Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:6

What does 1 Corinthians 11:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 11:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 11:6 means

Paul presses the logic: if a woman will not wear a veil, let her also be shorn. If being shorn or shaven is shameful—as they agree it is—then she should be veiled. He uses a reductio argument to show inconsistency. The community already recognizes certain signs of disgrace. If they accept that shaving is shame, they should accept the veil that avoids conveying the same shame. Paul is not promoting humiliation but urging coherence between belief and practice. In public worship, visible symbols ought to match the honor due to one’s head and keep from sending mixed messages that undermine the church’s order and witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if a woman is not veiled, let her hair be cut off; but if it is a shame to a woman to have her hair cut off, let her be veiled.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if a woman is not covered--then let her be shorn, and if <FI>it is<Fi> a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven--let her be covered;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if a woman be not covered, let her be shorn. But if it be a shame to a woman to be shorn or made bald, let her cover her head.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if a woman be not covered, let her hair also be cut off. But if [it be] shameful to a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, let her be covered.

Context

This verse follows the claim of dishonor in verse 5 with a practical, if stark, consequence to highlight the seriousness of the matter. It keeps the discussion in the realm of public signs and their social meaning, building momentum toward the theological reasons in verses 7–10. The argument has not yet appealed to creation; that comes next. Before that, Paul completes his case that consistency in outward practice helps maintain appropriate decorum in the gathered church.

v.5But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head; for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven.

v.6This passage

v.7For a man indeed ought not to have his head veiled, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 22:5

    A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 11

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 11.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 11:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary