The Woman's Power On Her Head

Our verse says that women should have a sign of authority over their heads “because of the angels.” The context of this chapter refers to the hair which was “given her for a covering” (v. 15). To cut her hair short is to disgrace her head and it brings confusion into God’s created order and distinction between “male and female” (Gen 1:27). This command was not just for the church at Corinth (1 Cor 10:7). But it also applies to all churches today (1 Cor 7:17)!

 Paul said that when a “woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering” (v. 15). When she obeys, then she is humbly assuming the position that God has given her (Col 3:18). Because the husband is called to be the leader or “the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church” (Eph 5:23). That “power on her head” is a sign of subjection to her husband’s power as her leader, having Christ’s authority over them! The husband has the power over her (v. 3), but loves her as his own body (Eph 5:28), and honors her “as unto the weaker vessel” (1 Pet 3:7). The reason why she needs to have this power is “because of angels.”

Paul was most likely speaking of the fallen angels “which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation” (Jude 1:6). They are deceivers who “lead captive silly women laden with sins” (2 Tim 3:6). Satan “beguiled Eve” (2 Cor 11:3), in the garden of Eden (Gen 3:4); she was deceived because she received second hand information from Adam (1 Tim 2:14). When women intentionally cut their hair short like a man, then they are rebelling (v. 12). It suggests masculinity and equality with men. But when she wears the proper covering on her head (long hair), she is showing the angels of her humble submission to God. Thus, resisting the devil (Jms 4:7)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera