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NASB | 1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 11:5 And every woman who prays or prophesies when she has her head uncovered disgraces her head; for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved [in disgrace]. |
Bible Question: I believe in women ministering in the gifts fully, there are plenty of examples in both old and new Testaments(in Christ there is neither greek or jew, male or female) but I don't understand this verse or the one about women keeping silent in churches (1 Cor 14:34). These passages don't seem to fit in with other Scripture. Is it culture or commandment or something else? |
Bible Answer: Hi Jesustheanswer, Your question is a difficult one. It has sparked much debate in our churches. Although it is possible for people to take a hard, firm stance on this issue, I believe that a balanced view of both scripture and culture is applicable. My personal view is conservative and, I hope, biblical. 1 Tim 2:12 may shed a little more light here - 'But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.' Here Paul is instructing Timothy that he doesn't permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. And that as far as authority goes, she should remain quiet. Without going in depth into the creation order/fall-into-sin background, most Christians would agree that women in a church gathering should not have authority over men. This does not mean that a woman cannot teach other women or children. Women in the church have VERY important roles. As far as the hair issue, I believe Paul is addressing a cultural issue. Although we preach Christ and the gospel first and foremost, we need to address cultural issues and processes from time to time. This is to ensure that everything is done 'neatly and in order.' Some women (and men) in that time had come out of very pagan pratices involving, obviously, sexual immorality, shaved heads, trance-induced babbling, etc. Paul was addressing this issue and saying that Christian gatherings should not contain these elements. Christ and God were to be the focus, as well as serving each other, not seeking attention towards ones-self. In light of this, I believe that these were cultural guidelines and not hard, firm laws relating to worship procedure. After all, Hebrews says that a Christian's TRUE act of worship is presenting his (or her) body to the Lord Jesus Christ as a conduit for Him to live His life through. You are right, in Christ we are all one. But not everyone who goes to church is 'in Christ.' So we do need guidelines. As I said, this is just my opinion. I hope it helps. |