What Does the Bible Say About Head Coverings in the Old and New Testaments?

The biblical teaching on head coverings encompasses both the cultural customs of antiquity and timeless spiritual principles. While most believers immediately recall the well-known passage from the Epistle to the Corinthians, the Holy Scriptures contain numerous other mentions of headwear throughout the Old and New Testaments, revealing themes of honor, mourning, priesthood, and modesty.

Head Coverings in the New Testament: The Corinthian Context

The most detailed and virtually the only extensive theological discussion of this topic in the New Testament is found in 1 Corinthians 11. The Apostle Paul addresses a specific issue within a local congregation where confusion had arisen regarding roles in worship:

“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.” 1 Cor 11:4-5

Paul bases his argument for order in the church on creation, angels, and nature itself. Interestingly, toward the end of his reasoning, the apostle points to a natural covering:

“But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.” 1 Cor 11:15

In other New Testament passages, the focus shifts from physical headwear to the inner state of the heart. For instance, the apostles Paul and Peter encourage women to exercise restraint in hairstyles and adornment, emphasizing the beauty of a gentle spirit:

“in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” 1 Tim 2:9

The Old Testament: A Sign of Chastity and the Marriage Covenant

In patriarchal times, the veil served as a symbol of special status, modesty, and readiness for marriage. A classic example is Rebekah’s meeting with Isaac:

“and she 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 and covered herself.” Gen 24:65

At the same time, the absence or removal of a veil could be perceived as a disgrace or a suspicion of infidelity. The book of Numbers describes the law of jealousy, in which the priest uncovered the head of a woman undergoing the trial:

“Then the priest shall stand the woman before the Lord, uncover the woman’s head...” Num 5:18

Priestly Vestments and Expressions of Mourning

The Old Testament pays close attention to men's headwear when it comes to the service of the tabernacle. The priests and the high priest were required to wear special head coverings, turbans or mitres, as a sign of holiness and glory:

God commanded that headbands be made for Aaron’s sons for glory and beauty, and a special turban for the high priest. Exod 28:36-40

Apart from worship, covering the head in ancient Israel was a widely recognized expression of deep sorrow, shame, or repentance. When King David fled from his rebellious son Absalom, he demonstrated his grief in just this way:

“So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.” 2 Sam 15:30

Similar imagery appears in the prophets, where men covering their heads signaled national calamity, drought, or despair (see Jer 14:3-4).

The Seventh-day Adventist Perspective and Practical Application

Examining the biblical context, Adventist commentators generally understand that the outward forms specific to first-century Corinthian culture were intended to preserve moral purity and clear gender distinctions. In the Greco-Roman world of that era, a woman’s uncovered head in public was often associated with courtesans or a rejection of marital authority.

Ellen White, whose prophetic gift Adventists understand to be subordinate to Scripture, emphasized that the dress of God’s people should be marked by modesty, simplicity, neatness, and healthfulness, avoiding the extremes of worldly fashion. God looks upon the heart, and our outward appearance reflects our inner godliness.

Today, it is vital for believers to grasp the enduring principles behind these texts: mutual respect within the family, order and reverence during worship, and modesty and propriety in personal attire. Upholding these biblical values fosters peace within the Christian community and brings glory to the Creator.