1 Corinthians 11:10

For this reason a woman should have a symbol of authority ¹  on her head, because of the angels. ² 

biblegateway 1Co 11:10

For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

biblegateway 1Co 11:10

Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

biblegateway 1Co 11:10

So a woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign of authority because the angels are watching.

biblegateway 1Co 11:10

Don't, by the way, read too much into the differences here between men and women.

SABDAweb 1Co 11:10

For this reason it is right for the woman to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.

bibleoremus 1Co 11:10

For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

biblegateway 1Co 11:10

For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

biblegateway 1Co 11:10

For this reason a woman should have a symbol of authority ¹  on her head, because of the angels. ² 

¹ sn Paul does not use a word specifying what type of “covering” is meant (veil, hat, etc.). The Greek word he uses here (ἐξουσία exousia; translated symbol of authority) could be (1) a figure of speech that may substitute the result (the right to participate in worship) for the appropriate appearance that makes it possible (the covered head). Or (2) it refers to the outward symbol (having the head covered) as representing the inward attitude the woman is to possess (deference to male leadership in the church).

² sn Paul does not explain this reference to the angels, and its point is not entirely clear. It seems to reflect an awareness that angels are witnesses to church life (cf. Eph 3:10) and would be particularly sensitive to resistance against God’s created order.