Is it possible that the length of a person's hair could have anything to do with pleasing God?
Such an idea may at first seem strange. But before the question is dismissed, it would be wise to consider two statements of scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 states "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."
In the Bible, divinely appointed symbols represents things. The night Jesus was betrayed, for example, He gave His disciples bread to eat and a cup to drink.
God has chosen for the length of people's hair to symbolize their relationship with Him and the authority He has placed over them. The truth is represented in 1st Corinthians 11:3-16.
THE PRINCIPLE OF AUTHORITY
The subject of 1st Corinthians 11:13-16 is AUTHORITY: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ: and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" (verse 3). This verse introduces and provides the basis for the following discussion about covering the head.
"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head." (verse 4) Christ is man's head. It is therefore Christ who is dishonored if a man prays or prophesies with a covered head.
"But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven." (verse 5)
The man (husband or father) is the head of the woman (wife or daughter). It is therefore the man who is dishonored if a woman prays or prophesies with uncovered head. This dishonor is the same as if her head were shaven.
Not only is it a shame if the woman is shaven, but it is equally a shame if she is shorn. "For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered." (verse 6). The word "shorn" is simply the past participle of "shear", which means "to cut". This is the meaning of the Greek word keiro, from which "shorn" is translated.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
What is the Biblical basis of this teaching?
"For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, foreasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man". (verse 7). God has chosen that a man's uncovered head reflects His image and glory in man; woman's covered head reflects the glory of the man.
This reflected glory is based on the order at creation. "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man"(verse 8-9).
These things are important even in the spiritual realm as is revealed in the next statement: " For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels: (verse 10). Angels are spirits. It is not just in the physical realm that the authority represented by the length of hair is important; even angels take note of a person's obedience or disobedience in this matter.
After establishing the divine order of creation and of authority, the passage affirms that a man and a woman are equally important to each other and of equal value in the kingdom of God. (verse 11-12)
THE COVERING
The inspired Apostle Paul believed the church at Corinth would naturally understand the validity of his teaching on this subject: "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? (verse 13). He did not think this should be a surprise to Christians, for the lesson of a clear distinction between male and female in this matter is deeply rooted even in nature: " Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (verse 14-15).
On the other hand, it is a shame for a man if he allows his hair to grow uncut. For a man to cut his hair reflects his submission to Christ; uncut hair on a man symbolizes rebellion against Christ.
The covering mentioned in this passage is the woman's uncut hair. Verse 15 is the only place the word "covering" (a noun), appears in the passage. Previously, the words "uncovered" and "covered" appear. These two words are adjectives; they do not specifically declare what is the covering. But verse 15 specifically says, "Her hair is given her for a covering." Thus, if a woman cuts or shaves the hair on her head, it is in the eyes of God a shameful dishonor to her father or husband. If a man allows his hair to grow long, it is also a shameful dishonor to Christ.
CONTENTION
Contention is always the result of pride (Proverbs 13:10). If any man proudly argues against this teaching, he needs to realise that none of the churches had a custom of allowing men to pray or prophesy with their heads covered with long, uncut hair. Nor did they permit women to pray or prophesy unless their heads were covered with long, uncut hair.
CONCLUSION
The sincere person who wishes to please God will want to obey His Word in every respect. A man will cut his hair while a woman will allow hers to grow, because these symbols represent their relationship to God and to God-given authority.
If you are a bit observant, you will realise that some Pentecostal churches, as their doctrine, let their ladies cover their hair with scarf etc. when they are in worship. They got the idea from the Scripture we have just read. What, however, did not become clear to them was what to use to cover the lady's head (not to cover the lady's hair), 1st Corinthians 11:15. The hair, not the scarf, is her covering according to scriptures. So, if she cuts her hair, she is uncovered. If she leaves her hair long, she is covered. The choice for a scarf etc. should be a personal choice. Scarf for a covering has no doctrinal requirement.
God bless you.