Bible Dictionary
COVERING, FOR THE HEAD
In 1 Corinthians 11, a woman’s hair is described as a natural covering. The passage connects this covering with the practice of veiling the head during public prayer or prophecy.
Definition
A covering for the head is something cast around the head, probably a veil. In the cited New Testament discussion, a woman’s hair is described as a natural covering and is related to the practice of covering the head.
Biblical Usage
The passage says that a woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonors her head, and that her hair is given as a covering. The natural veil is presented as teaching the lesson underlying the prevailing custom of veiling in public assemblies.
Historical Background
The interpretation connects the natural covering of hair with the prevailing custom concerning women’s appearance in public assemblies.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kuv'-er-ing, (peribolaion): Mentioned in the New Testament only in 1Co 11:15: "For her hair is given her for a covering," literally, "something cast round," probably equivalent to "veil" (which see). Read in the light of the context: "Every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head" (verse 5). The meaning would seem to be that Nature itself, in providing women with a natural veil, has taught the lesson underlying the prevailing custom, that woman should not be unveiled in the public assemblies.</p><p>George B. Eager</p>