1 COR 11:7 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=minor/spelling Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, pink:genitive/possessor, red:negative.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT For a man ought not to cover his head, being the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of man.

UST Further, on the one hand, men should not cover their heads, because they represent and honor God. On the other hand, wives honor their husbands.

BLB For truly a man ought not to cover the head, being the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.

AICNT For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.

OEB A man ought not to have his head covered, for he has been from the beginning the likeness of God and the reflection of his glory, but woman is the reflection of man’s glory.

WEBBE For a man indeed ought not to have his head covered, because he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET For a man should not have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man.

LSV for a man, indeed, ought not to cover the head, being the image and glory of God, and a woman is the glory of a man,

FBV A man shouldn't cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, while the woman is the glory of the man.

TCNT For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.

T4T Men should not wear coverings over their heads when they pray or speak messages that God gave them, because they represent what God is like [MET] and they show how great God is. But women show how great men (OR, their husbands) are.

LEB For indeed a man ought not to cover his head, because he[fn] is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man.

11:7 *Here “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“is”) which is understood as causal

BBE For it is not right for a man to have his head covered, because he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Moff Man does not require to have a veil on his head, for he represents the likeness and supremacy of God; but woman represents the supremacy of man.

Wymth For a man ought not to have a veil on his head, since he is the image and glory of God; while woman is the glory of man.

ASV 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.

DRA The man indeed ought not to cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of the man.

YLT for a man, indeed, ought not to cover the head, being the image and glory of God, and a woman is the glory of a man,

Drby For man indeed ought not to have his head covered, being [fn]God's image and glory; but woman is man's glory.

11.7 Elohim

RV 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.

SLT For truly the man ought not to have the head covered, being the image and glory of God: and the woman is the glory of the man.

Wbstr For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

KJB-1769 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

KJB-1611 For a man in deede ought not to couer his head, forasmuch as hee is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above)

Bshps A man ought not to couer his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glorie of God: But the woman is the glorie of the man:
(A man ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: But the woman is the glory of the man:)

Gnva For a man ought not to couer his head: for as much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
(For a man ought not to cover his head: for as much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. )

Cvdl Neuertheles the man oughte not to couer his heade, for so moch as he is the ymage and glory of God: but the woma is the glory of the man.
(Nevertheless the man ought not to cover his head, for so much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woma is the glory of the man.)

TNT A man ought not to cover his heed for as moche as he is the image and glory of God. The woman is the glory of the man.
(A man ought not to cover his heed for as much as he is the image and glory of God. The woman is the glory of the man. )

Wycl But a man schal not hile his heed, for he is the ymage and the glorie of God; but a womman is the glorie of man.
(But a man shall not cover/protect his heed, for he is the image and the glory of God; but a woman is the glory of man.)

Luth Der Mann aber soll das Haupt nicht bedecken, sintemal er ist Gottes Bild und Ehre; das Weib aber ist des Mannes Ehre.
(The man but should the head not cover(v), since he is God’s image/picture and honour(n); the woman but is the man's honour(n).)

ClVg Vir quidem non debet velare caput suum: quoniam imago et gloria Dei est, mulier autem gloria viri est.[fn]
(Man indeed not/no must to_cover the_head his_own: since/because imago and glory of_God it_is, woman however glory men it_is. )

11.7 Quoniam imago. Imago et similitudo pro se invicem accipiuntur, sed tamen in hoc proprie est similitudo animæ cum Deo, quod incircumscripta, quod ubique tota et simul. AUG., lib. XII de Trin. c. 7, 8, 9. Homo dicitur imago Dei, et ad imaginem: quia non æqualis, etc., usque ad ut male viventes bene loquendo turpitudinem suam contegant.

11.7 Since imago. Imago and similarity for himself each_other are_accepted, but nevertheless in/into/on this properly it_is similarity soul when/with to_God, that incircumwritten, that everywhere the_whole and at_the_same_time. AUG., lib. 12 from/about Trin. c. 7, 8, 9. Man it_is_said imago of_God, and to image: because not/no equals, etc., until to as male living well loquendo ugliness his_own contegant.

UGNT ἀνὴρ μὲν γὰρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν, εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων; ἡ γυνὴ δὲ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν.
(anaʸr men gar ouk ofeilei katakaluptesthai taʸn kefalaʸn, eikōn kai doxa Theou huparⱪōn; haʸ gunaʸ de doxa andros estin.)

SBL-GNT ἀνὴρ μὲν γὰρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν, εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα θεοῦ ὑπάρχων· ⸀ἡ γυνὴ δὲ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν.
(anaʸr men gar ouk ofeilei katakaluptesthai taʸn kefalaʸn, eikōn kai doxa theou huparⱪōn; ⸀haʸ gunaʸ de doxa andros estin.)

RP-GNT Ἀνὴρ μὲν γὰρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν, εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα θεοῦ ὑπάρχων· γυνὴ δὲ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν.
(Anaʸr men gar ouk ofeilei katakaluptesthai taʸn kefalaʸn, eikōn kai doxa theou huparⱪōn; gunaʸ de doxa andros estin.)

TC-GNT Ἀνὴρ μὲν γὰρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν, εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων· [fn]γυνὴ δὲ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν.
(Anaʸr men gar ouk ofeilei katakaluptesthai taʸn kefalaʸn, eikōn kai doxa Theou huparⱪōn; gunaʸ de doxa andros estin. )

11:7 γυνη ¦ η γυνη CT

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 11:2–16: Men and women should dress appropriately to worship God

In this section Paul wrote about how men and women should dress during public worship. He wanted the women to cover their heads and the men to remain bare-headed. This was appropriate and proper and the custom of the other churches.

Here are some other possible section headings:

Wear appropriate clothing in public worship

Covering the head in worship

Paragraph 11:7–12

Paul taught that men are the glory of God, and women are the glory of men. But men and women are dependent on each other.

11:7a

A man ought not to cover his head,

¶ A man should not cover his head
¶ It is not appropriate for men to cover their heads when they pray or prophesy

A man ought not to cover his head: Paul continued the argument that he began in 11:4. He again referred to praying or prophesying. It may be helpful to make that explicit so that the meaning is clear.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

A man ought not to cover his head when he prays or prophesies

A man should not wear anything on his head when worshiping (NLT)

11:7b-c

he is the…glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man: The word glory occurs twice in this verse with the same meaning. The commentaries suggest two different aspects for the meaning of one who is the glory of another:

One who reflects or displays the nature of anotherSee Conzelmann, p. 187; Garland p. 523.
One who brings praise and honor to the otherSee Fee p. 514; Thiselton p. 835; Barrett p. 252.

Try to translate the word glory in the same way both times. See the discussion and translation examples in the notes below.

11:7b

since he is the image and glory of God;

because he is made in the image of God and is/reflects the glory of God.
because God created them to be like God and display his greatness.

he is the image…of God: This is the phrase used in Genesis 1:26–27, where both man and woman are said to be in the image of God. The image of God consists of qualities such as: the ability to reason, love, appreciate and create beauty, and to choose what is good. However, it is best not to make this explicit in the translation.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

men were created to be like God (CEV)

God created men to be like him

man is a picture of God

he is the…glory of God: There are at least two ways to interpret the clause he is the…glory of God.

Men reflect or display the nature and greatness of God. When we look at men, we see God’s glory. For example:
since he…reflects God’s glory (NJB) (NJB, GNT, NRSV, REB)Several English versions retain the expression “he (man) is the…glory of God” so that the meaning they follow is not clear (BSB, NIV, RSV, GW, NET, NASB, NCV, NLT).
Men bring glory to God; God receives honor through men. For example:
[men were created…] to bring honor to God (CEV)

It is probable that Paul had both of these meanings in mind. They are not totally different or separate. Men are able to bring God glory and honor because they are made in the image of God and reflect God’s nature. You should try to translate this in a way that does not exclude either aspect of the meaning.

If you must choose between the interpretations, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). More English versions follow it and more commentators agree with it.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

men show God’s power/greatness

in man the glory of God is seen

men make the name of God be big

because of men, people praise God

General Comment on 11:7a-b

In some languages it may be more natural to reverse the order of 11:7a and 11:7b. For example:

^7bBecause he is the image of God and brings glory to God, ^7athe man should not cover his head when he prays or prophesies.

11:7c

but the woman is the glory of man.

But a woman is/reflects the glory of man.
But women display the greatness of men.

but the woman is the glory of man: The meaning of the word glory has the same options here as in 11:7b:

The woman reflects or displays the nature and greatness of man. God created woman from man, so she reflects the glory of man. For example:
woman reflects the glory of man (GNT) (GNT, NJB, NRSV, REB)Many English versions translate the woman is the glory of man literally so that the meaning they follow is not clear (BSB, NIV, RSV, GW, NET, NASB, NCV, NLT, ESV).
Man receives honor and glory through woman. For example:
Women were created to bring honor to men (CEV)

If possible, you should translate the word glory in such a way that both meanings are included, or at least suggested. Try to translate it in the same way that you did in 11:7b.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

women show man’s power/greatness

in woman the glory of man is seen

women make the name of men be big

because of women, people praise men

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

γὰρ

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀνήρ μέν γάρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τήν κεφαλήν εἰκών καί δόξα Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων ἡ γυνή δέ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστίν)

Here, For introduces further reasons why what Paul has argued about “covering heads” is true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could leave For untranslated or use a word or phrase that introduces further reasons. Alternate translation: [Here are more reasons why]

οὐκ ὀφείλει

not ought

This could indicate that the man: (1) should not cover his head. Alternate translation: [must not] (2) is not required to cover his head, but he can do what he wants to do. Alternate translation: [is under no obligation]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

κατακαλύπτεσθαι τὴν κεφαλήν

˓to_be˒_covering (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀνήρ μέν γάρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τήν κεφαλήν εἰκών καί δόξα Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων ἡ γυνή δέ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστίν)

Here, to cover his head refers to using a piece of clothing that would be worn on the top and back of the head. The phrase does not refer to hair or to some piece of clothing that obscures the face. Paul does not clarify, however, what kind of clothing this might be. If possible, use a general phrase that could refer to clothing. Alternate translation: [have a covering on his head]

Note 3 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

ὑπάρχων

being

Here, being introduces a clause that gives a reason or basis for what he has already said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this connection with a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis. Alternate translation: [since he is]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

εἰκὼν καὶ δόξα Θεοῦ

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind image and glory, you can express the idea by using verbs such as “reflect” and “glorify.” Alternate translation: [one who reflects and glorifies God]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ἡ γυνὴ & δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν

the (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ἀνήρ μέν γάρ οὐκ ὀφείλει κατακαλύπτεσθαι τήν κεφαλήν εἰκών καί δόξα Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων ἡ γυνή δέ δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστίν)

Here, woman and man could refer to: (1) a woman and man who are married to each other. Alternate translation: [the wife is the glory of the husband] (2) any people who are male and female. Alternate translation: [the female person is the glory of the male person]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / genericnoun

ἡ γυνὴ & δόξα ἀνδρός ἐστιν

Paul is speaking of “women” and “men” in general, not of one particular woman and man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this form with a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: [each woman is the glory of her man] or [women are the glory of men]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

δόξα ἀνδρός

glory ˓the˒_glory ˱of˲_man

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind glory, you can express the idea by using a verb such as “glorify.” Alternate translation: [the one who glorifies man]

Parallel 1 COR 11:7

Section 11:2–16: Men and women should dress appropriately to worship God

Paragraph 11:7–12

11:7a

11:7b-c

11:7b

General Comment on 11:7a-b

11:7c

Parallel 1 COR 11:7