1 Corinthians 11:14
What does 1 Corinthians 11:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 11:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 11:14 means
Paul argues that even nature teaches a lesson: if a man wears long hair, it is a dishonor to him. By “nature,” he refers to an ingrained sense of what is fitting, reflected in common patterns. He is not laying down a precise hair-length code for all times, but pointing to the general instinct for masculine and feminine distinction in appearance. When that distinction is lost, shame and confusion follow. The church should not blur what creation and conscience ordinarily affirm. Such natural signs, though not ultimate, lend support to the broader principle that worshippers’ appearances should align with God’s order and avoid sending contrary messages.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Does it not seem natural to you that if a man has long hair, it is a cause of shame to him?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man indeed have long hair, a dishonour it is to him?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Doth not even nature itself teach you that a man indeed, if he nourish his hair, it is a shame unto him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Does not even nature itself teach you, that man, if he have long hair, it is a dishonour to him?
Context
This verse expands the appeal to propriety in verse 13 with a supporting argument from nature or widely recognized custom. It focuses first on men, paralleling verse 4’s instruction about head coverings. The next verse (15) will supply the complementary point about women, using the language of “glory” again. Together these observations bolster the sense that Paul’s concern extends beyond local quirks. He is commending a pattern that maintains meaningful distinction within the assembly.
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