For ages, the phrase “because of the angels” in 1 Corinthians 11:10 has puzzled scholars, theologians, and Bible readers. It is helpful to know that there are about 175 references to angels in the New Testament to get a handle on this. The Greek word for angel, “aggelos” (or “angelos”), like its Hebrew counterpart “malʾak,” means “messenger.” This term describes a task performed by a divine being, not what a divine being is. In other words, “angel” refers to what these beings do rather than their essence. This distinction between ontology (what a being is) and function (what a being does) is crucial (Heiser, 2015).

“For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:7-10 (ESV)

Glory and Authority in Creation

In 1 Corinthians 11:7-9, Paul lays out a foundational concept about gender and creation. He says that man is the image and glory of God, while woman is the glory of man. This ties back to the creation story in Genesis, where humanity is made in God’s image. However, there is a specific order to creation. Man is made first, reflecting God’s glory directly. Woman, created from man, reflects the glory of man.

Why This Matters: Grasping this helps us understand Paul’s take on head coverings. It is about maintaining visible distinctions that honor God’s creation design, particularly in worship settings.

Early Interpretations of “Because of the Angels”

Early Christian and Jewish writings give us a few takes on what Paul might mean:

• Tertullian: He thought Paul was talking about fallen angels who, like in Genesis 6, were tempted by human women. The idea was that women should cover their heads to protect themselves from these angels’ desires.
• Augustine and Aquinas: These thinkers saw the angels as holy beings present in Christian worship. For them, women covered their heads out of respect for these angels, who appreciate order and propriety.

Why This Matters: These perspectives highlight how early believers saw a deep connection between the spiritual and physical realms. Respecting the presence of angels in worship reinforces the need for modesty and reverence, grounding it in the broader story of divine order.

Modern Scholarship

Modern scholars continue to unpack this phrase, often looking at historical and cultural backgrounds:

• Gordon D. Fee: Fee points to cultural norms and the role of angels as guardians of order, suggesting that head coverings are a sign of respect for this divine order.
• Craig S. Keener: Keener sees Paul addressing a broader theological principle. Angels enforce God’s order, so head coverings help maintain decorum in worship.
• Michael Heiser: Heiser adds a layer by connecting this to rebellious angels. He suggests Paul might refer back to Genesis 6 and the fallen angels who disrupted the divine order by interacting with human women. The head covering symbolizes maintaining order and respecting the spiritual beings who observe human worship (Heiser, 2015).

Why This Matters: These insights help us connect ancient practices to modern understanding. By seeing the cultural and theological reasons behind these instructions, we appreciate how they symbolize respect for divine order.

The Role of Angels in Worship and Order

Angels have a significant role in both Jewish and Christian traditions, and this impacts how we understand Paul’s instructions:

• Guardians of Order: Angels are seen as maintaining divine order and participating in worship. Their presence suggests that human behavior in worship should be orderly and respectful.
• Reflecting Heavenly Realities: Worship on earth mirrors the order of heaven. Just as angels keep order in the heavenly realm, believers should uphold practices that reflect this divine order.

Why This Matters: Recognizing the role of angels emphasizes the importance of worship practices that align with the heavenly order. It calls us to higher standards of reverence and decorum, acknowledging the spiritual reality that influences our earthly worship.

Conclusion

The phrase “because of the angels” in 1 Corinthians 11:10 remains complex and multi-layered. Interpretations vary, but they all recognize the role of angels in maintaining divine order and propriety. This understanding encourages respect and proper conduct in worship, acknowledging the presence and influence of heavenly beings.

Why This Matters: Understanding this phrase helps us see worship practices’ broader theological and practical implications. It invites us to respect divine order and fosters a more profound reverence in our communal worship.

‌‌‌‌~PW 🌮🛶

Sources

• Augustine. (n.d.). On the Trinity, 12:7:10.
• Fee, G. D. (1987). The First Epistle to the Corinthians. Eerdmans.
• Heiser, M. S. (2015). The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. Lexham Press.
• Keener, C. S. (2005). 1-2 Corinthians. Cambridge University Press.
• Tertullian, & Holmes, P. (1885). The Writings of Tertullian. T. & T. Clark.
• Thomas Aquinas. (n.d.). Super Epistolas s. Pauli Lectura.
• Thiselton, A. C. (2000). The First Epistle to the Corinthians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. W.B. Eerdmans.