Hair Coverings and Angels

When Paul wrote to the community in Corinth, it was clear they were in trouble. His words indicate that many of the [formerly pagan] Gentiles were struggling with a myriad of bad habits and behaviors that were no longer acceptable.

Among his instructions, Paul wrote the following message:

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.
- 1 Corinthians 11:5-6

Paul seems to be advocating for women to cover, or as suggested, cut off their hair. Some may immediately assume he is referencing the practice of hair coverings in Judaism known as "Dat Yehudit", though I don't think that is exactly the same thing here as Paul was talking to Gentiles, with different cultural norms.

Over the centuries, many have found in Paul's words a direct prohibition against women having leadership roles in the community. This too is another dimension we will not explore at this time.

It is a tough passage to make sense of, but there is a connection I have not seen anyone reference yet that I want to look at.

Hippocrates and Women's Hair

Years ago, I stumbled across a bizarre and very compelling explanation to add some background. 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 medicine and philosophy were extremely influential in the first century.

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).

Though some scholars hold differing views, this idea is worth some attention for those interested³.

Let's assume Dr. Martin is on to something here; there remains a key passage that still needs to be addressed:

For this reason a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
- 1 Corinthians 11:10

Even if Paul's words reference Greek medical practices, or warn against the practices of Dionysus cults, the reference to Angels begs exploration.

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 a connection in Jewish tradition.