Thematic Bible: As a token of subjection

But I want you to know that Christ is the [spiritual] head [i.e., authority] over every man; and the man is the [spiritual] head over the woman [Note: The Greek words for "woman" and "wife" are the same. "Wife" is obviously meant by the context]; and God is the head over Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing A HusbandHusbands Headship, Basis OfHeadshipHusbandsMenStatusWivesWomenChrist, The Head Of The ChurchChrist, Names ForPreeminence Of ChristAuthority Of PeopleHairs ProtectedInteraction Of Father And SonRelationship Of Men And WomenHead As ChiefGodheadHusband And WifeGodly WomanWomen's RolesPutting God FirstWifeGodly ManFamily FirstA Good WomanGoing To ChurchBeing A Woman Of GodBeing BeautifulA Good ManMan And WomanGod Being With YouA Good HusbandRespecting Your BodyFathers Responsibilitiesmanhoodanniversarymanwomanchristimportance

This [i.e., the order of creation] is the reason that the woman should have [a symbol of] authority on her [physical] head [i.e., hair or a shawl to indicate subjection to her husband], and because of the angels. [Note: This difficult phrase probably means that angels, who observe the activities of Christian assemblies, are pleased when they see things being done in their proper order]. Verse ConceptsCovering HeadsAngels Interacting With PeopleAuthority Of DisciplesWomen's BeautyWomen's RolesBeauty And Self WorthBeing A Woman Of GodHairRespecting Authoritymakeup

So, if a woman does not cover her [physical] head [i.e., with sufficient hair or a cloth shawl], she might as well cut her hair off. But if it is a shame for a woman to cut her hair off or shave her head [See note on verse 5], then she should have her head covered [i.e., with hair or a shawl]. But a man should certainly not cover his [physical] head [i.e., with "something hanging down," such as long hair or a cloth shawl. See verse 4], since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman [i.e., his wife] is the glory of the man [i.e., her husband].