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Is a Woman’s Hair “Pinned Up” Her Covering?

Is A Woman's Hair "Pinned up" Her Covering?
The Objection: The Greek word “Akatakalyptos” is incorrectly translated as “uncovered” or “unveiled” in English translations of the Bible. A more accurate rendering would be “unloosed”. Paul is not commanding women to wear a head covering, but is telling them to pin/bundle their hair up instead of letting it hang down their backs.

This view was articulated by James B. Hurley (Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, RTS Jackson) who said:

…the custom in view was not the wearing of the shawl but rather the wearing of that hair style which marked a woman in proper relation to her husband or father. It was the custom of women to wear their hair pinned up in a “bun” rather than hanging loose. 1) Did Paul Require Veils or the Silence of Women? A Consideration of 1 Cor 11:2-16 and 1 Cor 14:33b-36 (Volume: WTJ 35:2 – Winter 1973)

How is this view supported? Dr. Hurley says the most “fruitful text” to study is how the Septuagint translates Leviticus 13:45. The Septuagint (also known by the abbreviation, LXX) is a Koine Greek 2) The language the New Testament was written in. translation of the Old Testament. It was the Bible used by Greek speakers in the time of Jesus and the Apostles. So let’s first take a look at this passage Dr. Hurley mentioned with a special focus on the Hebrew 3) The language the Old Testament was written in. word behind hair “hanging loose”. Read more

References

1.
↑ Did Paul Require Veils or the Silence of Women? A Consideration of 1 Cor 11:2-16 and 1 Cor 14:33b-36 (Volume: WTJ 35:2 – Winter 1973)
2.
↑ The language the New Testament was written in.
3.
↑ The language the Old Testament was written in.

Is a Woman’s Long Hair Her Covering?

Is A Woman's Long Hair Her Covering?
The Objection: The Scriptures tell us that women must pray & prophesy covered. This should not be understood as an artificial covering on top of her hair since 1 Corinthians 11:15 states that a womans covering is her long hair. The fact that men should have short hair and women have long hair was Paul’s point.

While we affirm that a woman’s long hair is her natural covering, we see two different coverings being talked about in this chapter. One of them is a woman’s long hair which is natural, permanent  and a glory to her  (1 Cor 11:14-15). The other would be a fabric covering which is artificial, removable (1 Cor 11: 5) and a symbol of authority (1 Cor 11:10). Read more

A Hermeneutics Lesson from R.C. Sproul

Is head covering a custom or a principle? Should it be practiced today? If we’re not sure, what should we do?

In this 5 minute clip, R.C. Sproul gives us a hermeneutics lesson while using head coverings as his example.

If you enjoyed this clip consider listening to the full sermon here.
The audio in this video is copyrighted by Ligonier Ministries. It was posted with their permission.

Where are Head Coverings to be Practiced? In Church or Everywhere?

Where Is This To Be Practiced?

“…the head covering for women was understood to belong to the decorum of public worship.” -John Murray [1898-1975] (Professor, Westminster Theological Seminary) 1) Head Coverings and Decorum in Worship: A Letter’ by John Murray. Point #5

The Scriptures tell us that head coverings are required when praying or prophesying. However, an important question we should be asking ourselves is praying and prophesying where?

One side understands this command as pertaining to both public and private life. They would say since we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17) women should be covered almost all the time.

The second understanding is that head coverings are only commanded for when the local church gathers together in worship. This view gets its understanding from the context the passage is found in.

Let’s jump in by examining how the passage regarding head coverings is laid out. Read more

References

1.
↑ Head Coverings and Decorum in Worship: A Letter’ by John Murray. Point #5

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Covering Testimony: Bernice Copenhaver

Head Covering Testimonies
Name: Bernice CopenhaverAge: 27Location: Lebanon, PennsylvaniaStarted Covering: 1993

Covering Testimony: Bernice Copenhaver

1) Introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Bernice Copenhaver and I’m 27 years old. I’ve been married to my amazing husband Darin for almost 6 years. We have 2 beautiful children; Kaylie (3 years) and Clayton (11 months). I’m a stay at home mom, and I love it! I enjoy cooking, gardening and people! God has put an excitement in my heart for the head covering that I feel He wants me to share. I’m excited to see what the Lord has for me next.

2) Where do you attend church? Tell us a little bit about it.

I attend White Oak Church of the Brethren. The women who are members there, all wear head coverings. We are encouraged to also wear them outside of church, during the week which I agree with. Read more

Tertullian Quote Image #1

Tertullian Quote Image #1

If this quote has piqued your interest, read “Why Head Coverings?: Reason #4 – Church Practice“.

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