Hair Coverings and Angels: Paul's Strange Advice in 1 Corinthians
Paul’s instructions about women’s hair in 1 Corinthians 11 have often been read as rules about modesty or limits on women’s leadership. This article reexamines the passage through its first-century Jewish teachings on modesty, and ancient traditions about angels.
When Paul wrote to the community in Corinth, it was clear they were spiraling into moral chaos. His words signal that many of the Gentiles were reverting to old habits from their former pagan days, behaviors unacceptable in the community.
In one place, Paul wrote:
... 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.
- 1 Corinthians 11:5-6
Hairstyle Advice from Paul
At first glance, Paul seems to offer hairstyling advice to women; cover or cut off their hair entirely.
Some readers, familiar with Jewish customs of modesty, suggest his words reference hair covering practices, known as "Dat Yehudit."
Others find in Paul's words a direct prohibition against women having leadership roles in the community.
For me, these do not entirely solve the puzzle of Paul's message. It is a tough passage to make sense of, but there is a connection I have not seen anyone reference yet, and this is what we will explore.
Hippocrates and Women's Hair
Years ago, I stumbled across a compelling and [a little] bizarre explanation that might add some nuance. Dr. Troy Martin proposed a theory that is based on the contemporary Greek texts of Paul's time and the medical theory regarding hair through the writings of Hippocrates¹.
Hippocrates, regarded as the father of modern medicine, lived a few hundred years before the Apostle Paul. Though they were not contemporaries, some, like Martin, suggest that Hippocrates' contributions to Greek medical views and philosophy were extremely influential in the first century.
Many of Paul's audience were Greeks, and would likely have been influenced by Hippocrates' work.
Hippocrates saw a direct connection between hair, sexuality, and ultimately, reproduction. Dr. Martin writes²;
Hippocratic authors hold that hair is hollow and grows primarily from either male or female reproductive fluid or semen flowing into it and congealing
- Hippocrates, Nat. puer. 20
Building on Martin's theory, Paul makes a statement that deserves some attention:
... for this reason a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
- 1 Corinthians 11:10
Because of the Angels?
Why would Paul's instruction include a warning about Angels? What on earth do Angels have to do with women's hair?
Actually, there is an unexplored connection in Jewish tradition.