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.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:7KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:7 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:7 says that a man should not cover his head during worship because he is described as the image and glory of God, while a woman is described as the glory of man. This verse draws a distinction between men and women in how they reflect honor and representation in a worship setting.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing their questions about proper conduct during gatherings for worship. In this verse, Paul refers to the creation story in Genesis to explain why men and women have different roles or symbols in worship, especially regarding head coverings. The language highlights how each reflects honor: men directly to God, and women in relation to men, according to the cultural and theological views of that time.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:7

  • "Image" (εἰκών, eikōn): This word means a likeness or representation. Paul uses it to say that man reflects something of God's nature or character.
  • "Glory" (δόξα, doxa): This word means honor, splendor, or reputation. The verse uses it to show that man brings honor to God, while woman brings honor to man.
  • "Cover" (κατακαλύπτω, katakalyptō): This means to veil or cover completely. The instruction not to cover the head is about a specific practice in worship, not a general rule for all of life.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:7 matters

  • This verse helps clarify why Paul gives different instructions for men and women regarding head coverings in worship, grounding his reasoning in creation and honor.
  • It shows how early Christians connected outward practices (like head coverings) to deeper beliefs about identity and relationships with God and each other.
  • Understanding this verse in its context can prevent misunderstandings about gender, worship, and cultural customs, especially when comparing ancient practices to modern church life.

Where else these words appear

“cover” Greek G2619 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:6 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.

“image” Greek G1504 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
  • Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

“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.

“is” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
  • Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.