For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:10KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:10 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:10 says that a woman should have a sign of authority or "power" on her head, and it connects this instruction to the presence of angels. The verse suggests that something about a woman's appearance or conduct in worship has a spiritual significance, especially in view of heavenly beings.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about how men and women should present themselves during worship. In this verse, Paul refers to a custom (often understood as a head covering) as a visible symbol of authority or respect, and he adds the unusual reason "because of the angels," hinting that spiritual beings are attentive to human worship practices.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:10

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "power"): This word is often translated as "authority" or "right." Here, it likely refers to a sign or symbol of authority, not power in the sense of strength, but a visible mark of proper order or respect.
  • διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους (dia tous angelous, "because of the angels"): The word ἄγγελος (angelos) means "messenger" or "angel." Paul's mention of angels suggests that worship is not just a human affair; heavenly beings are involved or observing, which adds weight to how worshippers conduct themselves.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:10 matters

  • This verse highlights that worship practices in the early church were seen as significant not just for people, but also in the spiritual realm, involving angels.
  • The mention of "power on her head" has led to much discussion about what exactly Paul meant, showing how cultural customs and spiritual principles were both important in the Corinthian church.
  • The verse connects to the larger section where Paul discusses order, respect, and roles in worship, helping readers see that these instructions were meant to reflect both social and spiritual realities.

Where else these words appear

“ought” Greek G3784 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“head” Greek G2776 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
  • Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: