Definition: But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Corinthians 11:5. It's a really important and somewhat complex verse, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.” Let's unpack each part: "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered..." – This means a woman who’s praying or using the spiritual gift of prophecy (which is essentially speaking about God and future events) without covering her head. “Uncovered” here implies being open, vulnerable, and perhaps a little less formal. "...with [her] head" - This emphasizes that it's specifically a woman doing this. "...dishonoureth her head:" – This is the key part. "Dishonour" means to be disgraced, to be treated with disrespect or contempt. “Her head” refers to her spiritual identity and authority as a woman in the church. "...for that is even all one as if she were shaven." – This is where it gets really interesting. It’s comparing a woman's spiritual standing to a shaved head. The idea is: a woman who prays or prophesies without covering her head is equal in importance and authority to a man. Think of it like this: A shaved head: Represents a man – strong, authoritative, and self-assured. A woman praying/prophesying with her head uncovered: Represents a woman – a person filled with spiritual power and authority. So, the whole verse is essentially saying that women who engage in prayer and prophecy should always be mindful of their public image and avoid appearing overly informal or lacking respect. It’s encouraging humility and not letting one's spirituality overshadow her outward appearance. Why is this important? This passage was written to protect women in the early church from being treated as less valuable than men. It was a way for Paul to remind them of their spiritual significance and to encourage them to maintain a dignified presence, even when they were leading prayers and speaking about God. In essence, it’s a call for grace – that God sees women with equal worth regardless of their outward presentation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible passages? Discuss the historical context of this passage?