Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:4

"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head." — 1 Corinthians 11:4 (ASV)

Every man praying or prophesying. The word prophesying here evidently means teaching, or publicly speaking to the people on the subject of religion (See Barnes on Acts 2:17).

See also the subject considered more at length in the notes on chapter 14. Whether these persons who are said here to prophesy were all inspired, or claimed to be inspired, is open to question. The simple idea here is that they spoke in the public assemblies and professed to be the expounders of the Divine will.

Having his head covered. With a veil, turban, cap, or whatever else is worn on the head. To remove the hat, turban, or the covering of the head is a mark of respect for a superior when in his presence.

Dishonoureth his head. This means he dishonors Christ as his head (1 Corinthians 11:2); that is, in Christ’s presence and service, he does not observe the usual and proper custom that recognizes a subordinate station and indicates respect for a superior.

In the presence of a prince or a nobleman, it would be considered a mark of disrespect if the head were covered. Similarly, in the presence of Christ, in whose name he ministers, it is a mark of disrespect if the head is covered. This illustration is drawn from the customs of all times and countries, where respect for a superior is indicated by removing the covering from the head.

This is one reason why a man should not cover his head in public worship. Another reason is given in 1 Corinthians 11:7. Other interpretations of the passage may be seen in Bloomfield's Critical Digest.