1 Corinthians 11:13
What does 1 Corinthians 11:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 11:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 11:13 means
Paul asks them to judge for themselves whether it is proper for a woman to pray to God unveiled. This is an appeal to sanctified common sense shaped by the doctrine he has given. He invites them to consider what is fitting in light of headship, creation, and mutual dependence. The question suggests that, given their cultural signals, an unveiled head would be out of place in worship. Paul’s method dignifies the congregation’s ability to reason from theology to practice. Right judgment in the church involves applying eternal truths to present circumstances in ways that uphold reverence and clarity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Judge ye in yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Judge ye in yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be judges yourselves of the question: does it seem right for a woman to take part in prayer unveiled?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In your own selves judge ye; is it seemly for a woman uncovered to pray to God?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You yourselves judge. Doth it become a woman to pray unto God uncovered?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman should pray toGod uncovered?
Context
After theological foundations and balancing statements, Paul turns to an evaluative question. Rather than merely impose a rule, he trains their judgment. Verses 14–15 will buttress this with an appeal to nature—that is, to widespread, intuitive patterns that commend distinction between male and female appearance. Then verse 16 will conclude the section, addressing potential contentiousness by noting the consistent practice across the churches, so that Corinth understands it is not an isolated directive.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:24
Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
- 1 Corinthians 10:15
I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
- Luke 12:57
And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
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