Therefore the woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
Parallel translations
- WEB For this cause the woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.
- KJV For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
- BSB For this reason a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.
- NKJV For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
- NLT For this reason, and because the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Because of these reasons, and the angels, a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. The exact meaning is debated, but it concerns proper honor in worship.
Overview
Paul concludes that the woman should have 'authority' on her head, often understood as the head covering symbolizing her place in God's order. The reference to angels likely means that worship is conducted in the presence of angelic observers and so should be fitting and orderly. The precise interpretation is debated among faithful Christians, but the concern for reverent, ordered worship is clear.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Gen 24:64–65Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel.
- Heb 1:14Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
- Matt 18:10See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- Gen 20:16To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes to all that are with you. In front of all you are vindicated.”
- Eccl 5:6Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 11:10 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.