Ought

(οφειλε). Moral obligation therefore (δια τουτο, rests on woman in the matter of dress that does not (ουκ οφειλε in verse 1 Corinthians 11:7) rest on the man.To have a sign of authority

(εξουσιαν εχειν). He means σημειον εξουσιας (symbol of authority) by εξουσιαν, but it is the sign of authority of the man over the woman. The veil on the woman's head is the symbol of the authority that the man with the uncovered head has over her. It is, as we see it, more a sign of subjection (ψποταγης, 1 Timothy 2:10) than of authority (εξουσιας).Because of the angels

(δια τους αγγελους). This startling phrase has caused all kinds of conjecture which may be dismissed. It is not preachers that Paul has in mind, nor evil angels who could be tempted (Genesis 6:1), but angels present in worship (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:9; Psalms 138:1) who would be shocked at the conduct of the women since the angels themselves veil their faces before Jehovah (Isaiah 6:2).

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament