Here is What Paul Really Meant by 'Head' in 1 Crinthians 11

Dive into this powerful sermon by Jon Rhoades on 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), where Paul urges believers to be imitators of him as he imitates Christ. Explore the complex, controversial topics like head coverings for women while praying or prophesying, the meaning of 'head' (kephalē) as source, leader, or supremacy, and the hierarchy: Christ as head of every man, man as head of woman, and God as head of Christ. Jon wrestles with cultural backgrounds from Greco-Roman settings, Jewish norms, and Old Testament references like Numbers 5:18, Isaiah 47:1-3, Genesis 24:64-67 (Rebekah's veil), and even the Apocrypha's Susanna 13:31-33 for historical context on modesty and authority.
Discover how this passage fits into Paul's broader letter on worship order and decorum (chapters 11-14), emphasizing unity amid diversity, self-denial, holding to traditions, and equality in Christ (echoing Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 5:22-24 on marital roles). Learn why men shouldn't cover their heads, the disgrace of uncovered women or shaved heads, long hair as glory for women but dishonor for men, and the symbol of authority because of the angels. Jon challenges progressive views that prioritize experiences over Bible teachings, urging us to avoid reading cultural beliefs into the text and focus on glorifying God over personal expression.
Bible professor Craig Blomberg calls this the most opaque New Testament text – and Jon unpacks it unfiltered! See how creation order (woman from man, all from God), nature's teachings on hair, and appeals to judge for yourselves promote God-centered humility, not demeaning women. Connect to themes of freedom tempered by love, avoiding promiscuity signals, building up the body of Christ, and edifying through spiritual gifts and the Lord's Supper without self-centered displays.
If you're grappling with gender roles, hierarchy, authority in worship, or making church about God not us – this is a must-watch! Drop your opinions at the cross and seek God's way for harmony in marriages, church governance, and daily life. Subscribe for more Bible-deep dives, like if this resonated, and comment your thoughts below. #1Corinthians11 #HeadCoverings #BibleSermon #GenderRoles #WorshipAboutGod #PaulLetter #ChristianPodcast #ModestyInChurch #CreationOrder #ImitatorsOfChrist