1Cor 11:3-16 | Abbott

1 Corinthians 11:3-16

Dishonoreth his head; his lord; inasmuch as, according, to the customs of society then prevailing, for a man to be covered in the presence of a superior was a mark of disrespect.

Dishonoreth her head; that is, man; for it was required, in a similar manner, by the customs of society, that woman should be veiled in public, in token of modesty and subordination.

Let her also be shorn; that is, she may as well be shorn. Being shorn was a badge of deep disgrace.

The meaning is, that the retiring and modest demeanor, appropriate to the character and station of woman, is not required of man.

That is, the woman was created as secondary and auxiliary to man.

This passage is generally considered as unexplained. The researches of interpreters throw no light upon it whatever.

Without the woman; independent of her. They are intended to be joined in mutual dependence and support.

Is a shame unto him; being a mark of effeminacy.

Seem to be contentious; is not satisfied with the considerations above presented, but still resists.—We have no such custom, &c.; that is, the settled practice of the churches forbids that a woman should appear in public, in the bold and open manner which is proper for man. The principle established by the apostle may be generally stated thus,—that when woman appears before the assemblies of Christians as a speaker at all, she must do it in a modest and unassuming manner, suited to her subordinate position, and according to the forms prescribed by the established usages of society.