byWomen covering their heads with scarfs is one doctrine that has been of significant concern in many places, especially in African churches. In one particular church some of my relatives were a part of, it became taboo for women to go to church without covering their heads with a scarf, all because of what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. But what is the truth about this issue? Should women cover their heads with scarfs when coming to church? Today, I’m glad to address the Biblical question from scripture.
Two Lords for every woman
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Bible says,
[3] “…the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
From the verse above, it is pretty clear that the head of woman is man. That means the man is the covering for the woman. And it is evident more in Africa, where many women don’t really do well if no men speak into their lives, whether as husbands, pastors, or even brothers. The man is wired more to give direction to the woman. But 1 Corinthians 11:3 is a generic scripture with no exceptions. That makes it a little hard to interpret because you may say, what about single mothers and unmarried women?
In 1 Peter 3:1, the Bible says wives are to be submissive to their own husbands. So, in terms of submission, it is wife to husband, not woman to just any man. But also in Christ, there is neither male nor female (see Galatians 3:28). That is where submission unto one another, especially when it comes to ministry, also comes in (see 1 Peter 5:5). As you know, whom you submit to is really your head. So, the subject of submission becomes quite complex when viewed through only one lens. What has been said above is the balance. As a man, you have one head, that is Christ. But as a woman, you have two lords – Jesus and your man (if you are married).
Related: God’s Hierarchy of Authority
What women are supposed to use to cover their heads
From 1 Corinthians 11:6, Paul was not talking about the scarf being used to cover women’s heads. He was speaking about their hair and the consciousness of their submission unto God and their husbands if married. According to 1 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul entreated women to have long hair because it was for their glory. Therefore, what is the essence of a woman covering her hair with a scarf when coming to church or doing ministerial work if her hair is her glory? Isn’t she supposed to show it? There is nothing wrong with women displaying their hair in the house of the Lord.
Keep the main thing the main thing
The centre of Christianity is Jesus Christ. When He is out of the scene, the devil takes advantage of this loophole and creates all sorts of problems and doctrinal differences among believers. Satan hates to see believers dwelling in peace and unity. As a woman, dress modestly because your body is God’s temple, not to prove your worth to anybody. Glorify the Lord in what you do, and don’t let what someone else thinks about the Bible deny you from living out the truth and enjoying your liberty in the Lord.
You are a blessing!
