King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:7 in the King James Version says “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:7 · KJV


Context

5

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.

6

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

7

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God—Paul grounds his argument in Genesis 1:26-27. Εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα θεοῦ (eikōn kai doxa theou, image and glory of God) echoes the creation account. Man directly images God and displays His glory. Covering the head symbolically obscures this glory-bearing function. The ὀφείλει (opheilei, ought) indicates moral obligation rooted in creation order, not cultural preference.

But the woman is the glory of the man—This is not ontological inferiority but relational derivative. Woman is equally image-bearer (Genesis 1:27) but uniquely displays man's glory as his helper and complement (Genesis 2:18-23). Just as man's glory derives from God, woman's derives from man (her source, vv. 8-9). The covered head acknowledges this derivative glory—not hiding shame but honoring the chain of glory: God → Christ → man → woman. Far from denigrating women, Paul places them in a creation-ordered relationship that honors both sexes' distinct roles.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 1-2 was foundational for Jewish and Christian theology of gender. Paul interprets creation narratives typologically: Adam's formation from dust (direct creation) versus Eve's formation from Adam's side (derivative creation) grounds their respective relationships to divine glory. In a culture obsessed with honor and glory (Romans valued public reputation above life itself), Paul reframes glory Christianly: true glory comes from reflecting God's image, not self-promotion. The head covering visibly enacts this theology during worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being 'image and glory of God' shape your understanding of human dignity and purpose?
  2. In what ways can derivative glory (woman from man) coexist with equal dignity and worth (both image-bearers)?
  3. How might modern culture's obsession with autonomous self-expression clash with Paul's vision of derivative, God-honoring glory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἀνδρός1 of 18

a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

μὲν2 of 18

indeed

G3303

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

γὰρ3 of 18

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οὐκ4 of 18

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὀφείλει5 of 18

ought

G3784

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

κατακαλύπτεσθαι6 of 18

to cover

G2619

to cover wholly, i.e., veil

τὴν7 of 18
G3588

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

κεφαλήν8 of 18

his head

G2776

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

εἰκὼν9 of 18

the image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

καὶ10 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δόξα11 of 18

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

θεοῦ12 of 18

of God

G2316

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

ὑπάρχων·13 of 18

forasmuch as he is

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

γυνὴ14 of 18

the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

δὲ15 of 18

but

G1161

but, and, etc

δόξα16 of 18

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἀνδρός17 of 18

a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐστιν18 of 18

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 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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