11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:11-16 KJV)
Commentary
Here, Paul adds a caution to prevent his words from being misapplied: “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman” (1 Corinthians 11:11). Though woman was first formed from man, every man since has been born of a woman, and all things are from God (1 Corinthians 11:12). Authority and subjection must, therefore, be consistent with mutual dependence and respect. The woman must acknowledge her place, but the man must not abuse his authority.
He appeals further to nature: “Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?” (1 Corinthians 11:13). Nature itself distinguishes between the sexes. “If a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory, for her hair is given to her as a covering” (1 Corinthians 11:14-15). Thus, even nature teaches that modesty and distinction between the sexes are proper and comely.
Finally, Paul ends by referring the contentious to the custom of the churches: “If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God” (1 Corinthians 11:16). Custom often guides what is decent, and the uniform practice of all the churches was that women should appear veiled in public worship. Those who opposed this practice would appear singular and disorderly. Therefore, believers should maintain the order and decorum common to all the churches of Christ.