1 Corinthians 11:15 and the Woman’s Hair as Glory

A woman’s hair is described in Scripture as her glory, symbolizing her honor, beauty, and identity. According to 1 Corinthians 11:15, “if a woman has long hair, it is her glory.” This cultural and spiritual understanding highlights the significance of hair as a deeply personal and valuable attribute for a woman.

When a woman unravels her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus, she is using her own glory to serve and honor Him. This act represents profound humility, as she lays down her pride and personal honor in an expression of devotion. In the cultural context of the ancient world, a woman would not normally unweave her hair in the presence of men, since doing so was considered immodest and disrespectful. By intentionally setting aside social norms and her own reputation, she demonstrates that her love and humility toward Jesus surpass all concerns for outward appearances or societal expectations ([22:13]).

Wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair is a tangible acknowledgment of His glory. Jesus is recognized as the one full of glory, coming from heaven, and her act symbolizes the recognition that His glory far exceeds her own. This willingness to humble herself before Him contrasts sharply with the attitudes of others who view her actions as wasteful or foolish. Yet, this act of worship is commended because it reflects a heart that understands and honors Jesus’ worth ([29:30]).

This example illustrates true worship as the complete giving of oneself, including one’s own honor, to Jesus. It affirms that genuine devotion involves surrendering pride and social decorum in recognition of the surpassing glory and worth of Christ.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Christ's Church, one of 9 churches in Effingham, IL