King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:13 in the King James Version says “Judge in yourselves : is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Judge in yourselves : is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?”

1 Corinthians 11:13 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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. covering: or, veil

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?—Paul shifts from theological argument (vv. 3-12) to appeals to propriety and nature (vv. 13-15). Ἐν ὑμῖν αὐτοῖς κρίνατε (judge among yourselves)—Paul invokes the Corinthians' own sense of decorum. Πρέπον ἐστίν (is it fitting/proper?) appeals to innate moral intuition and cultural appropriateness.

This isn't relativism but incarnational theology. Biblical truth engages cultural forms without being reducible to them. In Corinthian context, an uncovered woman praying publicly was aprepon (unseemly, improper)—it violated both creational order and social propriety. Paul doesn't separate theological truth from cultural expression; he expects theological truth to shape cultural practice. The Corinthians' own judgment, properly informed by Scripture and creation, should align with Paul's instruction. This rhetorical question expects agreement—surely you see the impropriety?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture valued decorum (τὸ πρέπον)—behaving appropriately according to one's station, gender, and context. Respectable women demonstrated modesty in dress and demeanor. Public worship was particularly sensitive—both pagan and Jewish traditions had gendered practices. Paul appeals to shared values of propriety while grounding them in deeper theological realities. His question assumes the Corinthians' cultural instincts align with biblical principle, inviting self-reflection rather than authoritarian diktat.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern which cultural practices embody biblical principles versus which are merely conventional?
  2. What role should 'seemliness' or propriety play in Christian worship decisions?
  3. How can churches engage cultural norms constructively without becoming legalistic or worldly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἐν1 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν2 of 11

“yourselves”

G5213

to (with or by) you

αὐτοῖς3 of 11
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

κρίνατε·4 of 11

“Judge”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

πρέπον5 of 11

“comely”

G4241

to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e., (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it i

ἐστὶν6 of 11

“is it”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

γυναῖκα7 of 11

“that a woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἀκατακάλυπτον8 of 11

“uncovered”

G177

unveiled

τῷ9 of 11
G3588

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

θεῷ10 of 11

“unto God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

προσεύχεσθαι11 of 11

“pray”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:57John 7:241 Corinthians 10:15

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