Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 11:14
Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while resolving a dispute over worship conduct and head coverings. He appeals to their shared observation to settle the matter before moving to the next instruction.
The words — φύσις (physis) means “nature,” and διδάσκει (didaskei) means “teaches” or “instructs.” The phrase “nature itself teaches” presents creation as the direct source of the instruction regarding male hair length.
The thread — The text ties physical appearance to communal honor, running parallel to 2 Samuel 14:26 where Absalom’s heavy hair marks him, and 1 Corinthians 14:35 where a woman’s public inquiry is labeled dishonorable. Both passages use observable or social markers to define proper conduct.
Why it lands — The verse states that observable creation establishes a boundary for male hair length and calls it a disgrace when crossed. It requires the reader to align personal practice with the natural order Paul presents as authoritative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 14:26 And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.
- 1 Corinthians 14:35 If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.