The Angels are Watching (1 Corinthians 11:10 ESV)

 "That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels" (1 Corinthians 11:10 ESV).

"A symbol of authority," meaning a head covering of some sort - if you read this verse in context.  Why?  Because of the angels.  And who needs to wear this symbol or sign?  

"A wife."

This verse has been hashed and rehashed over again and again at infinitum.  So what more can be said about it?  Who wants to stir up trouble and push a wife's angry nerve button?

When you read this verse in the NIV or KJV, they use the word 'woman' rather than 'wife'.  So this could include any sister-in-Christ, not just wives. 

The KJV uses the word 'power' instead of' 'authority'.  

'Authority' makes it more understandable to me, however.  Who's authority though?  The husband's or a man or brother in particular?

I'd say a big, "N-O!  NO!"

If you look back to the opening greetings of this letter to the Corinthians, the authority under whom Paul writes is

 "Jesus Christ's through the will of God." 

Our female mindset and feelings of rebelliousness against what feels like prejudice against women, may decimate.  It does for me.  I am under God's authority.  I will gladly wear His symbol.

And when He puts a father, brother-in-Christ (in a church setting), or a husband in a postion of authority over me, I will operate under it.  It is God who puts people in charge.

However, I do not go around with a head covering 24/7.  It's when I pray or prophesy (vs 5), that I ought to have this symbol or sign of God's power and authority covering my head.

This is not a cultural thing at all.  And as we once again review the opening greeting of this first letter to the Corinthians, you'll see clearly to whom this letter was written.

"To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours" (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV).

Can you see that?  As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been sanctified.  We are called saints.  Not just the Corinthians believers but to

"all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours." [emphasis mine]

So Paul wasn't only addressing those believers back then.  The meaning is all inclusive; those of us who also

 "call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"

 today.

What further dispute ought we to have against God and His word?

There are no loopholes of escape.  These are not popular words but will we bow to God's authority?  Will we sisters don a sign or symbol of it?

Even if I'm not the one praying or prophesying, I wear a 'symbol' head covering as believers gather together to praise and worship the One in authority - our Lord Jesus Christ, and as we listen to the preaching by another.  We all need to obediently remember God's authority over us.  Will you surrender to His and find peace under His power and authority, even when He asks us to wear a symbol of it?

And don't forget, the angels are watching.

Abba Father, we do adore you and know You are the One over all.  Teach us to be obedient to You.  may we bow to Your authority in the way that pleases you all the days of our lives.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                     ~  ERC  June  2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 11:10 ESV.

Sing, Authority, along with Elevation.