Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:4KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:4 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:4 says that if a man prays or speaks a message from God (prophesies) while wearing something on his head, he brings shame or dishonor to his own head. The verse points to a cultural expectation about how men should present themselves during acts of worship.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing both men and women about their conduct in public worship. In the setting of first-century Corinth, head coverings had social and religious meanings. Paul’s instruction here reflects the customs of that time, where a covered head for men during prayer or prophecy was seen as inappropriate and disrespectful.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:4

  • προσευχόμενος (proseuchomenos, "praying") and προφητεύων (propheteuōn, "prophesying") both refer to public acts of worship—speaking to God or delivering a message from God. The focus is on visible, communal activities.
  • κατὰ (kata, "covered") in this context means "down from" or "down over," suggesting something hanging down over the head, not just a small cap. This clarifies that Paul is talking about a noticeable head covering.
  • ἀνὴρ (anēr, "man") refers specifically to an adult male, not people in general. The instruction is directed at men, not everyone.
  • καταισχύνει (kataischunei, "dishonoureth") means to bring shame or disgrace. The Greek word carries a strong sense of public dishonor, not just a private feeling.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:4 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that Paul’s instructions about head coverings were specific to men and women and were rooted in the customs of that time and place.
  • The verse is part of a larger discussion about order and respect in worship, showing that how people present themselves can reflect deeper values about honor and community.
  • Understanding the cultural background helps readers avoid misapplying the verse to situations where head coverings do not carry the same meaning today.

Where else these words appear

“dishonoureth” Greek G2617 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
  • Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

“prophesying” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

“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,

“praying” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.