For most of my life, I’ve been intrigued by the question of women and head coverings in the Bible—not out of pressure or dogma, but because it never really went away. It’s something I grew up witnessing firsthand. My mother, a woman of deep faith and constant spiritual seeking, also studied and prayed over 1 Corinthians 11. After years of research and contemplation, she made a quiet, firm decision: her long, waist-length hair—never cut—was her covering. It was beautiful, sacred, and intentional.

Watching that as a girl, I accepted it. Her long hair was her offering, her way of honoring God’s instruction. And I saw the reverence in it. But now, as an adult, a woman walking her own path of study, ritual, and connection with God, I felt the question stir again in me. What does Scripture actually say? What is the context? And what does it mean for me—today, in this modern world?

The Text That Guides the Debate: 1 Corinthians 11:2–16

The most detailed instruction on head coverings comes from 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul writes:

“Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head…”

(1 Corinthians 11:5, ESV)

Right away, it’s clear Paul is talking about prayer and prophecy—not daily life, not being out in public, and not simply being in the presence of men. This is about sacred space. The when matters. Paul doesn’t instruct women to wear coverings 24/7. He’s speaking specifically about acts of spiritual engagement.

That was a big realization for me.

Hair or Cloth? Understanding the Debate

There’s ongoing debate among Christians over whether Paul was referring to long hair or an actual cloth veil. Here’s how it breaks down:

View 1: Long Hair Is the Covering

This is the interpretation my mother held:

Based on verse 15: “For her hair is given to her instead of a covering.” Some interpret this to mean long hair is sufficient—no need for a veil. This view emphasizes the natural design of a woman’s body and femininity.

View 2: A Separate, Literal Covering (Veil) Is Required During Worship

This view, held by many scholars and early church traditions, sees hair as natural glory, but not the veil Paul refers to:

Verse 6: “If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off…” This only makes sense if the covering and the hair are separate. The Greek word for covering here is katakalyptō—to fully veil. Long hair represents a woman’s natural beauty and honor, but during prayer, a separate symbolic covering (veil or cloth) is called for.

This view also makes room for cultural context, spiritual symbolism, and reverence—not legalism.

The Verse That Changed Everything for Me: “Because of the Angels”

One verse in particular struck me with a depth I wasn’t expecting. In verse 10, Paul writes:

“That is why a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”

(1 Corinthians 11:10)

That phrase—because of the angels—is mysterious, haunting, and profoundly spiritual.

What does it mean?

Many scholars believe Paul is referring to the heavenly beings who witness human worship. The idea is that when we pray or engage in spiritual rituals, we’re not alone—we’re entering a cosmic space, a heavenly court, if you will. Angels, created beings who worship God constantly, are present in those sacred moments. Paul suggests that our posture and reverence in worship should reflect the holiness of the realm we’re entering.

That hit me hard.

Putting on a veil isn’t about men. It’s not about control. It’s not even about what other people think. It’s about honoring the spiritual reality that prayer is sacred, that ritual is witnessed, and that God deserves our intentional reverence.

So, Do I Believe Women Should Veil in Public?

No.

Let me be crystal clear: I do not believe women need to wear head coverings at all times, in public, around men, or as a sign of submission in daily life. That’s not what this Scripture is saying.

Paul specifies a time and space:

“When a woman prays or prophesies…”

That’s it. This isn’t about walking through life veiled 24/7. It’s about what we wear on our heads and in our hearts when we step into sacred moments. My conviction is not about modesty laws or religious control—it’s about worship.

My Final Decision: Veil as Sacred Symbol, Not Daily Rule

After much study, prayer, and reflection, here’s where I’ve landed:

I honor and deeply respect my mother’s decision to treat her long hair as her covering. That was her spirit-led conviction. For me, I’ve come to believe that a separate veil, worn during prayer and ritual, is a meaningful way to embody reverence. I do not believe this is a requirement for all women at all times—but for me, it is a sacred gesture, a symbolic alignment, a way to physically step into spiritual space.

From now on, I will wear a veil during prayer, worship, and ritual. Not to show off, not to obey tradition blindly, but to say with my whole being: “This moment is holy. This space is different. I honor the presence of God and the unseen realm watching.”

---

Closing Words

I share this not to argue, but to offer. This is how I’m choosing to show up in sacred space. You may be called differently. And that’s okay.

But if this has stirred something in you—if you’ve felt the nudge too—know you’re not alone in seeking reverence, beauty, and sacred order in how we approach God.

For me, the veil is not about hiding. It’s about revealing my heart in a new way.

Further Reading & Resources

1 Corinthians 11 (ESV) Gordon D. Fee – The First Epistle to the Corinthians (NICNT) Craig S. Keener – Paul, Women, and Wives Ben Witherington III – Conflict and Community in Corinth Lucy Peppiatt – Women and Worship at Corinth Bible Hub Interlinear – 1 Corinthians 11:10 Blue Letter Bible – Greek Lexicon for “peribolaion” Logos Bible Software – Study Tools for Biblical Greek