Understanding Head Coverings
The rebelliousness of the 20th century prompted believers of The Most High’s word to scrutinize and debate over the topic of the wearing of a head covering while praying and prophesying.
Some argue it was only a part of the fashion of the ancient times, some say it no longer applies and yet others will claim that their hair itself is a sufficient covering. This literature is designed to bring a clear understanding about the Lord’s commandment pertaining to the wearing/not wearing of head coverings as it is written in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11.
“BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST. (2) NOW I PRAISE YOU, BRETHREN, THAT YE REMEMBER ME IN ALL THINGS, AND KEEP THE ORDINANCES, AS I DELIVERED THEM TO YOU. (3) BUT I WOULD HAVE YOU KNOW, THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; AND THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD.” 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1-3
So we see now that a divine order has been established. As stated in the famous “Our Father” prayer which says “thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). From earth to the realm of all the heavens above, order is kept.
“LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER.” 1 CORINTHIANS 14:40
Paul admonishes us to “keep the ordinances,” so clearly this should be considered part of the commandments of YHWH.
“AND THOU SHALT TEACH THEM ORDINANCES AND LAWS, AND SHALT SHEW THEM THE WAY WHEREIN THEY MUST WALK, AND THE WORK THAT THEY MUST DO.”
EXODUS 18:20
From earth to the realm of all the heavens above, the following order must be strictly followed:
It is clearly evident that each and every one of us, including Christ, is under subjection to a higher authority.
“EVERY MAN PRAYING OR PROPHESYING, HAVING HIS HEAD COVERED, DISHONOURETH HIS HEAD.” 1 CORINTHIANS 11:4
There are two important aspects to this scripture: the physical covering and the spiritual covering. A man dishonoring his head (Christ) occurs when he is "concealing" or "covering up" the Glory of Christ. When we cease to obey the Lord’s commandments, we dishonor Yahawashi (Christ). Our disobedience brings disorder and dishonor. The physical representation of this is when a man praying or prophesying has his head covered. A man should always have his head uncovered when praying or prophesying that way everyone understands that the man who is praying or prophesying is physically showing that he is not "covering" his head who is Christ. We have a responsibility to represent Christ in all things. We do this when praying or prophesying by not having our heads covered, and when we are not praying or prophesying by adhering to the commandments bringing honor to our Head.
“BUT EVERY WOMAN THAT PRAYETH OR PROPHESIETH WITH HER HEAD UNCOVERED DISHONOURETH HER HEAD: FOR THAT IS EVEN ALL ONE AS IF SHE WERE SHAVEN.” 1 CORINTHIANS 11:5
This scripture also bears two important aspects. A woman has the same responsibility to honor her Husband/Man as does a man who must honor Christ. When a woman goes against the teachings of her Husband (the laws, statues, and commandments) she has "uncovered" or exposed herself and her Husband as being out of order. Dishonor and shame comes to the woman because she has gone against the order (Ecclesiasticus 22:5 [Apocrypha]; Ecclesiasticus 26:26 [Apocrypha]). The physical representation of a women honoring her head is the actual wearing of a head covering or veil when praying or prophesying. The physical covering shows that the woman is in subjection to the order, has honor for her head (her Husband) and will not "uncover" the honor and teachings of her husband. There are some that contend that the Spiritual edification is sufficient, however in being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3), we must SHOW our works and acts of faith (James 2:18). Traditionally, Israelite women covered their heads at all times showing the physical principles of honoring her head. (The History of Susanna: 31-32 [Apocrypha]; Numbers 5:18; Isaiah 3:18-20; Genesis 24:65). Referring back to verse 5, when a women dishonor’s her head it is considered a shameful act or an embarrassment. That's why it was made in comparison to a baldheaded woman. Sisters know that hair is a necessity and a glory to have. When baldness kicks in, the weaves, wigs, extensions, and hair growth formulas all come out! Read Isaiah 3:17 and see how the Lord cursed the scalp of our women showing that was something of importance and glory to them. So with all that being said, it is the DUTY of the Man to teach his wife! (1 Corinthians 14:35) If a man is not doing so, he is allowing his wife to be "uncovered." If a woman is not married, her head is Christ and must still respect the order as MAN in general is still the head of the woman. She must then be instructed by learned men of the scriptures of their respective churches/schools. (Ezekiel 34:31; Numbers 27:16). It is their job to keep the "covering" (the commandments and statues) over that woman. The spiritual duty of a man to his Wife or Sister in Christ is as the saying goes “I got you covered.” In like manner, the woman must represent physically that she is “covered” with the wearing of a head covering and spiritually by her keeping of the commandments.
“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.” 1 CORINTHIANS 11:6
In this verse, Paul is edifying how to keep order in the Church. Obviously, there were women that were not wearing a head covering physically or spiritually. To those who refused, Paul warns them it is a shame to refuse to cover their heads, thus a physical shaving of their hair would expose them as being rebellious to the commandments and order of the church. In short, if a woman does not want to be shamed, she need only wear a head covering, respect the chain of command and keep the holy commandments and ordinances of the Scriptures.
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. (8) FOR THE MAN IS NOT OF THE WOMAN; BUT THE WOMAN OF THE MAN. (9) NEITHER WAS THE MAN CREATED FOR THE WOMAN; BUT THE WOMAN FOR THE MAN.”
1 CORINTHIANS 11:7
So here Paul is reflecting back to the time of the creation with Adam and Eve and the order established in Genesis Chapter 2.
FOR THIS CAUSE OUGHT THE WOMAN TO HAVE POWER ON HER HEAD BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS.” 1 CORINTHIANS 11:10
This scripture is saying that the woman should be in order allowing her head (Husband or Male Teachers) to have the power to lead her righteously because the angels are present when we pray or prophesy. The scriptures give numerous examples of how the angels are mediators and messengers between YHWH and us. If disorder is present, then communication will be disrupted. A few examples of this: Matthew 1:20; Daniel 8:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; Galatians 3:19.
DOTH NOT EVEN NATURE ITSELF TEACH YOU, THAT, IF A MAN HAVE LONG HAIR, IT IS A SHAME UNTO HIM?
1 CORINTHIANS 11:14
In this verse, Paul addresses our carnal side of thought which says that men with long hair is shameful. Some believe that only a woman should have long hair, but that is not according to the scriptures. Precisely at these times when one’s “opinion” is blinding the truth, it is important that we be spiritually-minded. There are examples of men in the scriptures who had long hair like Samson and Absalom.
BUT IF A WOMAN HAVE LONG HAIR, IT IS A GLORY TO HER: FOR HER HAIR IS GIVEN HER FOR A COVERING. (16) BUT IF ANY MAN SEEM TO BE CONTENTIOUS, WE HAVE NO SUCH CUSTOM, NEITHER THE CHURCHES OF GOD.”
1 CORINTHIANS 11: 15-16
Paul gives the balance, as I stated earlier, speaking carnally that long hair is for a woman and that some understood that to mean that her long hair was a sufficient covering. Paul makes perfectly clear in the 16th verse that a women’s hair is not a head covering. He says if any be contentious or wants to debate that point, that there is no such custom respected in the Church or Israel!
