FocusHonour in praying and prophesying
Connection to the wholePaul addresses the church's practice of praying and prophesying through a discussion of headship, honour, and distinctions within the gathered setting.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 11:16
KJVBut if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Read it in context
Conduct concerning head covering
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 11:1 (1 Corinthians 11:1 to 1 Corinthians 11:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul addresses the church's practice of praying and prophesying through a discussion of headship, honour, and distinctions within the gathered setting.
- 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
- 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
- 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
- 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
- 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
- 11:6 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.
- 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
- 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
- 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
- 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
- 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
- 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
- 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
- 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
- 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
- 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 11:1–14:40): Paul instructs the Corinthian congregation about worship, the Lord's supper, spiritual gifts, love, and orderly participation in the assembly. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Conduct concerning head covering. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1 through 1 Corinthians 11:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul addresses the church's practice of praying and prophesying through a discussion of headship, honour, and distinctions within the gathered setting. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Conduct concerning head covering (1 Corinthians 11:1 to 1 Corinthians 11:16). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 Corinthians 11:16, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- seem 1 Tim 6:3-4
- such Acts 21:21,24
- the churches 1 Cor 7:17 1 Cor 14:33-34 1 Cor 16:1 1 Thess 2:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 11
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions at the supper
1 Corinthians 11:17–22FocusA shared meal distorted
Connection to the wholeThe Corinthians' treatment of one another contradicts the purpose of gathering to eat the Lord's supper.
interpretation The Lord's supper remembered rightly
1 Corinthians 11:23–34FocusSelf-examination and consideration
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the received account of the supper and calls for discernment and waiting for one another, joining remembrance with responsible conduct.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions and God's wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.