1 Corinthians 11:5

And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation regarding corporate worship conduct, immediately following his instruction about covered men in 1 Corinthians 11:4. He specifies the requirement during the active moments of prayer and prophecy within the assembled gathering.

The words — The text identifies a γυνὴ (gunē) who is προσευχομένη (proseuchomenē) or προφητεύουσα (prophēteuousa) while ἀκατακαλύπτῳ (akatakaluptō), literally "uncovered." The Greek term describes a state of lacking a covering, which the verse equates directly to having a shaved head.

The thread — The shaved head imagery recalls ritual shame and mourning in Deuteronomy 21:12. The practice of women prophesying appears in Acts 2:17 and is recorded in Luke 2:36.

Why it lands — The text commands that any woman praying or prophesying must wear a head covering, treating an uncovered state as equivalent to shame. It requires readers to observe the stated boundary for public worship without importing external cultural assumptions.

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The Greek words

King James Version

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 21:12 then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails,
Luke 2:36 There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,
Acts 2:17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
1 Corinthians 14:34 Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
Acts 21:9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.