What does the Bible say about hair covering?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that hair and head coverings are matters of modesty, sexual distinction, worshipful order, and honoring God-given relationships, especially in the gathered church. In 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 and 11:13-16, Paul instructs women to pray and prophesy with appropriate head covering, while teaching that long hair is given to woman as a glory and natural covering. Christians differ over whether the cloth covering is permanently required or expressed Paul’s principle within Corinthian custom, but all should preserve reverence, modesty, and clear distinction between men and women. Genesis 24:65 and Numbers 5:18 show veiling as a meaningful cultural practice, while 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3 emphasize godly humility over outward display.
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- 1 Corinthians 11:5-6
[5] But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonors her head. For it is one and the same thing as if she were shaved. [6] For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.
- Numbers 5:18
The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse.
- 1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.
- Genesis 24:65
She said to the servant, "Who is the man who is walking in the field to meet us?" The servant said, "It is my master." She took her veil, and covered herself.
- Deuteronomy 22:5
A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- 1 Peter 3:3
Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;
- 1 Corinthians 11:13-16
[13] Judge for yourselves. Is it appropriate that a woman pray to God unveiled? [14] Doesn't even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? [15] But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering. [16] But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's assemblies.
- Song of Solomon 4:1
Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is as a flock of goats, That descend from Mount Gilead.
- 1 Corinthians 11:10
For this cause the woman ought to have authority on her head, because of the angels.
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