Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:7

"For a man indeed ought not to have his head veiled, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man." — 1 Corinthians 11:7 (ASV)

For a man indeed. In 1 Corinthians 11:4–7, the argument against the woman’s head being uncovered was based on (a) the woman’s relation to man, and (b) the man’s relation to Christ in the Church. In the following three verses, 1 Corinthians 11:7–9, the basis of the argument changes, and the same conclusion is reached from a review of (a) the woman’s relation to man, and (b) man’s relation to God in the physical Creation.

The external form of this argument is the same as that adopted previously. The Apostle first states what the man must not do, and then conversely, what the woman must do.

The Apostle here takes up the order of creation mentioned in Genesis 1:2, and the argument proceeds as follows: Man was made in the image of God and is the glory of God, but woman is the glory of the man (because woman was made from man, and also man was not created for woman, but woman for man—that is, as a help-meet for him). Therefore, man, as a created being, according to the accepted order of creation, is the direct representative of God, and woman the direct representative of man (and only indirectly, and through him, of God).

The spiritual equality of man and wife does not upset this relationship. Therefore, an attempt to destroy its outward expression is to be condemned, as it would soon lead to an obliteration of the fact itself.

It should be remembered throughout this passage (and this gives further emphasis to the allusion to Adam and Eve) that St. Paul is only speaking of married women. It is highly unlikely that any instance had occurred of an unmarried woman attempting such an outrage against social sensibilities and national custom. Greek women, when in public (except for those of openly bad character), either wore a veil or drew the peplum, or shawl, over their heads.