A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 11

Imitators of me (μιμητα μου). In the principle of considerate love as so clearly shown in chapters 1Colossians 8-10 and in so far as (καθως) Paul is himself an imitator of Christ. The preacher is a leader and is bound to set an example or pattern (τυπος) for others (Titus 2:7). This verse clearly belongs to the preceding chapter and not to chapter 11.

Hold fast the traditions (τας παραδοσεις κατεχετε). Hold down as in 15:2. Παραδοσις (tradition) from παραδιδωμ (παρεδωκα, first aorist active indicative) is an old word and merely something handed on from one to another. The thing handed on may be bad as in Mt 15:2f. (which see) and contrary to the will of God (Mr 7:8f.) or it may be wholly good as here. There is a constant conflict between the new and the old in science, medicine, law, theology. The obscurantist rejects all the new and holds to the old both true and untrue. New truth must rest upon old truth and is in harmony with it.

But I would have you know (θελω δε υμας ειδενα). But I wish you to know, censure in contrast to the praise in verse 2.

The head of Christ is God (κεφαλη του Χριστου ο θεος). Rather, God is the head of Christ, since κεφαλη is anarthrous and predicate.

Having his head covered (κατα κεφαλης εχων). Literally, having a veil (καλυμμα understood) down from the head (κεφαλης ablative after κατα as with κατα in Mr 5:13; Acts 27:14). It is not certain whether the Jews at this time used the tallith, "a four-corned shawl having fringes consisting of eight threads, each knotted five times" (Vincent) as they did later. Virgil (Aeneid iii., 545) says: "And our heads are shrouded before the altar with a Phrygian vestment." The Greeks (both men and women) remained bareheaded in public prayer and this usage Paul commends for the men.

With her head unveiled (ακατακαλυπτω τη κεφαλη). Associative instrumental case of manner and the predicative adjective (compound adjective and feminine form same as masculine), "with the head unveiled." Probably some of the women had violated this custom. "Amongst Greeks only the εταιρα, so numerous in Corinth, went about unveiled; slavewomen wore the shaven head--also a punishment of the adulteress" (Findlay). Cf. Numbers 5:18>.

One and the same thing as if she were shaven (εν κα το αυτο τη εξυρημενη). Literally, "One and the same thing with the one shaven" (associative instrumental case again, Robertson, Grammar, p. 530). Perfect passive articular participle of the verb ξυραω, later form for the old ξυρεω. It is public praying and prophesying that the Apostle here has in mind. He does not here condemn the act, but the breach of custom which would bring reproach. A woman convicted of adultery had her hair shorn (Isaiah 7:20). The Justinian code prescribed shaving the head for an adulteress whom the husband refused to receive after two years. Paul does not tell Corinthian Christian women to put themselves on a level with courtesans.