet, I don't worry about that one.
However, after reading all that is here, and believing in the inerrancy of the Bible, (KJV Preferred, but I read many), I would have to seriously consider wearing a head covering in a public church, if I planned to pray.
I don't pray in public, because of the tendency of people to pray things I don't and can't agree with, just like I don't like strangers to lay hands on me. In public churches, I am silent.
Talking about God, however, places no such injunction on me, so as an evangelist, I don't worry about it.
Now, if someone blesses me by asking me to pray [i]with
Brian, tell Mira that wearing a headcovering is only required during public prayer, and she does [i]not
Paul was great about women being silent in the churches!
Blessings,
Forrest
Greetings!
The posts on the woman's veiling have been very interesting to read.
My wife and I were both raised in churches where women could not be baptized or be a member of the church without wearing a veiling or head covering. We had rules as to how they had to be made and worn. There was so much emphasis on the outside not only in the veiling but in other outward practices, so that in a subtle way inward things were overlooked. There was more focus on church tradition than on Biblical teaching. We left the church we were married in and became a part of a small church where the focus was on loving God with all our hearts and obeying the teachings of scripture. That was more than 20 years ago. The Lord has lovingly and gently led us into a new covenant relationship with Him where our main focus is on the heart. In our old church, some sisters would never have considered going without a head covering, yet they did not "honor" their husbands.
Like the Pharisees we can become so exacting and legalistic that we forget the inside of the cup. God is always more concerned about the heart. Jesus taught us to be concerned about our hearts. It is much more important for a woman to be kind, loving, and submissive than to wear a covering. A woman's tongue reveals the condition of her heart much more than a head covering.
I have a very godly wife that "honors" me as her "head" and she has been praying about this "head covering" teaching for the last couple years, honestly asking the Lord for direction in her life as to how to wear it, when to wear it, etc. Her desire is to practice it in obedience to scripture and not because of a tradition of man. After having worn a veiling all the time for years because of our upbringing, she has only in the last month begun to wear it as the Bible says in 1 Cor 11:5 while praying or prophesying, and to honor to her head (husband).
I have believed this for quite a few years, yet I wanted the Lord to lead my wife in a personal way about this teaching.
God's blessings to you all,
Dan
I pray a lot publicly and share a lot publicly (prophectically).
I can see why God would want me to wear it most of the time and why He was really on to me about this!
I've been learning a lot of what the sign of authority means on the covering and it is deep and encouraging!
Dan, thank you for sharing. I am in total agreement with you. I have shared on s.i. how God has done a inward cleansing in me a while back and it seems this year He's working on my outward appearance. Yes, ahwile back I use to wear a head covering because of tradition of man and so I quit wearing it because it become a burden to me, more to please men and not God and also I was too into myself that a head covering was an embarrasement to me and thats why it was more burdensome because The "I" was big in my life.
But this time it is different! I'm wearing it in obedience to God, understanding His government and appreciating His order and I sense much freedom in wearing the covering (because Jesus is above the "I")!
Lisa
I like to also share that if many women understood the deep message about the covering alot of them would wear it. But, the sad thing is that a lot of men don't care, do not teach it, do not encourage the women or their wives to wear it, and do not take up leadership!
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