1 Corinthians 11:14 kjv
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
1 Corinthians 11:14 nkjv
Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
1 Corinthians 11:14 niv
Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
1 Corinthians 11:14 esv
Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,
1 Corinthians 11:14 nlt
Isn't it obvious that it's disgraceful for a man to have long hair?
1 Corinthians 11 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 11:3 | ...Christ is the head of the man... | Headship principle |
| 1 Cor 11:4 | ...praying or prophesying with his head covered dishonors his head. | Covering & authority context |
| 1 Cor 11:5 | ...praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head. | Covering for women |
| 1 Cor 11:6 | ...if she does not cover, let her be shorn... | Consequence of uncovered head |
| 1 Cor 11:10 | ...woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head... | Head covering symbolism |
| 1 Cor 11:13 | Judge among yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? | Propriety in worship |
| 1 Cor 11:15 | But if a woman has long hair, it is given to her for a covering... | Long hair as a covering |
| Lev 19:27 | "You shall not round the corner of your head, nor mar the corner of your beard." | Grooming prohibitions |
| Deut 22:5 | "The woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's robe..." | Gender distinctions in dress |
| Gen 1:27 | "So God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." | Creation distinction |
| Gen 2:24 | "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife..." | Marriage and roles |
| Prov 23:7 | "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." | Internal disposition reflected |
| Rom 12:2 | "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." | Avoiding worldliness |
| Gal 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." | Unity in Christ, distinction not negated |
| Eph 5:22-24 | "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife..." | Marital headship |
| Phil 4:8 | "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report..." | Mindset of godly men |
| 1 Tim 2:11-12 | "Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in quietness." | Gender roles in church teaching |
| 1 Tim 2:9-10 | "...women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing..." | Modesty in adornment |
| Titus 2:6-7 | "Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility..." | Conduct expected of godly men |
1 Corinthians 11 verses
1 Corinthians 11 14 Meaning
The apostle Paul asks a rhetorical question, implying a negative answer: "Does not nature itself teach you that while a man having long hair is a dishonor to him?" This verse suggests that a man wearing long hair goes against the natural order, leading to disgrace for him.
1 Corinthians 11 14 Context
This verse is part of a larger discourse in 1 Corinthians 11 concerning proper conduct in public worship. Paul is addressing issues of head coverings for women and hair length for both men and women. The specific context here addresses men's appearance, likely in response to cultural practices in Corinth that may have blurred the outward distinctions between men and women, particularly in the context of worship. Paul appeals to nature as a basis for his teaching on gender distinctions, arguing that men with long hair go against this natural order.
1 Corinthians 11 14 Word Analysis
Ouchí (οὐχί): A Greek word meaning "not?" or "is it not?". It introduces a rhetorical question expecting an affirmative answer.
Authopýsi: This appears to be a transcription error; the Greek word is physis (φύσις).
physis (φύσις): Means "nature," "natural disposition," or "by nature." It's used here to refer to the inherent order or common sense discernible in creation.
didascei (διδάσκει): "teaches."
hymá (ὑμῖν): "you" (plural).
he (αἱ): The feminine definite article, referring to "hair."
kome (κόμη): "hair," specifically referring to long hair, often associated with women.
ton andra (τὸν ἄνδρα): "the man."
athismós (ἀτιμία): "dishonor," "disgrace," "shame," or "ignominy."
Words Group Analysis: The phrase "nature itself teaches you" suggests an appeal to an observable order in creation, a natural distinctiveness between the sexes that God established. The contrast between a man with long hair and the concept of "dishonor" highlights that such an appearance deviates from this divinely intended natural order.
1 Corinthians 11 14 Bonus Section
The concept of "nature" as a source of moral or practical instruction is present throughout Scripture, pointing to creation as a witness to God's order and wisdom (Romans 1:20). However, it's important to note that "nature" can be interpreted differently. Some scholars emphasize the immediate cultural norms of the day regarding hair, while others focus on the more inherent physical distinctions between men and women, seeing long hair on men as potentially effeminate or confusing of gender roles. The early church faced challenges in integrating believers from diverse cultural backgrounds, and Paul's instructions often aimed to foster unity and respect by ensuring conduct in worship did not create unnecessary offense or misunderstanding among believers and observers.
1 Corinthians 11 14 Commentary
Paul's argument hinges on what he terms "nature." This "nature" likely refers to the divinely ordered distinctions between male and female as established in creation and evident in their distinct physical characteristics, particularly regarding hair. In many ancient cultures, including the Greek culture of Corinth, long hair was typically associated with women, while men often kept their hair shorter. The verse suggests that for a man to adopt the hairstyle customarily associated with women is to violate this natural distinction, thereby bringing shame or dishonor upon himself. This isn't necessarily a commentary on the length of hair per se, but on its cultural and gendered symbolism, especially within the worship context. It aligns with the broader theme in this chapter about maintaining order and expressing godly submission and authority within the church.