1 Corinthians 11:10

1 Corinthians 11:10 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
• New International Version (NIV)It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.
• English Standard Version (ESV)That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
• New King James Version (NKJV)For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

Context of 1 Corinthians 11:10

8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. Therefore the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, for the sake of the angels [so as not to offend them]. 11Nevertheless, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also man is born through the woman; and all things [whether male or female] originate from God [as their Creator].

1 Corinthians 11:10 word by word

διὰ τοῦτο ὀφείλει ἡ γυνὴ ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς διὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Forδιάdia · through/because ofG1223
• this causeοὗτοςhoutos houtoi hautē hautai · this/he/she/itG3778
• oughtὀφείλωopheilō opheileō · to oweG3784
• the womanὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• the womanγυνήgunē · woman: wifeG1135
• to haveἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
• powerἐξουσίαexousia · authorityG1849
• onἐπίepi · upon/to/againstG1909
• headκεφαλήkephalē · headG2776
• the angelsἄγγελοςaggelos · angelG32

Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 11:10

• Genesis 20:16Then to Sarah he said, “Look, I have given this brother of yours a thousand pieces of silver; it is to compensate you [for all that has happened] and to vindicate your honor before all who are with you; before all men you are cleared and compensated.”
• Genesis 24:64Rebekah also raised her eyes and looked, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from her camel.
• Ecclesiastes 5:6Do not allow your speech to cause you to sin, and do not say before the messenger (priest) of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry because of your voice (words) and destroy the work of your hands?
• Matthew 18:10“See that you do not despise or think less of one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven [are in the presence of and] continually look upon the face of My Father who is in heaven.
• Hebrews 1:14Are not all the angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve (accompany, protect) those who will inherit salvation? [Of course they are!]

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 11:10

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels - There are few portions in the sacred writings that have given rise to such a variety of conjectures and explanations, and are less understood, than this verse, and 1 Corinthians 15:29. Our translators were puzzled with it; and have inserted here one of the largest marginal readings found any where in their work; but this is only on the words power on her head, which they…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 10For this cause … - There is scarcely any passage in the Scriptures which has more exercised the ingenuity of commentators than this verse. The various attempts which have been made to explain it may be seen in Pool, Rosenmuller, Bloomfield, etc. After all the explanations which have been given of it, I confess, I do not understand it. It is not difficult to see what the connection requires us to suppose in the explanation. The obvious interpretation would…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2-16Verses 2-16 Here begin particulars respecting the public assemblies, ch. 1Co 14. In the abundance of spiritual gifts bestowed on the Corinthians, some abuses had crept in; but as Christ did the will, and sought the honour of God, so the Christian should avow his subjection to Christ, doing his will and seeking his glory. We should, even in our dress and habit, avoid every thing that may dishonour Christ. The woman was made subject to man, because made for…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 10because of the angels: Angels are guardians of the world, ensuring everything follows God's plan (see Genesis 19:1–21; 22:11–12; Exodus 23:20; Numbers 22:22–23; Psalms 34:7; 91:11; 103:20–21; Hebrews 1:7, 14). Believers should act appropriately in front of others and God's observing angels (compare 1 Timothy 5:21). ought to have a sign of authority on her head: should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1010. power on her head--the kerchief: French couvre chef, head-covering, the emblem of "power on her head"; the sign of her being under man's power, and exercising delegated authority under him. Paul had before his mind the root-connection between the Hebrew terms for "veil" (radid), and "subjection" (radad). because of the angels--who are present at our Christian assemblies (compare Psa 138:1, "gods," that is, angels), and delight in the orderly…Read the comment

Topics related to 1 Corinthians 11:10

• Wife
• Women

In the dictionaries

• Comely
• Cover
• Cup
• Custom
• Guilty
• Hear
• Judge
• Set
• Angel
• Authority in Religion

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 11

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings