King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:10 in the King James Version says “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. power: that is a covering in sign that s...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. power: that is a covering in sign that she is under the power of her husband”

1 Corinthians 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

9

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

10

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. power: that is a covering in sign that she is under the power of her husband

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels—One of Scripture's most enigmatic verses. Ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς (to have authority on the head) likely means the symbol of authority (the covering itself), not autonomous power. The head covering represents a woman's acceptance of her place in the created order—her exousia (authority/right) to participate in worship while honoring God's design.

Because of the angels (διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους)—interpreters propose: (1) angels as guardians of worship order (cf. Isaiah 6, Revelation 4-5), who observe human worship and are offended by disorder; (2) fallen angels who sinned by crossing boundaries (Genesis 6:1-4, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6), making proper boundaries essential; (3) angels as messengers/ministers whom women must not tempt or distract. Most likely, angels as witnesses to worship (Ephesians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:21) require proper order that reflects heavenly realities. The covering signals submission to cosmic order, not merely social convention.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition held that angels were present during worship and Scripture reading (Hebrews 12:22). Qumran texts (Dead Sea Scrolls) excluded physically disabled men from worship 'because holy angels are in their congregation' (1QSa 2:8-9). Paul assumes angelic presence during Christian worship and argues that gender confusion in worship offends not just human sensibilities but cosmic order observed by heavenly beings. This elevates the head-covering issue from cultural trivia to theological significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does awareness of angels observing worship change your approach to corporate gatherings?
  2. What does this verse teach about the cosmic significance of how we worship, not just our private devotions?
  3. In what ways do modern casual approaches to worship fail to reflect the weightiness of participating in heavenly realities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
διὰ1 of 13

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 13

“For this”

G5124

that thing

ὀφείλει3 of 13

“ought”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

ἡ4 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνὴ5 of 13

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐξουσίαν6 of 13

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἔχειν7 of 13

“to have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐπὶ8 of 13

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς9 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλῆς10 of 13

“her head”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

διὰ11 of 13

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοὺς12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγγέλους13 of 13

“of the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 11:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:64-65Hebrews 1:14Matthew 18:10

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