New Testament
1 Corinthians 11:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Paul addresses the practice of women praying or prophesying without their heads covered.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head — it's the same as if she had shaved it completely.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Paul addresses the practice of women praying or prophesying without their heads covered. He emphasizes that doing so brings dishonor to their heads, which symbolizes authority and respect. The cultural context of the time placed significant importance on head coverings as a sign of modesty and propriety. Paul compares the act of praying uncovered to having a shaved head, which was seen as disgraceful. This comparison highlights the seriousness of the issue in the eyes of the community. The underlying message is about maintaining respect and understanding cultural norms while expressing one's faith. It encourages women to honor their roles and the traditions of their society while engaging in spiritual practices. Ultimately, this passage invites reflection on how we present ourselves in worship and the importance of honoring the customs that foster respect and unity within the community. It’s a reminder that our actions can reflect our values and beliefs.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Corinthians 11:5 to your life
Consider how your actions and appearance reflect your values in your community. Are there cultural practices that you can embrace to show respect? Think about how you can honor traditions while still being true to yourself and your beliefs in your spiritual journey. This balance is essential for unity and respect in any community.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 11:5 mean?
1 Corinthians 11:5 addresses the practice of women praying or prophesying without head coverings, indicating that it dishonors their head, which symbolizes authority. Paul emphasizes the cultural significance of head coverings as a sign of respect and propriety in that society.
What is the meaning of dishonor in 1 Corinthians 11:5?
In this verse, dishonor refers to the loss of respect or dignity that a woman brings upon herself and her head when she prays or prophesies without a head covering. It highlights the importance of adhering to cultural norms regarding modesty and authority.
Why is head covering important in 1 Corinthians 11:5?
Head covering in 1 Corinthians 11:5 is important because it symbolizes respect and authority within the cultural context of the time. Paul uses this practice to emphasize the need for women to honor societal norms while engaging in spiritual activities.
How can I apply 1 Corinthians 11:5 today?
To apply 1 Corinthians 11:5 today, consider how your appearance and actions reflect your values in your community. Embrace cultural practices that show respect while remaining true to your beliefs, fostering unity and understanding in your spiritual journey.
The Book of 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1: Greeting, Thanksgiving, and Divisions
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, address the church of God at Corinth. He speaks to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, along with all who call on the name of Jesus Christ. He thanks God for the grace given to them and says they are enriched in speech and knowledge, lacking no spiritual gift as they wait for the coming of the Lord.
Unlock the full 1 Corinthians summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Corinthians — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Corinthians summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.