“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” (1 Corinthians 11:15)
You read that correctly. I don’t cut my hair. Ever. This fact is likely to be quite shocking to you if you have never been taught the biblical significance of a woman’s uncut hair. Before going any further, I want to make certain you understand that I am referring not just to wearing long hair, but uncut hair. The original Greek word here for “long hair” is Komao, which means untampered with long tresses. Or to let one’s hair grow long and unaltered. That being said, my hair hasn’t been cut in 30+ years.
IT’S ABOUT SUBMISSION
“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.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
How can hair length be such a big deal? 1 Corinthians chapter 11 isn’t only referring to men and women’s hair. It is referring to submission to spiritual authority. Hair length is simply the symbol of that submission level.
WHY HAIR?
In the same way God chose speaking in tongues as the initial sign of someone receiving the Holy Ghost, so He also chose Hair as the symbol of a person’s submission to authority. The simple truth is He’s God, and He gets to choose. One little known reason, however, is that cutting of the hair, and offering it as a sacrifice to idols has been practiced throughout history. This practice was especially rampant in the city of Corinth at the time of Paul’s writing to the Corinthian Church on the subject.
Neither man nor woman is more important than the other in the Kingdom of God, but God has established a spiritual order. We are expected to remain submitted to that order. A woman’s uncut hair declares that she is willingly submitted to her spiritual authority. If she is is unmarried, her first level of authority would be her father, then pastor and ultimately the Lord. If she is married, then her first level of authority is her husband.
Make no mistake. This teaching isn’t only for women. As much as a woman is instructed to leave her her long, and uncut, a man is instructed to keep his hair cut short. In this way, he declares his submission to the Lord.
APPROACHING GOD IN PRAYER
Paul tells the Corinthians that our hair dictates whether we should approach God in prayer. A man’s head shouldn’t be covered. A woman’s head should be covered. To come before God any other way is a disgrace. This is why you will see many men remove their hats during prayer. You might also see a woman with a cap or veil over her head. Although these actions are done to be respectful of God and His Word, they are done out of context.
This teaching in chapter 11 isn’t referring to a natural covering, but the length of a person’s hair. Scripture teaches us to, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) In order to accomplish this, ladies would never be able to take off their hat or veil, and men would never be able to wear a hat. I much prefer to keep my hair uncut, and thereby be able to approach God at any moment of the day or night.
“Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 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.” (1 Corinthians 11:4-5)
SIDE NOTE
I’ve had people ask, “If a woman’s hair is her covering, why does she wear it put up, and not hanging down so that it covers more?” Let me reiterate the scripture is not referring to a natural covering, but a spiritual covering. Some women’s hair naturally grows longer or shorter than others. My own hair is not naturally super long, but if it is uncut, regardless of the actual length, I am covered, and living under authority.
ANGELS ARE WATCHING
”For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” (1 Corinthians 11:10)
The Lord takes the doctrine of a woman’s uncut hair very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that angels take notice of whether we keep it uncut. Women who understand this truth take great care to not even trim their hair, knowing that keeping their hair untampered with adds a level of protection for their loved ones. I feel absolutely certain that many trials, afflictions and dangers have been avoided because I have kept my hair uncut.
”The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Psalm 34:7)
DON’T SPEAK AGAINST WHAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND
I realize this teaching presents in stark contrast to our cultural norm. We are perpetually surrounded by advertisements featuring new hairstyles. The pressure to conform can be overwhelming. Choosing to be a biblical Christian, however, often situates us crosswise with what the world declares is the right way.
Years ago, I was in a store with my young daughter. We were browsing the aisles when a young mother and her little girl walked past us. The little girl had long, beautiful hair, and I complimented her on how pretty it was. I was completely and utterly shocked when the lady replied in a nasty tone, “That’s what happens when you cut it.” I was so shocked by her audacity that I literally could say nothing in that moment.
This mean-spirited lady walked away feeling pretty good about herself, but in no way submitted to spiritual authority. She obviously new enough to realize we didn’t cut our hair, but doubtfully why. Let me make a few points here.
1. Hair grows from the roots, not the ends. Cutting or trimming your hair does not make it grow. It definitely makes it look fashionable, and more acceptable according to our culture. Aren’t we instructed to avoid conforming to the culture around us?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
2. If you don’t understand a verse, passage, commandment or principle in scripture, it’s much better to simply acknowledge that you don’t understand. God isn’t angry at you for not understanding, although He does expect you to seek to find understanding. Saying you don’t understand is much safer than speaking against, and treading carelessly upon something God has called holy.
THE OPPOSITE OF SUBMITTED
Let me point out that the opposite of being submitted is to be in rebellion. We think of being rebellious as someone who is committing all manner of vile sins. Certainly, as Christians who love the Lord, we would not consider ourselves rebellious. When we choose to disregard a practice that God has ordained to specifically represent submissIon…Is that not rebellion?
THE GLORY COVENANT
I recently had some trouble with my thyroid which required a change in my medication dosage. This lead to a downward spiral of major hair loss. Perhaps after reading this blogpost, you can understand why such an event would cause an Apostolic lady great distress. Many ladies would have immediately cut or trimmed their hair to make it more culturally acceptable. (*Trimming is cutting in small increments.) I, however, have this Glory Covenant that I take very seriously. I desire to be in obedience to God’s Word. I desire to live submitted to spiritual authority. I desire for the angels who are always watching to take note of my submission. I consider being in this Glory Covenant with God a great privilege and joy.
“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.“ (1 Corinthians 11:15)
IN SUMMARY
Obviously, for the sake of time and space, I can’t cover every aspect of uncut hair in this post. If you have questions, please reach out. As always, I’m more than happy to discuss any topic that I write about.
Warm Regards,
~Pat~