John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:10

"for this cause ought the woman to have [a sign of] authority on her head, because of the angels." — 1 Corinthians 11:10 (ASV)

For this cause ought the woman to have power. From that authority, he draws an argument in favor of outward decorum. “She is subject,” he says, “let her then wear a token of subjection.” In the term power, there is an instance of metonymy, for he means a token by which she declares herself to be under the power of her husband; and it is a covering, whether it is a robe, a veil, or any other kind of covering.

It is asked whether he speaks of married women exclusively, for there are some who restrict what Paul here teaches to them, on the ground that virgins are not under the authority of a husband. However, it is a mistake, for Paul looks beyond this—to God’s eternal law, which has made the female sex subject to the authority of men. For this reason, all women are born so that they may acknowledge themselves inferior because of the superiority of the male sex. Otherwise, it would be an inconclusive argument that Paul has drawn from nature, in saying that it would be no more seemly for a woman to have her head uncovered than to be shaven—this also being applicable to virgins.

Because of the angels. This passage is explained in various ways. As the Prophet Malachi (Malachi 2:7) calls priests angels of God, some are of the opinion that Paul speaks of them; but the ministers of the word nowhere have that term applied to them by itself—that is, without something being added—and the meaning would be too forced.

I understand it, therefore, in its proper meaning. But it is asked, why he would have women cover their heads because of the angels—for what has this to do with them? Some answer: “Because they are present during the prayers of believers, and for this reason are spectators of unseemliness, should any occur on such occasions.” But what need is there for philosophizing with such refinement?

We know that angels also attend Christ as their head and minister to him. When, therefore, women take such liberties as to usurp for themselves the token of authority, they make their baseness manifest to the angels. This, therefore, was said to amplify the point, as if he were saying, “If women uncover their heads, not only Christ, but all the angels too, will be witnesses of the outrage.”

And this interpretation fits well with the Apostle’s design. He is discussing here different ranks. Now he says that when women assume a higher place than befits them, they achieve this by it: they reveal their impudence in the sight of the angels of heaven.