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1 Corinthians 11 and uncut hair: Why I completely stopped cutting my hair

14/9/2022

35 Comments

 
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I had read it, but I didn’t process it. I didn’t study it. In the 5 years I had been Christian, I’d never heard a minister preach on hair length or even gender distinction at all. Several times I had read Corinthians without stopping to think on this issue. After all, it’s become so common in American culture for women to have short hair and men now having long hair that it’s easy to forget how many hundreds of years went by that this was unaccepted. Was the tradition of short hair for men and long hair for women cultural or biblical?
 
One of the first things I noticed when I was new to the Apostolic Pentecostal church was the women were all wearing skirts, dressed modestly, and their hair was usually long. Not only was it long, but it looked natural. No dye, no unnatural color, no highlights, no layers, no chopped appearance. I came to learn that for most of them their hair was uncut. Yes, they do not cut their hair. Traditionally, they do not even trim it.
 
I had never heard of any church or denomination teaching this. I certainly didn’t mind the look. I’ve always loved long hair. I’ve had short hair several times when I was younger, and I hated it. I prefer my hair hip length if I can get it to grow that long. All these women at church looked so beautiful. They looked so feminine, but in a different way. It wasn’t feminine in a worldly way with makeup and nails and accessories to strut a womanly look. It was deeper than that, purer than that. In a way, it fascinated me to see this whole group of people look like men and women used to. It felt like finding something of old that you don’t see often anymore.
 
But why did they all follow this way?
 
1 Corinthians 11:3-16 (NASB)
 
3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.
 
4 Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.
 
5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for it is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved.
 
6 For if a woman does not cover her head, have her also cut her hair off; however, if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, have her cover her head.
 
7 For a man should not have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.
 
8 For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;
 
9 for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake.
 
10 Therefore the woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
 
11 However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.
 
12 For as the woman originated from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.
 
13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
 
14 Does even nature itself not teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him,
 
15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her as a covering.
 
16 But if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor have the churches of God.


Was this cultural? Verse 16 implies that it was not. “But if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor have the churches of God.” To be contentious is to be argumentative or controversial. I take that as, ‘If you want to argue about this, we as a church don’t even have any practices.’ Of course, the churches had their practices and their way of life.
 
When I thought about it, hadn’t it always been tradition among Christians and Jews for there to be gender distinction with clothing and hair length? Perhaps, modern times are not the right gauge to use to measure what is acceptable to God.
 
I knew this was something I didn’t fully understand. I wanted to know. Was it okay that I cut my hair? Is trimming fine? Should it be uncut? Should it be natural? What do I do or what do I stop doing? I struggled to understand, especially with so little actually spoken on this topic.
 
To be honest, I struggled with this topic for years. My hair is thin and the ends get damaged easily. I was introduced to the idea of uncut hair in 2011, but I didn’t have conviction on it or real understanding. I grew my hair as long as I could, but would continue to trim the ends once or twice a year to make it healthier. Until recently, I spent all those years interpreting this that hair needed to be long but did not need to be uncut. Still, every time I would trim my hair I felt so conflicted on whether or not it was okay. It always bothered me so much to ‘need’ to trim my hair. I’d get all worked up about it. Every time I would revisit the issue.
 
Searching the internet was little help. There are so many opinion pieces out there saying things every which way. One thing that I found works for me is to look at different ways people interpret something and test that against scripture for a process of elimination. I’ve heard a lot of things when this topic comes up. Let’s take a look at 10 of them (aside from people who will distract by switching the topic).
 
1 Ignore
This seems to be what most people do, but this is New Testament. So, I don’t see how it’s valid to say it’s not relevant.
 
2 Say it was cultural at the time, but give no explanation
This seemed to be the main reaction when I would bring up the topic with non-Apostolics. They said it was cultural, but they didn’t actually talk about the culture. They just thought that it wasn’t for us anymore.
 
3 Men having short hair and women having long hair is still relevant and something we need to follow.
This is in line with scripture.  
 
4 It’s disgraceful for a woman to have her head shaved or her hair cut off.
Cut off short or cut at all? I would think it’d be hard to notice a little trim. Cut short though is certainly noticeable. For countless years, this was a disgrace. In the Old Testament, when a woman was taken captive they shaved her head. Even today despite the insanity of modern times, even the secular world finds it shocking when a woman shaves her head. Even the world knows long hair is glorious and feminine. What about short hair though? Cultural norm or biblical disgrace? It’s hard to make such judgment calls when we do not desire to control or offend. We have to make these decisions for ourselves.
 
5 Women need to have uncut hair.
I think this is where the confusion comes in. Does it need to be uncut or does it need to not be cut off as in cut short? We’re going to get into that more.
 
6 Women need to have a covering. Wear a head covering at least when praying.
There are some conservative churches that teach this: Amish, conservative Mennonite, other Plain societies, Orthodox, historically Catholic churches did as well. It seems more common in the Eastern world than the Western. However, verse 15 says that if a woman has long hair her hair is given to her as a covering.
 
7 A covering is needed for women, but their long hair counts as a covering.
This is in line with scripture. That also begs the question: Should women with short hair wear a covering?
 
8 This is only about praying or prophesying uncovered.
While that does technically fit, what about where it says long hair is a woman’s glory? Shouldn’t we always be ready to pray? I wouldn’t want to have to go get a head-covering to pray with if I can have a covering with me always.
 
9 This is about authority in the household. The man is the head of woman, and she should have a symbol of authority on her head.
I don’t know that I understand how this is a symbol of authority, but the scriptures are there. Still, how is saying this an excuse to not be obedient to this? There are some that say this is just for wives. I can see where they get that from verse 3, but the words chosen are men and women. It doesn’t say wives only. Besides, shouldn’t unmarried women be prepared to get married and look like a wife?
 
10 These verses are about shrine prostitutes. Shaved heads were for prostitutes. This was an issue in Corinth. The instruction is to not look like them.
I find this response particularly interesting. I’ve heard many people try to dispute women having uncut hair or requiring long hair by saying that these verses were about prostitutes. Let’s get into this one. At that time this was written to the Corinthians, there were pagan temple prostitutes that were distinguished by their shaved heads. It’s reported that some cultures also shaved a woman’s head as a punishment for adultery. Women of God were not to look like these women living a life of sexual sin. And when these prostitutes and pagans would come to believe in Jesus and come into the church, it was quick to see they were a convert because of their hair. So, they were instructed to wear a covering over their hair because being shorned was disgraceful. However, for the women with long hair no covering was needed because their long hair was given to them as a covering. And people use this as a reason to not have distinction. Wouldn’t that mean that the women of God had long hair? Wouldn’t that mean that the people following Jesus looked different than the pagans? They lived different. They looked different. I can’t help but wonder how this relates to modern times. When we’re studying the history of the church, it’s easy to think of things as way back then. Isn’t it the same thing now? Christians often live and look different than non-Christians. How often can you immediately recognize a new member to the church? Why? Because they look like the world, right? Back then the prostitutes were distinguished by their shaved heads. Think about it today. If someone comes into church looking like a prostitute looks in modern times, you know that they are a visitor or a new convert (and it’s great that they are there!). What happens? Gradually, their looks change along with their inner transformation. Now what would you think if one of those women who resembled a person living a life of sexual sin started prophesying? Most would hesitate to listen to someone who looked like that. If we live for the Lord and walk a lifestyle of holiness, we look different than those walking a lifestyle of sin. You can look right and live wrong, but if you live right and you look like you don’t how does that affect your witness? Should a person dressed disgracefully be leading the prayer group? No. (It’s not that they can’t have a heart for God, but they haven’t matured enough to lead if they are lacking in the basic fruits of holiness.) The principle behind this is not that different. We are called to be set apart. Those who follow Jesus should not dress or put together their appearance in a way that resembles those who live a life of sexual immorality.
 
Another thing I learned that goes along with this is in the Jewish Encyclopedia 6th edition on page 158 it says “Among women long hair is extolled as a mark of beauty (Cant. iv. 1, vii 6). A woman’s hair was never cut except as a sign of deep mourning or of degradation (Jer. vii. 29; comp. Deut. xxi. 12).” Given this history, it appears that uncut hair would have been the norm in the early church. Aren’t we continuing the faith and practices of the early church?
 
I’ve heard quite a few things over the years when this topic has come up. Many ignore or say it’s not relevant in our culture. Let me ask you this. Is our culture living for God right now? Are we a holy nation? A righteous people? Abstaining from sin and impurity? No. Should current culture be our measuring stick for what’s acceptable to God? No.
 
Let’s test these different interpretations. What fits scripture?
  • It’s New Testament. It’s relevant for us. It is not cultural for the times. It’s not just the church in Corinth. If anyone wants to be argumentative about it, the churches of God have no other practice (verse 16).
  • Men should have short hair and women should have long hair (verses 14-15, 6).
  • It is a dishonor for a man to have long hair (verse 14).
  • Long hair is a glory for a woman (verse 15).
  • A woman’s long hair is a covering to her (verse 15).
  • It is a disgrace for a woman to be praying or prophesying when she is shorn or shaven (verse 6).
 
To cut off short or cut at all? That is the thing that I struggled with understanding. I will confess it was 11 years into being Apostolic before I really understood this. It wasn’t until researching for this blog that I learned more of the history and the language and finally felt like I had understanding. I’m being transparent here because this blog is about sharing my journey in coming to understand this aspect of the faith lifestyle. I don’t profess to be a professional minister. I simply share my faith and invite people to hear my faith journey.

One thing that was a hangup for me was in my family we differentiate between cutting and trimming. Are you going to get your hair cut or just trim it? It's treated as different things. I brought that language difference from the world into my interpretation of scripture. I didn't think trimming was really cutting your hair.
 
Bible translations were a big factor in my confusion. Older translations including King James Version and the American Standard Version say “shaven” in verse 5 and “shorn or shaven” in verse 6. However, modern English translations talk about it being cut off or shaved.
 
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.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
 
American Standard Version
But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head; for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven. For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled.
 
New American Standard Version
But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for it is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, have her also cut her hair off; however, if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, have her cover her head.
 
NET
But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered disgraces her head, for it is one and the same thing as having a shaved head. For if a woman will not cover her head, she should cut off her hair. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should cover her head.
 
ESV
but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.
 
NIV
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.
 
At this point, I would get confused with what translation is accurate. All the modern English ones I look at say to cut off. And I only pay attention to translations that are focused on literal translation. I avoid anything paraphrased or loosely phrase for phrase. Yet the older translations say shorn.
 
I am definitely a modern English gal. All these years I’ve been reading not to “cut off” our hair, and I had an image in my head of short hair that had been chopped. Perhaps, my mistake in that was the image that came to mind was an assumption more than an interpretation. The only way to cut hair is to cut some off. Cutting off an inch at the ‘dead ends’ is still cutting off.
 
Am I understanding what it means to be shorn? Some dictionaries list this as to cut short or nearly shave. Others define it simply as to cut. Common context is to compare is to shearing a sheep and cutting their hair short (taking off their covering). Is that an accurate comparison? How was the word used when these translations were written? To get to the bottom of a question when I feel bible translations are confusing, I go straight to the original. An interlinear bible is a great study tool. In the interlinear bible, it translates it to English as “disgraceful to a woman to be shorn or to be shaven let her cover her head”. In verse 6 when it says “to be shorn”, the Greek word is “keirasthai”. The listed Strong’s concordance 2751 lists “Keiro” as a verb defined as “to shear” with usage “I shear, cut the hair of”.
 
Merriam Webster defines shear as
Transitive verb
1a: to cut off the hair from
1b: to cut or clip from someone or something
1d: to cut or trim with shears or a similar instrument
 
Interestingly, before scissors were called scissors they were called shears.
 
We could certainly split hairs on the controversy over whether it is supposed to be uncut or simply be long. We could talk about the what ifs. What if somebody’s hair hits the floor? What if somebody’s hair won’t grow? What if they have health issues that make their hair fall out? What if their hair is thin? What if the ends are damaged? What if it doesn’t look as good as it would if you cut it?
 
Okay. Those are valid questions. Do they matter though? You need to refine your idea of beauty. The world convinces you that women need a fresh cut, a new color, a bold look. They train you to think that your hair must not have split ends (even though the ends of hair will split no matter what). A chopped straight across is beauty agenda is not the same thing as godly beauty. Natural hair is beautiful. Long hair is beautiful. There is a feminine elegance that takes years of dedication to achieve. Uncut hair has a different kind of beauty to it.
 
We each have to decide for ourselves how we interpret this and what we will follow. As for me, I think it’s still an instruction for us. If the bible says we aren’t to be shorned and shorn means to shear and shear means to cut, should we cut it? I won’t argue that it could mean to cut short. I agree that cutting short is disobedient to this scripture. Nevertheless, to shear technically means to cut (period) regardless of the context we usually use it in. So, I don’t want to. I want long hair. I want glorious hair. I want the covering. I want to be obedient to scripture the best I understand it. I interpret this as I, as a woman professing holiness, need to have uncut hair and however long it grows is up to the Lord.
 
 
And that is why Apostolic Pentecostal women do not cut their hair.
 
This is something that as women we each have to figure out what it means and what we are going to do about how we interpret it. I share this blog because it was a hard topic for me, and I know there are women searching the internet for this topic as I was for so many years. I invite you to consider these things and take time to think on it, pray about it, and genuinely seek the Lord on the matter. We all take time to grow. I feel like it’s unfortunate that it took me 11 years to understand what could have taken a day if someone had taken the time to really explain this matter. I hope this blog is enough to teach you that you don’t spend a decade feeling conflicted or going back and forth.
 
If you are a seasoned saint in the faith, I nudge you to bring up the topic with the newer in Christ and open a discussion on these scriptures.
 
If you have any questions, you are welcome to comment on the blog. Questions are always welcome; answers are always honest.


As for me

After studying this scripture and the historical context behind it, I interpret it that women are to have uncut hair. That is still relevant for us. I no longer cut my hair, trim it, take scissors to it in any way, or do anything to try to get rid of the ends as they naturally are. I leave my hair natural. I also don't dye it or do anything to alter its natural state such as getting perms.

I remember being afraid to make the commitment to not cut it. What if it gets really bad? What if the ends are damaged so badly people say something about it? What if people think natural hair looks bad? What if it thins out even more? What if? I obeyed anyway. After I made that commitment to obey this scripture, the worries went away. My hair has some split ends. I'm okay with that. It doesn't bother me. I realized one day that it reflects nature in other ways. I thought of how weird it would look if we chopped a willow tree so all their beautiful willows were straight across and not different lengths. Sometimes the way the "split ends" branch out reminds me of tree roots. God doesn't want us chopping off our hair to fit the world's idea of beauty. He doesn't want us with wild hair that makes us look rebellious against him. We are called to be set apart for holiness. I came to a point that I felt complete peace in obedience about my hair being uncut. I never had peace about it when I spent a decade tossing and turning over this issue trying to figure it out. In hindsight, that hesitation was a nudge to study this scripture and understand it better.

If you are new to uncut hair, talk to other ladies in your church about hair care. Many of us use oils or leave-in conditioner on our ends to keep them moisturized and prevent damage. You can also seek advice on styling if you've never had longer hair before. There are several Facebook groups for Apostolic Pentecostal hair.

Study these scriptures and pray on the matter.

Resources:
 
www.biblegateway.com to look at different scriptures
 
https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_corinthians/11.htm for the interlinear of 1 Corinthians 11
 
https://biblehub.com/greek/keirasthai_2751.htm The Greek word for “to be shorn”
 
https://biblehub.com/greek/2751.htm Strong’s concordance for shorn
 
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shear Webster’s definition of shear
 
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/singular-of-scissors Scissors used to be called shears
 
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Jewish_Encyclopedia_Volume_6.pdf Jewish encyclopedia referencing women’s uncut hair on page 158 (169 in the PDF)
 
35 Comments
Lauren Chandler
24/1/2023 22:16:09

Thank you so much for sharing this post. I was in my home church (an apostolic Pentecostal church) as a child, and I never really got back in until after my first year of college. After about a year of striving to be obedient to the Lord and his word, I receive the Holy Ghost (about 7 months ago)! I wanted to say that I also went through the same process of wanting to take care of your hair because a woman’s hair is her glory! I would see internet stuff about how if you trim your hair, it would help it grow, which sounded great to me, because I felt the need to make “catch up” with other women (which was wrong to compare and my hair was already somewhat short at the time). But every time I would trim my hair I would STRUGGLE.. I didn’t realize it at the time, but what I was feeling was conviction. When doing some research I came across a video that pointed out the translation to mean “uncut.” I felt that was the Lord confirming me that I wasn’t supposed to cut my hair.

I really enjoyed your post because it was easy to read and follow along with! I haven’t been able to find information about “uncut” hair since that video until this post and I will definitely be saving it! I always pray over my hair and encourage others to do so too! There is power in prayer in Jesus name :)

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Carol ONeill
6/9/2024 23:28:13

I believe not cutting hair was meant for the times Christ was on earth! Not met for today's world! Old testament for old times! Modern world has many changes Churches have changed many things because old ideas are no longer logical in the world.

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Savi Gopal
8/9/2024 20:31:22

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes and His Word never changes. In fact, the Book
Of Corinthians was written during the New Testament era and it was written for the New Testament Church.

Matthew 24:35 KJV
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.


Kristen M. Dugas link
28/8/2023 14:54:00

Hi Leanna,
My personal belief is that Paul is responding to a faction of men who want women to be veiled while praying or prophesying. I believe that Paul is repeating the words of the men in vv.4-6. The men are making a literal head argument saying, "Every woman who has her head unveiled while praying or prophesying disgraces her [own] head...." This is why Paul gives his model (v.3) with the figurative meaning of "head" (which means "source/origin"). So, in verse 7, Paul starts his rebuttal to the men to explain why women are not to be veiled. Paul says, "For a man indeed ought not to veil his head (see v.3), since He (Christ) is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of man." So, I believe that Paul is telling the men that just as a man ought not to veil his head (Christ), since He is the image and glory of God, so also the man ought not to veil the woman since she is his glory. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the image and glory of God (2 Cor. 4:4, Col. 1:15, John 1:14, Heb. 1:3, Phil. 2:5-6, Rev. 21:23). Male and female are created IN the image of God, but only Jesus Christ IS the very image of God, because He is the Word made flesh.

Also, I believe the proper translation of vv.14-15 is as follows:

For not even nature itself teaches you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her because the long hair has been given instead of a covering. (Note: The ISV has a similar translation.) So, Paul is saying that it is not a dishonor for a man (e.g., Samson, Samuel) to have long hair because God has allowed it through nature. He is also saying that it is not a disgrace for women to cut their hair because many women have unmanageable hair (frizzy, thin, etc.).

Also, many scholars have acknowledged that Paul quotes throughout his letter to the Corinthians. Some other verses that scholars believe are quoted are 1 Corinthians 6:12a, 6:12b, 6:13, 7:1, 8:1, 8:8, 10:23a, 10:23b, 14:22, 14:34-35. Therefore, it would be odd in this passage if Paul did not include the content of the quote.

Anyway, this is just what I believe. Thanks for allowing me to share.

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Leanna Mae link
28/8/2023 21:16:51

Hi, Kristen. I have not heard this interpretation before. The context of this scripture is about authority. With your interpretation, what authority is a woman having as a sign on her head if she cuts off her hair? (verse 10).

Verse 15 refers to a woman's hair as her covering. In verse 5 it says an uncovered woman disgraces her head. If we don't need any kind of covering, how do you interpret these verses?

It's so important that we use accurate translations. I often use an interlinear bible, especially if I am studying something I am going to teach. James 3:1 tells us those who teach will be judged more strictly. You stated that you believe the proper translation of verse 14 and 15 is "For not even nature itself". What sources are you using to determine the accuracy of the bible translations you use? If you look at an interlinear bible, remember the sentence structure of Greek is different than English. The direct translation would read "Does not even nature itself teach you that a man, indeed if he has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?" The Greek word didaskei means to "cause to learn" or "to teach", and it is used throughout the bible in the context of teaching scripture. In verse 15 it goes on to say to quote directly translated from the interlinear here (arranged to English sentence structure) "However, a woman, if she has long hair it is glory to her. For the long hair, instead of a covering, is given to her." Where are you basing your interpretation of verse 15? Paul makes no mention of women being allowed to cut their hair because it is unmanageable, damaged, or thin.

Historically, Jewish women did not cut their hair and women in the early church did not cut their hair. What scriptures are you using to interpret that it's approved of to cut? Shorn means "to shear" and shear means "to cut" and scissors were historically called shears.

You say that "man ought not to veil the woman since she is his glory" but scripture says in verse 15 that her long hair is her glory and her covering. While verse 7 does say that the woman is the glory of man, we cannot ignore verse 15 clearly saying our long hair is our glory and our covering. The Greek word peribolaion means "a covering, a veil". Verse 5 says for a woman to pray or prophesy uncovered is disgracing her head.

So if the scriptures did allow for women to cut their hair, what is it that is the covering? And what is it that is the sign of authority on her head?

Interpreting it that it's not disgraceful for men to have long hair and it's okay for women to cut their hair is inaccurate, not based from the original manuscripts, contradicts the other scriptures here, and makes no sense with the message of us having authority on her head.

I implore you to consider the accuracy of your interpretations and chosen translations before you teach on these matters. Always reference the interlinear bible and study the historical context.

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Carol ONeill
6/9/2024 23:30:31

I agree totally on what the writer says,!

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Kristen M. Dugas link
29/8/2023 23:01:11

Hi Leanna,
There are many scholars who believe that "kephale/head," used figuratively, means "source/origin," not "leader/authority." I agree with the scholars who say this. Here's why. God the Father is completely righteous, holy, and sinless. Jesus Christ is completely righteous, holy, and sinless. Man is completely unrighteous, unholy, and sinful. So, if Christ submits to God, then He submits to One who is righteous, holy, and sinless. If men submit to Christ, then they submit to One who is righteous, holy, and sinless. If women submit to men, then they submit to one who is unrighteous, unholy, and sinful. Even the apostle Paul struggled with sin after he gave his life to Christ (Rom. 7:19). This sin nature is why Christ always taught that believers are to do the will of His Father who is in heaven.

As for vv. 14-15, I believe the ISV has the correct translation for two reasons. First, they leave this sentence in statement (not question) form. And secondly, they omit the pronoun "aute" (to her) as it is not found in a number of ancient Greek manuscripts. The ISV translation is as follows:

14"Nature itself teaches you neither that it is disgraceful for a man to have long hair 15nor that hair is a woman's glory, for hair is given as a substitute for coverings."

The original Greek did not have punctuation. And the first word in the sentence is "oude" which means "neither, nor, not even, not." The word "does" is added because the translators are putting it into question form. Also, here is what Michael Marlowe has to say on his website titled "The Woman's Headcovering." He states, "In verse 15 there is some reason to think that the pronoun aute "to her" at the end of the verse is not original. It is omitted by Papyrus 46, D, F, G, and also by the majority of later Greek manuscripts." So, I do believe that the ISV has the most accurate translation of vv. 14-15 that I have seen.

Also, in verse 10, the words "a symbol of" are not in the original Greek. There is an excellent article titled "Worst NT Translations Relating to Women" by Andrew Bartlett on christianitytoday.com if you would like to read it. He explains the words 'sign of' or 'symbol of' reverses the meaning of the expression 'have authority.'" He also says in modern English we can render verse 10 as, 'Because of this a woman ought to have authority [Greek exousia] over [Greek epi] her head.'"



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Leanna Mae link
30/8/2023 18:42:06

So, in your gospel, there is no obedience, no submission, no authority, no patriarchy, no biblical family structure, no gender distinction, and no holiness for Christ-followers? It sounds like you will twist and deny any scripture to make it please your flesh. You've allowed yourself to become deceived because you refuse to be obedient to the word of God.

This is the problem with feminism.You can't follow both. Either your faith will destroy feminism or feminism will destroy your faith. The patriarchy is God's design for the family.

On your website, you confess that reading the bible went against your beliefs. Where did you get those beliefs from that the bible went against? Christians should be getting their beliefs from the bible, not from their personal opinions and how they feel. It is essential to the Christian faith to believe that the bible is the accurate word of God and is still for us to follow. It's unfortunate that you have chosen to take on the position of teaching (by writing a book) without realizing you've shredded the actual word of God to satisfy your feminism and feel peace in your disobedient nature. James 3:1 says those of us who teach will receive greater judgment. I encourage you to examine the source of your beliefs and what you choose to follow. Bowing out by saying you are not a professional writer or these are just your personal beliefs will not change the fact that you have chosen to be a voice for twisting the bible. Clear your mind of the feminism, and you may begin to see clearly. Obedience and submission are biblical. God designed the patriarchy, and it is beautiful.

It's truly sad to see someone who claims to be Christian be so deceived that they've convinced themselves man mistranslated the bible on purpose to oppress women (as stated on your website), any words you don't like aren't supposed to be there, and some scholars that have no merit have enlightened you that everything means the opposite of what it says to fit in with modern culture and satisfy the flesh's desire to live for self.

Your views are the most I have ever seen feminism twist the bible. I pray that the devil lose his stronghold over you to deceive you, and that women you reach with your book would know the Word well enough to know when it's twisted. Feminism is not of God.

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Valerie S
24/9/2023 22:24:59

Thank you so much for this info. Good stuff!! I need to read the Bible as it stands… KJV.. if I don’t know what “shorn” means, I look it up in the dictionary. But of course, it’s our sin nature that has us dig for the words we want the Bible to say. That’s why there are so many doctrines. If we take a step back and really consider the Bible as a whole... If you are doing what the majority (world) is doing then you should reconsider what you’re doing. It doesn’t seem like God has ever chosen the majority. (Please correct me if I’m wrong.) All of these well studied Pharisees and Sadducees just dug and dug into the Word, and yet they missed Him. He used the simplest ways to explain himself, His kingdom, and what we need to do if we want to follow Him. (parables..) As much as I would love to cut this lion’s mane, He simply told me not to. Anyway, I’m not a teacher. I’m just someone working out my own salvation.

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M Rivera
8/9/2024 06:59:52

“Not a teacher” and yet so eloquently put, “they dug and dug into the word, and yet they missed Him”.

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Donna Jones
8/10/2023 14:17:51

I used to look at other women also and I wanted my hair to touch the floor as I feel the same way about my head being covered. I thought by trimming the ends was ok as it would make my hair longer. I never thought about it the way you described using scripture. Thank you for the insight. I will love and appreciate what God has given me and not compare myself with others. Thank you and God bless you! I am so thankful he saved my soul.

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Tonya Martin
17/10/2023 10:14:43

I truly agree with you. My daughter and i have been discussing this just within the last few days. Seeing alot of women claiming to be used by God but they don't look any different the world. I am apostolic pentecostal. Born and raised. Minus a few years away from the church. But I've always believed that we need to look differently than the world. People always complement my hair. Asking what I use. Stating its so shiny and healthy. I don't cut my hair. It is my glory. With that the power of the holyghost shows through my hair. It is very important for the distinguishing of the sexes as well. There is power and authority in the long hair. As well as distinguishing we are people of God. We stand out. God says to be holy for I am holy. I believe that's also aligning with the way we dress as well. It all goes together. He wants us to be different. To be a light to this lost and dying world. They need something different than what they have. How will they know if they don't see a difference. I will share a story told to me years ago. A missionary lady and her husband were from our church. She was in the missionary field for many years.. she was raised in the truth but always trimmed her hair. She stated that she could never really get where she wanted to in the spirit. She asked God one day "why is it i can't break into another level in the spirit. GOD spoke back to her, stop cutting your hair." She said she was shocked that she never saw it before. So it is a form of submission to God and honoring his wishes. We reach new heights in the kingdom, with authority and power.. For those that question it or think its not necessary,
just think about pleasing your husband. You would want to make him happy and proud. How much more would you want God our heavenly father,our husband. I certainly do. Thanks for this blog. It was very refreshing to see someone that has the same view as we do.

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Jean
9/5/2024 08:18:45

Hi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this blog.
I have a question, is it ok to tie up our haur or even have it half up, or should it be out all the time?
Thanks!

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Leanna Mae link
13/5/2024 21:10:47

Hi, Jean. It's okay to put your hair up. Longer hair often needs to be styled to prevent tangles especially if it's windy. Your hair is your glory, but you don't have to leave it down. Even with it being in a bun, uncut hair is still your crowning glory and is in obedience to the scriptures.

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Sonnie
4/3/2025 15:48:11

so you are saying a woman who cuts or clips hair does not cover a woman's head , the same has you having it tied up on your head and your neck and ears showing unless it's cut in the image of a man, it's still covers your head the whole thing about not cutting it is it's our glory I cut my hair I pray and read the bible and am blessed with the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues been cutting my hair for years there are many ways for a woman to cover her hair when she prays or witnesses Bonnets hats , scarfs nets veils

Schledia Anderson
10/2/2025 21:51:10

I have some Mennonite friends, and they told me that the Mennonite women all keep their hair up and cover their hair with an actual covering because a woman's hair is her glory, so only her husband is allowed to see her in all her glory.
I don't necessarily believe that, but I think it is a beautiful belief!

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Savi Gopal
4/6/2024 23:00:07

Praise Jesus! I’ve had long uncut hair since I was in church back in 1995. Have heard great teachings and preachings on the power of the uncut hair because of the angels. But when my 1st marriage failed, I rebelled and cut my crowning glory. I was robbed two days later. I knew it was because the protection was removed because of my disobedience to God’s Word. It’s been a struggle since, I’ve colored my hair, time and time again and all the harsh chemical I put on my hair did not allow my hair to grow past my hips without my hair being brittle and having split ends. I would trim my hair, then cut it, then 2 months later to cover the roots, I’d color again. It was a vicious cycle. Each time I took the shears to my hair, I’d have such a strong conviction that I’m cutting the glory and God given covering/protection but because my hair needed to be trimmed, I’d do it and then I’d repent and ask God to help me. This went on for years. I knew I had to break the cycle so I said to myself that I was to be used if God and have protection over me and my family, I must obey God’s Word concerning my hair. I went to the store and bought a demi permanent hair color (less damaging) closest to my natural color (dark brown) and only wash my hair twice a week. I started incorporating leave in conditioner after washing my hair and oils for my ends. To my surprise since I’ve stopped coloring my hair it is healthy and growing with no visible split ends. I also massage my scalp often. I asked God to help me in this journey because I love Him and want to obey Him. Some people struggle with all sorts of addictions, but for me it was my addiction to coloring my hair and ruining it but not anymore, I’ve got my breakthrough! Thank you Jesus. Acts 2:38/Acts 4:12

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Amanda Woodall
7/7/2024 19:41:11

Hi Leanna!

What about those who have dyed their hair, and are looking to start the journey of their natural hair? Would cutting the dye off still be the same since the dye is technically unnatural?

Thanks!

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Leanna Mae link
7/7/2024 22:19:04

Hi, Amanda :) Good question! I wouldn't cut the hair even if it's dyed because it is the coloring that is unnatural, not the hair itself. I do think it's okay to dye hair back to the natural color when we are beginning our journey of natural hair. I know it can be a hard transition. I used to dye my hair and had some wild colors back in the day (cherry red, purple, blue). It can be tempting to cut off all that old and start fresh, but now that I have understanding of the scriptures on not shorning our hair as women I wouldn't take scissors to it.

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Suzanne
13/8/2024 19:28:10

I just want to say thank you for your article and your honesty, and helping others to understand

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Rachel link
14/8/2024 23:30:15

Thank you for sharing this! I'm from an Apostolic pentecostal church in an Asian city and this post really helped back my understanding in this area, I've kept uncut hair for 19 years now, but wanted to really understand the more specific parts on trimming - it helped that you went into detail on that and drew up word studies to get down to it's specific definition :-). I do it in faith, but it just helps so much more when you know exactly why you do what you do because the Word is specific about it.

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Robin
21/8/2024 07:54:04

10 Therefore the woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
Nothing is said about “because of the angels.” I just heard yesterday a talk on this topic stating it is important not to cut a woman hair as the angels can not differentiate between men & women when they cross the line into what is “biblical “ for the appropriate sex to be represented by their appearance. Interesting that was added “because of the angels.”

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Savi Gopal
3/9/2024 19:08:30

Because of the angels simply means with and among the angels. Also for those women that have cut their, don’t let the devil condemn you, simply ask Jesus to forgive you for disobedience to His Word and don’t cut your hair again. This is what I’m doing personally, I lay my hands on my head and speak life into every follicle and speak strength into each weak and brittle hair, in Jesus name.

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Elizabeth link
31/8/2024 04:59:01

After reading this post I am not going for trims anymore going to hairdressers for years trying g to grow my hair to wasit and being told your hair won't grow without trims which they cut of 5 or 3 inches every time my hair is still bra length being growing since 2016 now 2024 I don't colour or heat just shampoo and conditioner

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Margaret link
7/9/2024 15:49:47

I sometimes feel that this was one of those times Paul was just being Paul. At times, he said that he was just expressing a personal opinion - and lent clarity to his argument. In this case, he went from making the angels look inept to making it sound like hair length had something to do with nature. Of course, this is not true. The men-folk in my family have more beautiful, longer hair than us women-folk, and they make many barber visits a year.
However, we need to keep our eyes trained on our maker. We receive the Lord as Savior and by John 1, male and female become "Sons of God". We are covered by the Blood of the Lamb before the Lord. It is He who gives us instruction, not Paul, not other humans for that matter. They will lead us astray concerning the Grace and Truth, by which the Messiah set us free.

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Denise link
15/9/2024 11:36:22

I've recently felt lead to cut my hair. Which is now short. This was part of me wanting regrowth to connect with God in a healthy spirt. Not sure If I'm sharing this right. So, here is my question. I've recently been feeling like hair and connection to God is part of our journey. How do make sure the hair we grow is growing with a healthier mindset and spirt? Again I appogilze as this may not be the best way to word or ask.

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Huntley Cowie
24/9/2024 17:59:08

Its so insightful to read all the comments,??? what about the majority of christian humanity who are black and have been blessed with short clearly hair.

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Jea link
1/2/2025 06:44:05

God created hair, let it grow, no matter the hair type or colour of your skin, all irrevelant. It is all beautiful to The Lord for He created it.

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Destiny
6/12/2024 18:39:46

I grew up under the teaching of uncut hair - it was your glory, your power with the angels. As I grew up, I slowly drifted away from the these teachings. I never cut my hair very short, it was always to my mid-back or longer. As I came back to God and the church, I would still cut my hair but every time I walked into the hair salon I would feel so much conviction! Literally so much conviction but I still ignored it. It wasn’t until my second pregnancy that the Lord began to deal with me about this issue in my dreams. I had dreams of my children being taken from me, held for ransom, locked in warehouses. The last dream I had was very scary and very real. I woke up in a panic and heard the audible voice of God saying “stop cutting your hair.” Since I have made this vow, I have not had any nightmares about my children’s safety. They are protected because I am obedient to God and his instruction.

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Jea link
1/2/2025 05:23:41

I too, am no longer cutting my hair, I do not shave (whether it be my legs or underarms) as The Lord told me He created bodily hair, why do we want to get rid of what God made just because the world is doing it, and ridding of the things of God or alter that which He made? If the hair was not supposed to be there He would not have made it. Same with hair colouring, I no longer colour my hair as The Lord wants my hair natural, the way He made it, the exact colour He created me with. I do not style my hair, I leave it the texture and waves and curls that He created me to have, I do not change a thing, I leave it exactly as God has made. I do not wear makeup, not only is it of pagan origin but also it is not natural, that is not how I look. Why do we follow after the worlds standards of beauty when we are absolutely beautiful the way God has made us? All natural, as God made.

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Leona
10/2/2025 22:31:25

Hello and thank you for this. I became a pentecostal woman in 2021 and until now I am still struggling with this as it leaves me confused as to why hair length matters. "Would it be so bad if I cut a few inches off?" "Scripture just says it needs to be long enough for a covering." Thoughts like that would flood me sometimes especially during hot days and my long hair annoys me. This helped me gain clarity in the subject. Thank you.

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Liz
28/3/2025 02:45:04

The passage in Corinthians is talking about authority. Not actual hair length. Women need to look like women and men need to look like men. I used to go to a pentecostal church but left for a myriad of reasons. What about Jewish women back then who took the Nazerite vow? The scripture also says if she cuts it, she might as well shave it all off; if it's a sin to cut it at all, why would God recommend more sin by shaving it off. The biggest problem about the hair thing in the pentecostal church is that it has become your idol. The holy magic hair, it is not your hair that does anything but God who does everything. It also says not to adorn yourselves ostentatiously, however we've seen the huge bows, jeweled brooches in hair, and glitter. How about instead of worrying about who's trimming their hair or not, we keep the greatest command: to love one another. There's supposed to be freedom in Christ.

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Me
18/4/2025 03:45:08

I’m up in the middle of the night. I can’t sleep and my mind is back on my hair. It’s getting really long again and I’ve been so tempted to trim it. I’ve been Apostolic/Pentecostal my entire life , so I know better. Regardless, I’m just struggling. This blog helped me. Thank you for taking the time to research and write this. This was the encouragement I needed. God Bless.

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Julie Johnson
25/5/2025 00:38:16

For me, when I think of altering my hair in any way, I simply feel grieved inside, like I would be betraying Jesus and breaking a very sacred, special bond of Love and commitment between me and Jesus. His heart is what matters most and it is only between Jesus and myself, I do it not to please people or organizations or church. Strictly between me and Jesus. Everyone has their own journey and walk with God and pray I never put people in a box of expectations and always leave the bossing up to Jesus over others. It's none of my business what others do with their hair.

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Kaylee
26/5/2025 21:28:33

Hi, I go to a apostolic/pentecostal church, I didn't grow up in this church but I absolutely love it! My struggle is my hair length, lately my hair has been the longest it's ever been in my life, I have cried times because it's such a hassle... I never know what to do with it I just want to go back to wearing it down and not being a struggle. I feel bad that I feel this way, but It's been a constant struggle lately. Thanks for reading :)

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Leanna Mae is a small-town Ohio girl who loves to write. She’s the author of several nonfiction paperback books: Happily Frugal, The Subject of Salvation, and Lessons on the Author Life. She has also written many blogs, and focuses on sharing her faith through blogging. Her heart's desire is to reach the world with the message of her faith through her website. Leanna is a devout Christian, Apostolic Pentecostal. Her degree is in health sciences. Leanna Mae is an author, women's health educator, and birth doula. She’s passionate about Jesus, her faith, writing, and teaching. She is also passionate about patient rights, healthcare ethics, and women’s health. You can learn more about Leanna Mae, her books, blogs, and services by exploring www.LeannaMae.org


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