Christians, what does it mean in I Corinthians 11:6 when it speaks of a woman needing her head covered when?

No it is not required she have her hair covered with a hat or veil because her hair is given her for a covering. The Scriptural Teaching On Hair: Is it possible that the length of a person's hair could have anything to do with pleasing God? Such an idea may at first seem strange. But before the question is dismissed, it would be wise to consider two statements of Scripture: "If a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him....If a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (1 Corinthians 11:14-15). In the Bible, divinely appointed symbols represent holy things. The night Jesus was betrayed, for example, He gave His disciples bread to eat and a cup to drink. The bread, He said, represented His body, and the cup, His blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). While the bread and cup are symbols only, the things they represent are so holy that those who do not properly respect them are "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:27).

God has chosen for the length of people's hair to symbolize their relationship to Him and to the authority He has placed over them. This truth is presented in 1 Corinthians 11:3-16. The subject of is authority: "The head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" (verse 3). This verse introduces and provides the basis for the following discussion about covering the head. "Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head" (verse 4). Christ is man's head. It is therefore Christ who is dishonored if a man prays or prophesies with a covered head. "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven" (verse 5). The man (husband or father) is the head of the woman (wife or daughter). It is therefore the man who is dishonored if a woman prays or prohesies with an uncovered head. This dishonor is the same as if her head were shaven. Not only is it a shame if the woman is shaven, but it is equally a shame if she is shorn. "For 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" (verse 6). The word "shorn" is simply the past participle of "shear," which means "to cut." This is the meaning of the Greek word keiro, from which "shorn" is translated.

What is the theological basis of this teaching? "For 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" (verse 7). God has chosen that a man's uncovered head reflects His image and glory in man; woman's covered head reflects the glory of man. This reflected glory is based on the order at creation. "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man" (verses 8-9). That these things are important even in the spiritual realm is revealed in the next statement: "for this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels" (verse 10). Angels are spirits. It is not just in the physical realm that the authority represented by the length of hair is important; even angels take note of a person's obedience or disobedience in this matter.

The lesson is of a clear distinction between male and female in this matter and is deeply rooted even in nature: "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (verses 14-15). The words "have long hair" in these verses are translated from the Greek word komao, which means "to let the hair grow", or uncut. Her long, uncut hair is a glory to her, for it illustrates her loving submission to her husband or father and most importantly, God.

Bro. James

Apostolic pastor

The context of chapter 11 is a public assembly.

Verses 4&5 explain it

1Cr 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head.

1Cr 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Actually the covering described here is a veil - not a hat

No.

In the context of Paul's discussion about the congregation and its order of authority?.... yes.

If I go face to face with a man in the congregation, then would a head covering be needed?..... yes.

If I go face to face with a man outside?...... nope. [but either way, they are in big trouble]

Would I teach in the congregation without a head covering?.....no

Would I teach in the congregation with a head covering?....... maybe. [would depend up circumstances]

But from a practical point of view?..... no.

Not known for my politeness at times. [too much of a possibility for a war or stumbling to take place]

Do I own a head covering?.... yes. [scarfs, thin more like a veil]

Michelle, a fiercely Independent Irish Christian Eschatologist

Back in those days if a woman let her hair down it was seen as being seductive as prostitutes would let down her hair to attract men by their beauty. This only applied to there day it is not our custom so it doesn't apply to us that is why Paul said "But if anyone seems to be contentious, we do not have such a custom, nor do the Churches of God".

Now a Woman should have her head covered not with an object but a person for she should have a Male figure as the Man in her life, to take care of her. Such as the Father.

In Corinth the leading religious institution was a temple with prostitute priestesses, they would have had their heads uncovered during their rituals. The instruction is in essence telling Christians do not be mistaken for a whore in worship.

They should use some sort of scarf like the Muzzie women in the middle east.

No. The passage is actually referring to prostitutes who would shave their head as a way to let people know they were prostitutes. The passage is saying that a prostitute should cover their head as a way to say "I have changed my ways".