by INTRODUCTION
The issue of women praying without head coverings is in no way a cultural matter. It is a deeply spiritual act of rebellion against God’s divine order. The Holy Bible clearly establishes principles of headship, authority, and obedience. These divine principles must govern Christian worship. Ignoring them is disobedience, no matter how modern society attempts to explain it away.
I want us to use the opportunity of this message to examine all the Bible verses that condemn women praying without a covering. Then we can see why such practice is considered rebellion against God’s authority. Many will argue, but this message is only for the 5 wise virgins. So not all will receive it. This is the last awakening as the Lord sets things in order in His own Body. It is His body, not yours.
The Divine Order of Headship
1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.” This verse establishes God’s hierarchy: God → Christ → Man → Woman. When a woman prays or prophesies without covering her head, she disregards this divine order. It is a rejection of the authority God has set. It is a rejection of God’s authority and a direct rejection of the headship of God Himself.
1 Corinthians 11:5–6: “But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn; but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.” Here, the Bible condemns women praying without covering their heads. Even when the Lord says, “If you won’t cover it, shave it,” the rebellious women will still argue. Why they argue, and wrestle with this is what I still can’t grasp.
The Scripture equates it with the disgrace of being shaven bald, a mark of shame in biblical times. By praying uncovered, a woman dishonors both herself and the authority God placed over her. She dishonors her head, which is the man. Indirectly she dishonors Christ, the head of the man. And as such, God is being dishonored. This is a very dangerous and slippery part.
The Explicit Command on Head Covering
A Sign of Authority and Submission
1 Corinthians 11:10: “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” The head covering is a sign of authority that acknowledges God’s order. Refusing to cover the head during prayer is an open display of rebellion not only before men but also before angels, who observe worship. Are you so strong you can stand against the angels of God in discharging God’s righteous demands?
Nature Itself Teaches
1 Corinthians 11:13–15: “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given to her for a covering.” Nature confirms God’s spiritual command. A woman’s long hair is her natural covering, but in worship, an additional covering is commanded. Praying without it is a willful act of defiance. Nature teaches you to cover your head; that’s why women’s hair grows longer. Long hair is not a license for women to come before God shaven.
Spiritual Rebellion and Dishonor
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that praying uncovered brings dishonor: it dishonors God. It dishonors Christ’s authority. It dishonors the woman herself. In essence, a woman praying without a head covering is practicing spiritual rebellion. It is rejecting the divine principle of submission that God has established for the church.
Head Covering Is Not Cultural but Eternal
Some argue that head covering was only a cultural practice in Corinth. However, Paul refutes this by appealing to creation order, to nature, and to the presence of angels. All of these references transcend culture and time.
1 Corinthians 11:16: “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do the churches of God.” This means the teaching is universal in all churches of God, not limited to one place or era. The question is this: whom will you obey? Will you obey the living God or the frivolous religious spirit of this corrupt age?
Conclusion:
Women Praying Without Covering Is Disobedience
The Bible verses condemning women praying without head coverings are clear and authoritative. This is not a matter of personal opinion or cultural flexibility. It is a spiritual command. To disobey is to rebel against God’s order, dishonor Christ, and disregard the testimony of angels. Therefore, every godly woman must cover her head when praying or prophesying, as a sign of submission and reverence to God and His Word.
FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDS, FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN.
