10 For this cause ought the woman to have power [1] on her head because of the angels.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 11:10

New International Version

10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her ownOr "have a sign of authority on her" head, because of the angels.

English Standard Version

10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.Or messengers, that is, people sent to observe and report

The Message

10 Don't, by the way, read too much into the differences here between men and women.

New King James Version

10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

New Living Translation

10 For this reason, and because the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:10

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

(Read 1 Corinthians 11:2-16)

Here begin particulars respecting the public assemblies, 1 Corinthians 14. In the abundance of spiritual gifts bestowed on the Corinthians, some abuses had crept in; but as Christ did the will, and sought the honour of God, so the Christian should avow his subjection to Christ, doing his will and seeking his glory. We should, even in our dress and habit, avoid every thing that may dishonour Christ. The woman was made subject to man, because made for his help and comfort. And she should do nothing, in Christian assemblies, which looked like a claim of being equal. She ought to have "power," that is, a veil, on her head, because of the angels. Their presence should keep Christians from all that is wrong while in the worship of God. Nevertheless, the man and the woman were made for one another. They were to be mutual comforts and blessings, not one a slave, and the other a tyrant. God has so settled matters, both in the kingdom of providence and that of grace, that the authority and subjection of each party should be for mutual help and benefit. It was the common usage of the churches, for women to appear in public assemblies, and join in public worship, veiled; and it was right that they should do so. The Christian religion sanctions national customs wherever these are not against the great principles of truth and holiness; affected singularities receive no countenance from any thing in the Bible.