King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:14 in the King James Version says “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”

1 Corinthians 11:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?—Paul's appeal to φύσις (physis, nature) is debated. Does nature mean: (1) created order/biology (men generally have shorter, coarser hair); (2) natural instinct or intuition; (3) customary practice ('what is natural' in a culture)? Likely all three converge—God's creation generates cultural norms that reflect deeper realities.

Κομᾷ (koma, have long hair) means letting hair grow uncut, not merely longer than women's. In Greco-Roman culture, long hair on men was associated with effeminacy, homosexuality, or philosophical eccentricity (Cynics). Jewish Nazirite vows involved long hair (Numbers 6:5), but this was temporary sanctification, not normative. Paul argues that normative male appearance—short hair—reflects masculine identity, just as the head covering reflects gender order in worship. It is a shame unto him (ἀτιμία αὐτῷ ἐστιν)—dishonor, loss of dignity. Blurring gender distinctions through appearance dishonors God's design.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman men typically wore short hair (military standard), while barbarians and Greeks sometimes wore it longer. Jewish men varied. Effeminate male temple prostitutes in pagan cults often had long, styled hair. Paul likely addresses men in Corinth who were adopting long hair as a sign of spiritual sophistication or freedom, inadvertently blurring gender distinctions. His appeal to 'nature' isn't arbitrary cultural preference but recognition that God's creation establishes norms that cultures generally recognize (Romans 1:26-27, 2:14-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'nature' teach moral and social norms, and what role should natural law play in Christian ethics?
  2. In what ways do modern trends toward androgyny and gender fluidity resist 'nature' as Paul understood it?
  3. How can Christians distinguish between essential gender distinctions (rooted in creation) and non-essential cultural expressions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἡ1 of 15

“Doth”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

οὐδὲ2 of 15

“not even”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

αὐτῷ3 of 15

“itself”

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

ἤ4 of 15
G3588

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

φύσις5 of 15

“nature”

G5449

growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native

διδάσκει6 of 15

“teach”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ὑμᾶς7 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὅτι8 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀνὴρ9 of 15

“a man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

μὲν10 of 15
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἐὰν11 of 15

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

κομᾷ12 of 15

“have long hair”

G2863

to wear tresses of hair

ἀτιμία13 of 15

“a shame”

G819

infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace

αὐτῷ14 of 15

“itself”

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

ἐστιν15 of 15

“it is”

G2076

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

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 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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