1 Corinthians 11 Head Coverings: Is Hair Enough or Do Women Need More?
Here's a common question: "Is hair the woman's covering, or does she need an additional covering?"
What Scripture Actually Says (Without the Confusion)
Let's use the Bible to interpret itself. When Scripture says something is "covered," it tells us what it's covered WITH:
- "Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail, and the mountains were covered" (Genesis 7:20) - Covered with water
- "Therefore she took a vail, and covered herself" (Genesis 24:65) - Covered with a vail
- "And the frogs came up, and covered the land" (Exodus 8:6) - Covered with frogs
The pattern is clear. When 1 Corinthians 11:15 says "her hair is given her for a covering," the covering IS the hair.
The Nature Principle
"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." - 1 Corinthians 11:14-15
What's abundantly clear? Men have short hair, women have long hair. It's so obvious that even nature teaches us—you don't even need a Bible.
But Here's the Real Point
Look how Paul starts this whole discussion:
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 11:1
This isn't about hair—it's about following Jesus Christ.
Paul continues with praise: "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them unto you." - 1 Corinthians 11:2
Notice he starts with encouragement, not criticism.
Why This Matters
Stop Fighting, Start Following
Why are Christians giving each other a hard time about what they wear? "See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently" (1 Peter 1:22).
The Real Issue
The Corinthians had problems when they came together because they weren't living right Monday through Saturday. What are you doing the other six days of the week?
It's About Christ
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever." - 1 Peter 1:24-25
You're nothing but a blade of grass that's going to die. I'm nothing but a blade of grass that's going to die. What legacy are we leaving? It better be about Christ.
The Bottom Line
Whether you believe a woman's hair is sufficient covering or that she needs something additional—that's not the main point.
The main point is following Christ.
- If someone's following Christ, praise them
- If someone's going above and beyond in serving God, praise God
- If someone's trying their best to imitate Jesus, encourage them
"Be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ... Now I praise you, brethren" - that whole section is about praising believers who want to follow and imitate God.
The main thing isn't about hair. The main thing is about Christ.
🎧📖 Want the Complete Teaching?
This condensed version only scratches the surface of this powerful expository preaching on 1 Corinthians 11. For the full verse-by-verse bible teaching and the pastor's complete heart on focusing on Christ above everything else, listen to the entire sermon here: [Listen to Full Message]