1 Corinthians 11:7 – “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s discussion on head coverings and the roles of men and women in worship. He explains that a man should not cover his head in worship because he is “the image and glory of God.” In contrast, Paul states that “woman is the glory of man.”

This statement is rooted in the creation account. In Genesis 1:27, both men and women are created in the image of God. However, Paul is making a distinction regarding their roles in creation. Man was created first and given a leadership role, while woman was created from man and as his helper (Genesis 2:18-22).

Paul’s argument is not about worth or dignity—both men and women reflect God’s image—but about the structure God designed. When Paul says “glory,” he means that man is meant to reflect and honor God in a direct way, and woman, in her role, brings honor to man. This does not mean that women do not bring glory to God, but that in God’s order, there is a unique relational structure between men and women.

This verse is not about cultural preference but about God’s original design. Paul is reinforcing the principle that worship should reflect God’s created order, rather than human customs or desires.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, head coverings for men and women had different meanings. Greek and Roman men often covered their heads during pagan religious ceremonies as a sign of devotion. Jewish men sometimes covered their heads as a sign of humility before God.

Paul instructs Christian men not to cover their heads in worship because they are to directly reflect God’s authority and glory. In contrast, women were expected to wear head coverings as a sign of respect and submission, following the cultural expression of their role.

This teaching was countercultural in some ways. In pagan religions, men often displayed outward signs of religious devotion by covering their heads, but Paul insists that Christian worship should reflect God’s creation order, not pagan customs.

Theological Implications

1. Men and Women Have Distinct Roles – This verse reinforces that men and women, while equal in value, have different roles in God’s design. Man is to lead in a way that glorifies God, and woman brings honor through her supportive and complementary role.
2. God’s Creation Reflects His Glory – The created order was designed to display God’s wisdom and beauty. Men and women are meant to function in harmony, reflecting His nature.
3. Worship Should Align with God’s Order – Worship is not just about personal expression but should reflect God’s authority and design. How believers present themselves in worship matters because it communicates spiritual truths.
4. The Concept of Glory – In Scripture, “glory” refers to something that reflects or magnifies the greatness of another. Man was created to glorify God, and woman was created to be a helper to man, reflecting his leadership. This does not diminish her value but shows how God’s order brings harmony.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is intentional. He does not say that woman is made in the image of man—both men and women are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). However, he does say that man is the “glory” of God and woman is the “glory” of man.

The word “glory” (doxa in Greek) means something that brings honor, reflects greatness, or magnifies the worth of another. Paul uses this word to explain how God’s design is reflected in human relationships.

This verse also connects with Paul’s broader argument about head coverings. If a man covers his head, he symbolically hides the direct reflection of God’s glory. If a woman does not cover her head, she disregards her role in God’s order. Paul is calling for visible signs of respect for God’s design.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Both men and women bear God’s image.)
• Genesis 2:18-22 – The creation of woman from man, establishing her as his helper and counterpart.
• Ephesians 5:22-24 – “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” (Paul teaches a similar principle about the structure of authority.)
• 1 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (The foundation for Paul’s argument in verse 7.)
• Psalm 8:5 – “You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Humanity was made to reflect God’s glory.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

While head coverings are no longer a widespread practice in most cultures, the principle behind this verse remains relevant. Today, Christians should:

1. Embrace God’s Design for Men and Women – The biblical roles of men and women should be upheld, rather than rejected in favor of modern cultural trends.
2. Worship in a Way That Honors God – Worship should reflect reverence for God’s order and purpose, rather than personal preference or cultural influence.
3. Understand That Authority and Submission Are Biblical Principles – Just as Christ submits to the Father, men and women have roles that reflect God’s greater design.
4. Reject the World’s Confusion About Gender and Identity – This passage reminds us that men and women were created with intentional differences, which should be celebrated, not erased.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He created order and purpose in relationships. His design for men and women is not about competition but about complementing each other for His glory.

God also shows His love by giving clear instructions on how to worship Him rightly. He does not leave His people in confusion but provides guidance so that their worship honors Him.

This verse also reflects God’s love in that men and women both have unique ways of displaying His glory. He designed them to function together, not in opposition, and when they embrace His design, they experience His best.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Perfectly Reflects God’s Glory – Hebrews 1:3 says that Christ is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” Jesus shows us what it means to reflect God’s image.
• Christ Submitted to the Father’s Authority – Just as Paul teaches about submission in this passage, Jesus submitted to the Father’s will (John 6:38).
• Jesus Restored God’s Order – Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus redeemed what was broken by sin and made it possible for men and women to fulfill their God-given purposes.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Paul’s teaching on men and women challenge modern cultural views on gender roles?
2. What does it mean to glorify God in worship?
3. How can Christian men reflect God’s image and glory in their lives?
4. How can Christian women reflect God’s order in their relationships and worship?
5. What are ways that today’s culture distorts the biblical understanding of men and women, and how should Christians respond?

This verse reminds us that worship is not just about personal preference—it is about honoring God’s design. God created men and women with distinct roles, and when believers embrace that order, they reflect His glory in the way He intended.