1 Corinthians 11:13

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

American Standard Version (1901)

Judge ye in yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled?

Bible in Basic English

Be judges yourselves of the question: does it seem right for a woman to take part in prayer unveiled?

Douay-Rheims 1899

You yourselves judge: doth it become a woman, to pray unto God uncovered?

Free Bible Version

Judge for yourselves: is it appropriate for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Geneva Bible 1599

Iudge in your selues, Is it comely that a woman pray vnto God vncouered?

King James (Authorized) Version

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Plain English Version

So if a woman in your meeting doesn’t cover her head when she prays to God, do you reckon that’s all right? You work it out for yourselves.

Translation for Translators

Consider this for yourselves: Is it proper for [RHQ] women to pray to God while they do not have coverings over their heads?

Unlocked Literal Bible

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Noah Webster Bible

Judge in yourselves: Is it comely that a woman should pray to God uncovered?

World English Bible

Judge for yourselves. Is it appropriate that a woman pray to God unveiled?

Young's Literal Translation

In your own selves judge ye; is it seemly for a woman uncovered to pray to God?

Context

Roles in Worship

¹²For just as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.¹³Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?¹⁴Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,

Sermons

(The Head Covering) 07 - 1 Corinthians 11:4-10

Tom Chaplin

976

Summary

In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of propriety and order during worship, specifically focusing on the practice of head coverings for women. He emphasizes the cultural norms of the time and the importance of respecting these customs for the sake of harmony and avoiding unnecessary offense. Paul's instruction reflects the broader theme of considering others above oneself and conducting oneself in a manner that honors God and promotes unity within the church. While the specific practice of head coverings may not be universally applicable today, the underlying principle of showing respect, humility, and consideration for others remains relevant in the context of Christian worship and community life.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Judge in yourselves - Consider the subject in your own common sense, and then say whether it be decent for a woman to pray in public without a veil on her head? The heathen priestesses prayed or delivered their oracles bare-headed or with dishevelled hair, non comptae mansere comae, as in the case of the Cumaean Sibyl, Aen. vi., ver. 48, and otherwise in great disorder: to be conformed to them would be very disgraceful to Christian women. And in reference to such things as these, the apostle appeals to their sense of honor and decency.