What Does the Bible Say About Hair, Beards, and Head Coverings? (Understanding 1 Corinthians 11:1-16)
The Bible is very specific when it comes to how we should present ourselves. I want to first mention, that this article will not speak much on the topic of dress, cosmetics, body décor, jewelry, and tattoos, because a true follower of Mashiach who strives to keep the Torah should already know what YAHAUH permits and what He does not permit concerning these things. We are told to dress modestly and to carry ourselves humbly. We must remember that, “YAHUAH does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but YAHUAH looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). What I’d like to address, is the topic of hair, beards, and headdresses, because the modern pagan religion of Christianity has imprinted false concepts pertaining to this topic.
I was moved to perform this study based on the passage by our brother Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. For quite some time, I too believed what most of Christendom teaches about men and women’s hair and head coverings. This false belief was conceived from both a misinterpretation and mistranslation of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. I will once again say, that Christianity is a pagan religion made up Neoplatonism, Greek and Roman mythology, and out of context New Testament (Brit Chadashah) philosophies without the support of the Torah (Law of Aluahim). The most important resource for obtaining true doctrine; the Law and the Testimony, or the Torah and the Prophets, has been neglected by nearly all Christians. We must remember that anything said by Yahushua HaMashiach, and anything written by the Apostles must and will perfectly align with the Tanakh – the Law and the Prophets. Must I remind you,
Isaiah 8:20: To the Torah (Law) and to the Testimony (Prophets)! If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because there is no Light in them.
Matthew 5:17: Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets [the Tanakh]. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.
Christians have been led to believe that the Law (Torah) was done away with and therefore try to come up with doctrine from taking a New Testament (Brit Chadashah) Scripture out of context, and then not comparing it to the Torah and the Prophets (the Tanakh). But if anything written by the Apostles or if anything said by the Mashiach seems to not align with the Tanakh (Law and Prophets), then a deeper study must be conducted. We must study “precept upon precept, and line upon line” (Isaiah 28:10) in order to fully understand the Word of Aluahim, and the topic of hair, beards, and head coverings is no different.
There are some people out there that will ignorantly say that Paul’s writings do not align with either the Torah or the words of Mashiach. These same people twist the Scriptures to form their own doctrine instead of taking the time to learn both the Hebrew and Greek transcripts. Peter himself writes,
2 Peter 3:15-17: And consider that the longsuffering of our Master is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
Notice how Peter calls Paul’s writings “Scripture”, and that even in the first Century A.D. people had a hard time understanding Paul’s writings. Be not deceived, ever since the fall of man, the Devil has used unstable and unlearned men to twist the Word of Aluahim into creating false doctrine. And as Peter warned us, those whom believe these false doctrines will be led to their eternal destruction. Therefore, any subject written by Paul must be studied thoroughly. With that said, let’s begin by reading the entire passage concerning hair and head coverings written to the church in Corinth. Then, we will break down each section while comparing it to the Tanakh. Paul writes,
1 Corinthians 11:1-16: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Mashiach. Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Mashiach, the head of woman is man, and the head of Mashiach is Aluahim. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of Aluahim; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Master. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from Aluahim. Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to Aluahim with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of Aluahim.
Men’s Hair and Beards
1 Corinthians 11:14: Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair (komao), it is a dishonor to him?
Christian teachers use the above verse to back their false belief that men should not have hair that extends past their shoulders. This belief is not backed by Scripture, and this concept would technically be different for each ethnicity. Before we take a deeper look at the Greek word that is translated as “long hair”, we need to see what the Tanakh (Old Testament) says about men’s hair. There are multiple examples in the Bible of Hebrew men with long hair (longer than shoulder length). The first example, would be of any man who took the Nazarite vow. The vow says,
Numbers 6:5: All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to YAHUAH, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Take special note, that the Nazarite vow does not require someone to shave their head prior to taking the vow. Therefore, a person’s hair can be at any length prior to the vow and can grow out to be considerably long depending on how long the vow is taken. There were three holy and faithful men to YAHUAH that were known as Nazarites for their entire life; Samuel (refer to 1 Samuel 1:11), Samson (Judges 16:17), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15). Paul also took the Nazarite vow for an unknown amount of time (refer to Acts 18:18, Acts 21:23-26) and therefore would have had long hair himself for quite some time (for how long we do not know).
We must ask the question, if it is supposedly a “dishonor” to have long hair, then why would YAHUAH command a man to never cut his hair when he has made a vow to separate himself from all uncleanliness in order to be used by YAHUAH as a prophet, teacher, or faithful servant? That is because simply, it is not a dishonor to have long hair as a man who follows the Mashiach and desires to be a servant to the Most-High YAHUAH Aluahim. As we further study, we will come to learn that both longer hair and longer beards were revered by the ancient Hebrews, and that bald or shaven hair was both uncommon and unacceptable to YAHUAH.
Not all of us will choose to take the Nazarite vow in our life at some point, but that does not mean we have to keep our hair shorter than shoulder length. The Bible also tell us that we are all considered to be priests and kings to YAHUAH (refer to Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6), so verses that pertain to the laws of a priest should also be reviewed. The following Scripture is another verse that has been both mistranslated and misinterpreted by many. Let’s first read that verse from the NKJV,
Ezekiel 44:20: They shall neither shave (galach) their heads (rosh) nor let their hair (pera) grow long (shalach), but they shall keep their hair (rosh) well-trimmed (kasam).
In order to properly understand this verse, we need to better translate the Hebrew words that were used. Below, are the definitions of the underlined words:
Strong’s Concordance number 1548, galach: to be bald, shave, shave off.
Strong’s Concordance number 6545, pera: long hair, locks.
Strong’s Concordance number 7971, shalach: to send of, cast off, forsake.
Strong’s Concordance number 3697, kasam: to shear, clip.
Strong’s Concordance number 7218, rosh: head.
I must first mention, that both Nazarites and priests are commanded to not shave their heads (refer to Numbers 6:5 , Ezekiel 44:20), to not drink alcohol (refer to Numbers 6:3, Leviticus 10:9), nor to come in contact with a dead carcass (refer to Numbers 6:6, Leviticus 21:11). Both Nazarites and priests are considered to be holy, consecrated and set-apart to YAHUAH (refer to Numbers 6:8, Exodus 30:30) as we all are commanded to be. Keep that in mind as we continue our study. Now let’s break down the underlined words in Ezekiel 44:20.
Pera. Ezekiel purposely uses the Hebrew word pera which means long hair or locks, instead of the Hebrew word for hair, which is sear (#8181) or saarah (#8185). By using the Hebrew word pera, Ezekiel is implying that the priests already have long hair or locks.
Shalach. This is the only place in Scripture (Ezekiel 44:20) where the Hebrew word shalach is translated as grow long. The Hebrew word Shalach should be translated as send off, cast off, or forsake, as this is the most common and appropriate rendering of the word.
Kasam. The Hebrew word kasam means to shear or clip, and can quite possible be rendered as trim. The word kasam is repeated twice. Often times a Hebrew word is repeated when there is emphasis on it being done, or that it should only be done and nothing else. This is why many Bible translators have translated the first כָּסוֹם kasam as “only”. The second time this word is written, it is written as יִכְסְמוּ (yud, kaph, samekh, mem, waw) yakasamu. The prefix “yud” usually means ‘he’. It also points to everything that belongs to YAHUAH, for example, Yarushalam – YAHUAH’S city of peace, Yasharal – YAHUAH’S children, Yahushua – YAHUAH’S Salvation, and His name Yud, Heh, Waw, Heh – YAHUAH. The suffix “waw” usually means ‘of him’. It also points to Mashiach. This is important to understand because by using these two words; kasam and yakasamu back to back, Ezekiel is giving us a double meaning. Keep this in mind as we continue.
Rosh. The word “their hair” is improperly translated because the word used by Ezekiel is rosh which literally means: head. Once again, Ezekiel does not use the word for hair (sear, or saarah) nor the Hebrew word pera (long hair/locks) in which he previously used, but rather the Hebrew word for head (rosh). The reason for this is because there is both a literal and figurative implication. Ezekiel is referring to both, the hair on the priests head, and the Head of a priest whom is Mashiach. This is also why Ezekiel uses the word יִכְסְמוּ yakasamu (the second time the root word kasam is used). By using the word יִכְסְמוּ yakasamu, Ezekiel is telling us that the reason why the priest is commanded to only trim his hair and not cut it completely off, is because the priest belongs to YAHUAH (hence the prefix “yud”). The priest is consecrated, holy, and set-apart to YAHUAH, and therefore he does not want to dishonor his Head – that being Mashiach in whom the priest is ‘of’ (hence the suffix “waw” ‘of Him’). The priest would be dishonoring his Head if he completely cut off or shaved his long hair or locks (pera) in which YAHUAH gave us for a covering.
We will shortly further expound upon head coverings and how it honors our Head, but first, we need to properly translate the above verse. Ezekiel 44:20 can more accurately be rendered as follows:
Ezekiel 44:20: They shall neither shave bald (galach) their head (rosh) nor forsake (shalach) their long hair (pera). They shall only (kasam) trim (yakasamu) their head.
The Scriptures are not clear about the specific length to which a priest is to keep or maintain his hair but instead, tells them that if they choose to cut their long hair or locks (pera), that they should only trim it. One thing that is made absolutely clear, is that he is to never shave his head bald. This would dishonor his Head. And the only time any one of YAHUAH’S children is allowed to shave their head bald is when they have completed the Nazarite vow (refer to Numbers 6:18).
There is one more Scripture in the Tanakh that gives us a guideline to how men are supposed to maintain both their hair and beards. Moses records the Word of YAHUAH, saying,
Leviticus 19:27 (NASB): You shall not round off (naqaph) the hairline (peah) of your heads (rosh), nor trim (shachath) the edges (peah) of your beard.
The above verse has been misinterpreted by many people, modern Jews and Christians alike. In order to better understand what YAHUAH is commanding Moses to write, we need to properly define the underlined Hebrew words while learning about a few common Ancient pagan Egyptian hairstyles.
Naqaph. This Hebrew word is translated as “round off” or “shave around” the head. As that would not be an improper translation, it is not the most accurate because this word holds a deeper implication. This is Strong’s Concordance number 5362, naqaph: compass about cut down, destroy, go round about, enclose, round. A primitive root; to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e. Surround or circulate — compass (about, -ing), cut down, destroy, go round (about), inclose, round.
Peah. This Hebrew word is improperly translated as “hairline” in the NASB, and is often times translated as “side” or “corners” in other Bibles. As the word “side” is a more proper rendering, this word also implies something far more than just cutting the “side” of the head. This is Strong’s Concordance number 6286, peah: corner, side. From paah.
Paah. The Hebrew word peah (side) comes from the root word paah. This is Strong’s Concordance number 6284, paah: cleave in pieces.
Shachath. This word is improperly translated as “trim”. Moses purposely does not use the Hebrew word kasam (to trim) but rather, he uses the word shacath which implies a destroying or disfiguring of the beard. This is Strong’s Concordance number 7843, shachath: batter, cast off, corrupter, thing, destroyer lose, mar, perish, spill. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively) – batter, cast off, corrupt, destroy, lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, waste.
The above verse can more appropriately be rendered as follows:
Leviticus 19:27: You shall not cut around (naqaph) the side (peah) of your heads (rosh), nor disfigure (shachath) the sides (peah) of your beard.
So what is YAHUAH telling us? Let’s start with the hair on the head, then move on to the beard. Modern Hasidic Jews falsely believe that this verse is telling us that we can never trim our side burns (temple). This has become a Talmudic tradition and not from the Torah. Other people believe we are not allowed to trim the back of the neck or behind the ear, and this also is not an accurate understanding of this verse.
We are told by Ezekiel (refer to Ezekiel 44:20) that we are to never shave our heads bald but rather only trim our hair. We can apply this knowledge to this passage. Moses never uses the Hebrew word kasam: to trim. Rather, he uses the word naqaph which holds a more specific meaning than just “cut around”. Naqaph implies destroying the hair around the head. Along with the word naqaph, Moses also uses the word peah which comes from the root word paah; to cleave into pieces. Both of these words work in congruence to help us better understand what YAHUAH is commanding us concerning the hair on our heads.
YAHUAH is simply telling us to never create patches of hair, destroy or cleave to pieces as Moses writes. This includes hairstyles where the sides of the head are shaved off. For example, high fades, mohawks, and shaving the head while leaving a lock of hair. Moses is not telling us that we cannot trim (kasam) the back of the neck or around the ear and temple, to “line up” or “trim” per se.
Now let’s move on to the command about the beard. Yet again, we see that the word kasam (to trim) used by Ezekiel in 44:20 is not used to describe how we should maintain our beards. The very specific word written by Moses is the Hebrew word shacath which means to disfigure (mar) or destroy. This word shacath is also purposely coupled with the word peah (side) which implies not cleaving into pieces (paah) the side of the beard.
Just like the hair on our head, YAHAUAH is telling us that our beard hair should not be broken into pieces or disfigured. This would mean not shaving off the jawbone and sideburn hair only to leave the hair on the chin creating a goatee. That is what YAHUAH specifically means when He commands us to “not cut off the sides of the beard” – to make a goatee. The mustache is part of the beard also, so we are not supposed to only maintain a mustache either.
YAHUAH does not use the Hebrew word kasam: to trim, because He is not telling us that we cannot trim or “line up” the hair on the cheek bone, side burns, and upper lip (mustache). The length in which we are supposed to keep our beard is not mentioned in Scripture, but ancient Hebrews revered longer beards (refer to Psalm 133:2). What is most important is that we keep our beard intact, and do not separate any part of the beard from the other. This would be considered destroying (shacath) or cleaving the beard into pieces (peah/paah).
If you want to know what the exact opposite of YAHUAH’S precepts are concerning men’s hairstyles and beards, then simply search images of ancient Egyptian hairstyles. This is the reason why YAHUAH had to remind His people how to maintain their appearance, because they lived in Egypt long enough to conform to their fashion.
In the early Egyptian periods, men usually wore their hair short and often times shaved their heads bald. Some men wore small tufts of hair at the front of their heads. And Egyptian children (both sexes) wore what they called the ‘lock of youth’; the head was shaved apart from a lock of hair on the right side which was usually braided.
Ancient Egyptians considered facial hair to be unclean. Egyptian priests had to adhere to strict cleansing rituals in where they would shave all of the hair on their entire body including the head and face. Pharaohs along with other royalties (both sexes) would typically keep their face completely shaven while wearing a false goatee called a postiche, this was to signify their status as a living deity. This is why YAHUAH put much emphasis on not shaving the sides of the beard off, which was mainly implying that we are not supposed to keep a goatee because of what it signifies.
Beards were revered by the ancient Hebrews, and longer beards were considered honorable. The Psalmist writes,
Psalm 133:2: It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aarons beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.
Gentile nations knew that it was Hebrew Law to maintain a fully intact beard and to never shave the sides of their beard off to create a goatee. So when Hanun, the king of Ammon, shaved David’s servant’s beards in order to disfigure their beards, he knew that it would be considered both extremely humiliating to the men and disrespectful to YAHUAH their Aluahim. We read,
2 Samuel 10:4-5: Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half (chatsi) of their beards, cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. When they told David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.
The Hebrew word that is translated as “half” is Strong’s Concordance number 2677, chatsi: half. This word comes from the Hebrew root word chatsah which is Strong’s Concordance number 2673, chatsah: to divide.
Hanun – king of Ammon did not just completely shave off the beards of David’s servants, but he divided the beard in half (disfigured it) by shaving it to make a goatee. This was just as humiliating as tearing their garments to reveal their nakedness. Notice that David commanded the men to stay in Jericho until their beards grew to be fully intact once again. Shaving and disfiguring a man’s beard into a pagan hairstyle like a goatee is considered by YAHUAH no small matter. In fact, it caused a war between Yasharal and the people of Ammon (refer to 2 Samuel 10).
Of course, I will not leave out those who cannot or have a difficult time growing the hair on their head. The Scriptures tell us that natural baldness does occur. We are given the example of the Prophet Alisha who was made fun of for being bald (refer to 2 Kings 2:23). And not to forget the men who cannot grow facial hair or have patchy beards. If you fall in either of these categories; bald head or patchy beard, then it is between you and YAHUAH whether or not you choose to shave both your head and face completely bald to keep your appearance presentable for work. But either way, remember,
Psalm 139:14: I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Your works; and that my soul knows very well.
Now that we have a better understanding to what the Tanakh says about men’s hair, let’s break down Paul’s verse in the Brit Chadashah pertaining to this topic,
1 Corinthians 11:14: Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair (komao), it is a dishonor to him?
The word improperly translated as “long hair” is the Greek word komao. This is Strong’s Concordance number 2863, komao: have long hair. From kome; to wear tresses of hair – have long hair. See Greek kome.
The Greek word komao comes from the Greek word kome. This is Strong’s Concordance number 2864, kome: hair. Apparently from the same as komizo; the hair of the head (locks, as ornamental, and thus differing from thrix; which properly denotes merely the scalp) — hair. See Greek komizo. See Greek thrix.
1 Corinthians 11 is the only place in Scripture where both Greek words komao and kome are used. Paul uses these words to imply a type of decoration of the hair, and not simply just having long hair. Both of these words (komao and kome) differ very much from the actual Greek word for hair which is Strong’s Concordance number 2359, thrix: hair (of the head or of animals).
The Greek word thrix which means hair, is used properly in many other passages throughout the Brit Chadashah but is not used by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians because Paul is not referring to a man having long hair but rather, a man decorating his hair just as a woman would decorate her hair (i.e. braids, tresses, and adornments in the hair).
As we further study the rest of Paul’s passage to the Corinthians pertaining to this topic, we will come to learn that Paul is simply teaching the church the way in which both a man and a woman should dress. In some Gentile nations such as Greece and Rome, held and still do hold (in private settings), festivals where they drink alcohol, cross dress, and engage in homosexual and adulterous acts. And so Paul had to address many of these unacceptable practices to the Gentile churches.
Men’s Head Coverings
It has become Christian tradition that it is disrespectful for men to cover their heads while praying, prophesying, or in a church. This false belief was conceived from both a mistranslation and misinterpretation of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. Let’s continue to read the following passage concerning hair and head coverings.
1 Corinthians 11:3-18: But I want you to know that the Head (kephale) of every man is Mashiach, the head of woman is man, and the Head of Mashiach is Aluahim. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered (kata), dishonors his Head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered (akatakaluptos) dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not covered (katakalupto), let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered (katakalupto). For a man indeed ought not to cover (katakalupto) his head, since he is the image and glory of Aluahim; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man.
Once again, before we break down this verse to understand what our brother Paul is really trying to convey, we need to learn what the Tanakh says about head coverings.
We just learned that YAHUAH’S priests are commanded to never shave their head but to only trim their long hair or locks (pera). I previously described why the Prophet Ezekiel, in Ezekiel 44:20, transcribed the Hebrew root word kasam (to trim) two times in a row. The Hebrew word יִכְסְמוּ yakasamu (the second time kasam is written) implies that the priests ‘belong to YAHUAH’ (hence the prefix ‘yud’) and are ‘of Mashiach’ (hence the suffix ‘waw’). This is also why Ezekiel uses the Hebrew word rosh (head) instead of long hair (pera) or hair in general (sear or saarah). The Prophet Ezekiel is implying that YAHUAH’S priests are to keep their hair as a covering to honor their Head – whom is Mashiach. The hair is not the only covering a priest is given to honor his Head, but every priest is commanded to wrap their head in a turban, then to place a crown on top of the turban. Concerning YAHUAH’S priests, the Scriptures say,
Ezekiel 44:18: They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen trousers on their bodies; they shall not clothe themselves with anything that causes sweat.
Exodus 28:37-39: And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Yasharal hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before YAHUAH. You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.
Exodus 29:6: You shall put the turban on his head, and put the holy crown on the turban.
Leviticus 8:9: And he put the turban on his head. Also on the turban, on its front, he put the golden plate, the holy crown, as YAHUAH had commanded Moses.
Exodus 28:40: For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make turbans (migbaoth) for them, for glory and beauty (tiphara).
Let’s take a look at the Hebrew word translated as “hat” or “turban”. This is Strong’s Concordance number 4021, migbaoth (mig-baw-aw): headgear, turban, bonnet. From the same as gib’ah; a cap (as hemispherical) – bonnet.
The type of head covering that the Levitical priests would wear were hemispherical. This means that they did not drape or fall down but rather wrapped around and upwards. This is an important detail to keep in mind when we go back to read Paul’s passage to the Corinthians.
The Levitical priests had a very specific uniform for ministering in the Tabernacle. All of their clothes including their turban were made of the finest flax linen, and they were commanded to take off these fine linen garments inside of the tent of meeting and after leaving the holy place. The tent of meeting was a separate room for the priest to hang his garments, for the garments were meant to keep clean and pure for the sole purpose of ministering in the holy and most holy place. YAHUAH tells Moses,
Leviticus 16:23: Then Aaron shall come into the Tabernacle of meeting, shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there.
The turban or head covering is supposed to be warn along with the rest of the priestly uniform. And notice that YAHUAH commanded the priests to wear this very specific head covering for both glory and beauty. The Hebrew word tiphara (#8597) used by Moses in Exodus 28:40 was not just a physical type of beauty, but a honorable or dignified beauty to which set the priest apart from the rest of the people. It was a type of beauty in which gave the priest a sense of both confidence and integrity.
Now, whether a Hebrew man chose to always wear a turban on his head was completely up to him. Turbans were and are still often worn by middle eastern men. It shows respect to our Head while providing protection from the sun and warmth in the winter. The Prophet Moses is recorded wearing a turban that also covered his face. These turbans can be referred to today as, Tuareg (twaa-reg) turbans. We read,
Exodus 34: 33-35: And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. But whenever Moses went in before YAHUAH to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Yasharal whatever he had been commanded. And whenever the children of Yasharal saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with YAHUAH.
Moses kept the turban on his head as a sign of respect while going before YAHUAH, but made a point to uncover his face because that would have shown a sign of disrespect.
Before Moses was granted the task of leading the Hebrews out of Egyptian captivity, he was a shepherd in the land of Midian. We do not know if Moses often wore a turban to combat the hot days and to keep warm during the cool nights but it was and still is a common piece of clothing to wear amongst middle eastern shepherds. A turban or head covering on a man is not what YAHUAH deems as disrespectful in His presence but rather, footwear is. When Aluahim spoke to Moses from the burning bush, YAHUAH did not command Moses to take off his head covering or turban but instead,
Exodus 3:5: YAHUAH said, Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.
Aluahim said the exact same thing to the Prophet Joshua. We read,
Joshua 5:15: Then the Commander of YAHUAH’S army said to Joshua, Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.
The Scriptures tell us that the covering of a man’s head is not disrespectful but rather shows honor to our Aluahim. What the Scriptures do tell us, is that it is the shoes on our feet that need to be removed when we are in or around a holy place, giving worship to YAHUAH, or pleading with YAHUAH. Now notice what king David did during the Absalom conspiracy. We read,
2 Samuel 15:30,32: So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered (chaphah) and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up. … Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped Aluahim …
When the Prophet Zechariah wrote about the coming Mashiach who was to be our King and High Priest he wrote,
Zechariah 3:4-5: Then He (Aluahim) answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him He said, See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes. And I said, Let them put a clean turban on his head.
If our high priest and king – Yahushua HaMashiach, is currently ministering in the most holy place (refer to Hebrews 4:14, 8;2), then according to YAHUAH’S commandments, he is wearing a turban on His head and a crown on top of the turban. Once again, every follower of Mashiach are promised to be kings and priests to YAHUAH Aluahim (refer to Revelation 1:6). Therefore, in New Yarushalam we will all be wearing priestly garments and head coverings with a crown on top of that head covering. The Prophet writes,
Isaiah 61:10: I will greatly rejoice in YAHUAH, my soul shall be joyful in my Aluahim; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a turban (paar), and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
And Paul writes,
2 Timothy 4:8: Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Master, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Now that we understand that head coverings on men are a sign of honoring our Head, let’s apply this knowledge to our brother Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He writes,
1 Corinthians 11:3-8: But I want you to know that the Head (kephale) of every man is Mashiach, the head of woman is man, and the Head of Mashiach is Aluahim. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head fully covered (kata), dishonors his Head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head fully uncovered (akatakaluptos) dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not fully covered (katakalupto), let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be fully covered (katakalupto). For a man indeed ought not to fully cover (katakalupto) his head, since he is the image and glory of Aluahim; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man.
Notice that I added the word “fully” before the word “covered”. This would be a more appropriate rendering of the passage because the Greek word kata indicates a full covering that goes down or falls below the shoulders. Now let’s take a deeper look at these Greek words.
Kephale. Paul uses this Greek word to denote both a literal and figurative meaning. Paul is speaking about the actual head on our body along with our spiritual Head – whom is Mashiach. This is Strong’s Concordance number 2776, kephale: literally and figuratively; A person’s head. A Head, ruler, or master.
Kata. This word is translated as “covered”. This is not the most accurate translation because it is too broad. This Greek word is Strong’s Concordance number 2596, kata: – properly, “down from, i.e. from a higher to a lower plane, with special reference to the terminus (end-point)”.
Akatakaluptos. This word is translated as “uncovered”. It is the Greek word katakalupto with the prefix ‘alpha’ which indicates the opposite. For example, the Greek word Nomos (meaning Law) with the prefix ‘alpha’ is the word anomos which means the opposite of the Law, which is sin or iniquity (refer to Matthew 7:23). This word, akatakaluptos is also improperly translated because the word covered is too broad. This Greek word is Strong’s Concordance number 177, akatakaluptos: unveiled, uncovered. From katakalupto.
Katakalupto. This Greek word is translated as “covered” but means much more than just plainly covered. This word is Strong’s Concordance number 2619, katakalupto: cover, hide. To cover wholly, (i.e. to veil). From 2956 /katá, “down, according to” and 2572 /kalýptō, “to cover” – properly, cover down to make appropriate (complete), i.e. to wear a veil.
So what is Paul trying to convey to the church? He is simply telling men not to fully cover their head with something that drapes down or goes down towards his shoulders. There is supposed to be a differentiation between men and women’s head coverings. Remember, it was and still is acceptable in Gentile nations for men to cross dress – wear women’s clothing. This is why YAHUAH commanded all of His children that,
Deuteronomy 22:5: A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to YAHUAH your Aluahim.
The word headdress comes to mind because a women’s dress typically drops down from their torso to below their knees. Therefore a headdress would be similar, and also be the more appropriate English word to describe a woman’s head covering. Traditionally, ancient Hebrew women wore headdresses that draped down past their shoulders, and men’s head coverings (i.e. turbans) wrapped upwards. Moses wrapped part of his turban around his face and neck to hide the shining of his face. This type of covering did not hang down, but rather simply wrapped around his head and neck like a Tuareg (twaa-reg) turban.
Scripture does not mention whether or not a follower of Mashiach must wear a head covering at all times. Once again, the story of Alisha goes to show that the Prophet’s head must have been uncovered in order for the children to mock him (refer to 2 Kings 2:23). One thing that is made absolutely clear, is that we must cover our head any and every time we pray, prophesy or worship our Aluahim.
A man should wear a head covering that wraps upwards and not downward or drapes down past his shoulders. An appropriate example of a head covering for a man is either a beanie, a men’s bonnet, or some type of turban that covers all of his head. Although the modern Jewish kippah does not drape downwards, it is not an appropriate form of a head covering because it does not completely cover a man’s head like a traditional turban or bonnet does but rather just sits on top of the head representing the sun disk in which all the religions of Babylon the Great give worship to.
It can be dangerous thinking that you can take concepts from the modern religion of Judaism thinking that it resembles the True religion of our Creator. For example, the supposed Jewish “star of David” represents the deity Chiun or Remphan whom is the modern Roman deity Saturn (refer to Amos 5:26, Acts 7:43). This is why modern Jews celebrate their sabbath – a rest and worship day on the Roman day of Saturday or Saturn’s day – dedicated to the deity Saturn or also called Satan (refer to Revelation 2:9, 3:9). A true worshipper of YAHUAH Aluahim will pray and worship with his head properly covered on the appointed days in which YAHUAH commands us to worship Him on. These days, also referred to as YAHUAH’S Moedim – Appointed Times (refer to Leviticus 23), are all based on the true Chodesh – the Full New Moon, and not the dark crescent moon. And a Day in Scripture is from sunrise to sunset, and not from sunset to sunset.
It is important that a man of YAHUAH does not wear a head covering that drops downward like a woman’s headdress. A couple inappropriate examples of a head covering for a man is: a keffiyah in which many modern Arabians wear, and a tallit shawl in which modern Jewish rabbis wear during prayers. It is also the most popular head covering used to depict the image of Mashiach. First off, we are specifically commanded not to draw images of Aluahim (refer to Exodus 20:4). And also, most of the images of Mashiach are extremely inaccurate to both how Yahushua dressed and looked.
So, can men casually wear head coverings or hats? It is recorded that some ancient Hebrew men casually wore turbans to keep them warm in the winter and also to protect them from the scorching sun in the summer. Today, common casual hats for men include: sports caps, cowboy hats, and sun hats. My only suggestion pertaining to the wearing of casual hats is to make sure that they are plain with no seen logos or writing. None of our garments should have seen logos or writing on them. Many clothing brands along with their logos represent some form of paganism. And when it comes to sporting caps, they too must be plain because sporting events have pagan roots, and a follower of Mashiach should not participate in any sporting event. If the casual hat being worn is not hemispherical in shape (like a sports cap) then it should be taken off during prayer time. It is important to keep the instructions YAHUAH gave us pertaining to both the shape and design of the head covering. We also want to make sure that our head covering does not cover our face in any shape or form (like the eyes or mouth), for it is of the upmost importance to give honor and respect to our Head – YAHUAH Aluahim, the Holy One of Yasharal.
Before moving forward, I want to give a short explanation on how we are commanded to pray. Most professed followers of Mashiach do not pray according to the examples provided in Scripture. Many of the common prayer postures are pagan traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation. The clasping of hands, and the palms pressed together with the fingers pointing upwards are not Scriptural at all, but have pagan roots.
The Bible tells us that in most public settings or when we give thanks for our food, we are to put our palms up in the air and pray looking up towards heaven. In a personal and private setting, we are to fall on our knees with our face towards the ground, we should remove our shoes, and cover our heads with the proper head covering. Our private prayer sessions should be practiced three times a day. Examples of prayer are found in: John 17, Luke 9:16,18:10-14, Mark 14:35-36, 1 Timothy 2:8, Daniel 6:10, Psalm 55:17, and Psalm 5:3.
Women’s Hair and Head Coverings
1 Corinthians 11:3-16: Every man praying or prophesying, having his head fully covered (kata), dishonors his Head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head fully uncovered (akatakaluptos) dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not fully covered (katakalupto), let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be fully covered (katakalupto). For a man indeed ought not to fully cover (katakalupto) his head, since he is the image and glory of Aluahim; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels (aggello). Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Master. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from Aluahim. Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to Aluahim with her head fully uncovered (akatakaluptos)? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long decorated hair (komoa), it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long decorated hair (komoa), it is a glory to her; for her long decorated hair (kome) is given to her for a covering. But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of Aluahim.
We have already defined the Greek words used by Paul. The words kata and katakalupto refer to a headdress or some type of head covering that wraps around the head and then drapes downward. The words kome and komao refer to having long decorated hair. We have come to learn that YAHUAH gave both men and women hair on our heads for glory and honor. There is no such Scripture that commands a man to keep his hair short, but YAHUAH plainly tells us not to shave our head nor to cross dress (refer to Deuteronomy 22:5). A type of cross dressing would include, a man wearing a headdress that wraps around and down or decorating his hair in which a woman only is allowed to do. It was and still is common for women to braid their hair and decorate it with jewels and ornaments.
In ancient Hebrew times, both men and women would finely dress themselves for weddings. Women would put their finest garments and jewels on, decorate their hair, put a headdress over their head, and put a veil on their face. Men would also put their finest garment on and put a turban or bonnet on their head. The Prophet writes,
Isaiah 61:10: I will greatly rejoice in YAHUAH, my soul shall be joyful in my Aluahim; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a turban (paar), and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (keli).
The Hebrew word paar (#6287) is simply referring to a turban or bonnet that a man would wear for his wedding day. The Hebrew word keli (#3627) refers to all of the jewelry that the bride adorns herself with. This type of jewelry included: anklets, earrings, bracelets, nose jewels, scarves, headbands, sashes, rings, and a tiara (refer to Isaiah 3:18-23). From early on, it was natural for women to decorate both their hair and body with jewelry while the man did no such thing. A woman’s long decorated hair (i.e. braids, jewels, tiara, etc.) is given to her as both a covering and for glory and beauty. The man is not supposed to decorate his hair but rather cover it with a turban or bonnet.
Head coverings and veils have long time been worn by women to both hide their beauty and show a sign of respect to their head (both husband and Aluahim). When Rebekah notice a man that was not part of her tribe or family, she instantly covered herself. We read,
Genesis 24:64-65: Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, Who is this man walking in the field to meet us? The servant said, It is my master. So she took a veil (tsaiph) and covered herself (kasah).
A married woman is not supposed to flaunt her beauty but rather try to conceal herself out of respect for her head – that being her husband and also Aluahim. Therefore, it was common in ancient times for a married woman to always wear a head covering. If a man suspected that his wife committed adultery then the woman was to be tested by the priest in the presence of YAHUAH. We read,
Numbers 5:18: Then the priest shall stand the woman before YAHUAH, uncover the woman’s head (para), and put the offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy…
First, take note that the woman’s head was already covered implying that she regularly wore a headdress. The Hebrew word para (#6544) implies more than just taking off her head covering, but making her head naked in the sight of YAHUAH. This was meant to reveal anything that she might be hiding from her husband. Without a headdress a woman is considered to be naked for all her beauty to be seen. Of course, this is not the same kind of nakedness as nudity – revealing the body, but the covering of her head is a symbol of both honor and respect towards her head (husband and Aluahim).
This is why Paul writes, “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head fully uncovered dishonors her Head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved”. A shaved head on a woman is a sign of nakedness in which dishonors her head – both husband and Aluahim. Paul further goes on to use this analogy of a woman’s nakedness being revealed by saying, “Forasmuch it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her fully cover her head”. It is considered to be shameful for a woman to have a shaven head, and so, not only is she required to cover her nakedness, but she herself would want to cover her shamefulness in the sight of both YAHUAH and all of the church.
Paul continues by saying that a woman’s headdress is a symbol which shows the church that she has been granted the authority by Aluahim as a dedicated follower of Mashiach to prophesy within the church. It also shows that she abides by the Law (Torah) of Aluahim; that she honors her head (literally and figuratively), and conceals her beauty so that the rest of the church will not be stumbled. Paul writes, “Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority (exousia) on her head, because of the angels (aggello)”.
The word rendered as “symbol of authority” is the Greek word exousia. This is Strong’s Concordance number 1849 exousia: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power (from 1537/ek, “out from,” which intensifies 1510/eimí, “to be, being as a right or privilege”) – authority, conferred power; delegated empowerment (“authorization”), operating in a designated jurisdiction [i.e. a church]. In the NT, 1849 /eksousía (“delegated power”) refers to the authority Aluahim gives to His saints – authorizing them to act to the extent they are guided by faith (His revealed word).
Paul also uses the Greek word aggelos which is improperly translated in this passage as “angels”. This is Strong’s Concordance number 32, aggelos: angel, messenger. Derived from ago; compare agele. By implication, a pastor – angel, messenger. The Greek word aggelos comes from the word ago (#71): to lead, bring, carry. This word is compared to the Greek word agele (#34): a flock, herd.
In this specific verse, Paul is using the word aggelos as someone who leads the flock (i.e. a pastor). Paul is simply telling us that a woman Pastor or Prophetess (i.e. any woman in the church) must wear a head covering in order to show respect to both Aluahim (her Head) and along with the rest of the church members (being also her head). This headdress is worn as both a symbol of authority and also in order to not stumble her fellow brother or sister in Mashiach. This is why Paul ends the passage with, “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of Aluahim”.
Paul plainly tells us that there is no such custom within the church to allow a woman to be fully uncovered. This is shameful, unlawful, and could lead the flock astray. Paul’s very last sentence was the answer to the question he posed previously, when he wrote, “Is it proper for a woman to pray to Aluahim with her head fully uncovered”? The answer is, “we have no such custom, nor do the churches of Aluahim”.
The church or place of gathering is meant for the sole purpose of worship and praise to YAHUAH and fellowship amongst the members of the Body. Anything that can possibly stumble a fellow brother or sister in Mashiach is commanded to be removed from the church – or flock. Paul spent a considerable amount of time writing to the Gentile nations concerning stumbling blocks, and a follower of Mashiach (both a woman or man) who is improperly dressed can lead the flock astray.
As followers of Mashiach we are to dress appropriately and hold ourselves humbly, but this does not mean we cannot wear nice clothes or that a woman cannot decorate herself in any way. For Peter writes,
1 Peter 3:5: For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Aluahim, adorned (kosmeo) themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.
The word translated as “adorned” is Strong’s Concordance number 2885, kosmeo (from 2889/kósmos, “world”) – properly, to beautify, having the right arrangement (sequence) by ordering; to adorn, make compellingly attractive, very appealing (inviting, awesomely gorgeous). See 2889 (kosmos). [This term is the root of the English term, “cosmetics,” i.e. what adorns (“orders”) the face.]
Notice that the Greek word kosmeo is where the English word cosmetics was derived from. In no way does this word mean the same as it does today. Cosmetics is a broad word that encompasses any product used on the body to improve the appearance of a person. Applications such as make-up (i.e. painting of the face) is not what Peter is referring to. Peter is simply saying that holy women of the past, such as Sarah, used to adorn themselves with jewelry, headdresses, and clothing that enhanced their beauty. These adornments by no means were meant to seduce men like modern cosmetics are used for, but rather, to add a type of dignified beauty that showed both honor and respect to their head (both husband and Aluahim). The holy women of the past did not allow their outward beauty to supersede their integrity and submissiveness to their head (both husband and Aluahim). This is why Peter previously wrote,
1 Peter 3: Do not let your adornment be merely outward arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel. Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of Aluahim.
Aluahim created woman to be naturally beautiful, and Aluahim finds all of his creation beautiful. This includes the gemstones, the precious metals, and all of the materials made to weave fine linens and garments together as a covering. There is nothing wrong with showing gratitude towards Aluahim by using these creations as adornments. We must just remember that, “YAHUAH does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but YAHUAH looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). A woman must not forget to honor her head (husband and Aluahim) by wearing the proper head covering and by not keeping her hair too short or shaven. Of course, if you cannot grow your hair long for various reasons, then it is important to keep it covered with some type of headdress.
Interestingly, the short and bald hairstyles came straight from ancient Egypt. In the early Egyptian periods, women often times wore short hair, bobs, or even shaved their heads and wore wigs during special occasions. This brings up another topic, as modern Hasidic Jewish women wear wigs as a supposed head covering. This defeats the purpose of both covering her beauty for no one to see except her husband, and showing respect to her Head – Aluahim. This fairly new tradition amongst Jewish women is an ancient pagan Egyptian practice that has resurfaced.
In these last days, all of the ancient pagan practices that have been maintained in secret, will continue to be introduced into mainstream society. The Devil has deceived many people into openly transgressing YAHUAH’S Torah (Law), while making them believe that they are worshipping the Aluahim of the Bible, when in fact, they are completely disrespecting Him while shaming themselves.
So, can women wear casual hats? Just like men, women too can wear casual hats for practical purposes. For example; sun hats, bonnets, scarves, and beanies can be worn casually, but hats made specifically for men (i.e. sports caps) should not be worn. Women should not wear any type of clothing that is made for a man, and nor should a man wear any type of clothing that is made for a woman. When praying and prophesying it is important for a woman to cover her head completely with some type of headdress (i.e. hijab, scarf, turban, etc.) that wraps completely around and drapes down to cover her hair and neck.
Conclusion
The Scriptures tell us:
- That a man is permitted to have long hair or shorter hair.
- That a man with a beard should keep a fully intact beard and to never wear a goatee.
- That both men and women are not supposed to ever shave their head bald or wear pagan hairstyles such as: mohawks, high fades, and ‘the lock of youth’.
- That both men and women must cover their heads when praying, worshipping, and prophesying.
- That a man’s head covering must wrap completely around his head and upwards. For a man is from Aluahim (heaven).
- That a woman’s head covering must wrap completely around her head and downwards. For a women is from man (earth).
- That a woman can decorate her hair by wearing braids, tresses, or adornments.
- That a man cannot decorate his hair by wearing braids, tresses, or adornments.
- That every one of YAHUAH’S priests in New Yarushalam (both men and women) will be wearing white garments, a white turban, and a crown on top of the turban.
- That a follower of Mashiach (a Natsarim) must be very careful when obtaining any doctrine from the pagan trinitarian religions of Babylon the Great – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The True religion of our Creator is found in His Word, and it can only be obtained if we do not allow pagan traditions to influence our studies. May YAHUAH Aluahim guide you to better understand His Torah, and to know what is both permissible and forbidden for you to have a deeper more intimate relationship with Him.
