Modest Dress and the Woman's Head Covering
Posted 02-06-2015 at 07:12 PM by NT Fellowship
“Come as you are!” is an almost-sacred slogan in America. Few state laws regulate dress; with the exception of total nudity. Parents often hesitate to direct young people on how to dress. Most schools have dropped their dress codes. Few churches today provide guidelines for people’s appearances. In fact, when schools or churches try to establish a dress code, they are often met with fierce opposition. “Unfair!” “Unreasonable!” “Legalistic!,” and “Old fashioned!” are typical responses.
Interestingly, requirements of modesty, deportment, and, yes, structured appearance are still to be found. Ever notice the Secret Service surrounding a President? They are always in best business dress. The UPS man or woman coming to your door is absolutely recognizable. It would be odd to receive a speeding ticket from an officer that looks like he’s ready to go surfing. A sailor in the U.S. Navy is distinguishable from the Roto-Rooter man or an employee from MacDonald’s. Why is that? Dress codes provide clean, uniform appearances that do not distract people from their jobs. These regulations are often also required for safety sake, both for the employee and others who need to know who they are dealing with.
From the earliest times, Christian men and women dressed in distinctive ways. Look at photographs and paintings of Christian people from various church backgrounds and times. You’ll see a similarity. They did not necessarily dress in a uniform, but abided by modesty (covering the majority of the body), clothing particular to their sex (no “unisex” look), and often—at least for church services—the women wore head coverings.
Where did these ideas come from? Was it oppressive church leaders, who wanted everyone to look alike? Not generally. Were these fashion statements which pressured the public to look a certain way? Hardly.
God has always had a people, and He has always clothed them and regulated their dress.
In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned, God got rid of their paltry coverings of fig leaves. Killing two animals, He created outfits of skins to more completely, modestly cover them. Obviously, God wasn’t impressed with their bikini and G-string.
In Genesis 35, Jacob instructed his family to get rid of their jewelry, bathe, and put on fresh garments before worshiping God. Modesty, cleanliness and humility were understood as appropriate dress for followers of Elohim.
The Lord Jehovah had specific guidance for how the people of Israel should dress. He forbade women wearing the same kind of clothing that men wore; and vice versa. Cross-dressing and unisex clothing are an offense to God! It is confusion, and denies how each are created. The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God (Deut 22:5).
The Hebrews were to wear layered garments that completely covered their bodies, with tassels at the ends (Num. 15:37-41). They were to refrain from tattoos and the odd haircuts of the heathen nations (Lev 19:26-28). Priests were specifically commanded to wear undergarments that are similar to “long johns”, so when they went up the stairs of the altar, they would not reveal their “hidden parts” (Exo 28:42). These undergarments were not considered appropriate clothing to be seen in by others; because it was considered nakedness (to be unclothed—see 1 Sam 19:24; Isa 20:2; John 21:7).
Men and women of the Old Testament covered their heads outdoors. It offered protection from the weather. For women it was customary to wear it at all times, a sign of modesty and respect (Gen 24:64-65; Num 5:18; Ruth 3:15; Isa 47:1-3).
Jewelry was sometimes used in the Old Testament as a form of money (like the woman’s lost coins, in Luke 15). The signet ring might be worn by a wealthy man, if he was transacting business. He would not wear it for appearances. Adornment with jewelry was a practice of idol worshipers. When Jewish women wore fancy clothes and jewelry (ie: bangles on the ankles and wrists, nose rings and earrings, necklaces, many changes of fashionable clothing, etc), it was in opposition to God’s commands, not in keeping with them (Isa 3).
As far as make-up, the only time its use is in Scripture is in conjunction with wicked women like Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37; Jer 4:30). Certainly not an example for a godly woman!
“Well, that was the Old Testament. We live in the ‘age of grace’ now.” This is a typical response some give to a teaching on clothes, jewelry, make-up and head coverings. But is that what the New Testament says? Let’s examine the teachings of Jesus through His apostles carefully.
We begin with Titus 2. There is an exhortation to the “aged men” and “aged women” to be the examples in the Church. It says, But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women…(Titus 2:1-4a).
Why is there confusion in churches today about modesty, and whether or not a woman should have her head covered? Largely because the “aged men and women” did not uphold God’s standard! Under pressure to modernize, to “get with it,” and not be seen as “legalistic,” dress guidelines were either dropped or minimized. Hence, professing Christians look like everyone else in the world. Nakedness abounds! (ie: bikinis, shorts, mid-drift tops, mini-skirts, sagging jeans, tight pants, etc.) A dirty, careless appearance (the permanent “5 o’clock shadow”, rumpled T-shirt and baggy, holey jeans) is popular with men. And with the “Come as you are!” slogan of life, people sometimes show up at worship meetings in scanty clothing: shorts, flip-flops and barely-there tops!
If you are old enough to be a parent, you are old enough to be a standard-bearer in your home, and an influence for holiness in your church. If you are old enough to be a grandparent, you should be a standard-bearer of holiness in your congregation! Shame on you, Sir or Ma’am, if you come to church as made-up, bejeweled, richly (or slovenly) attired as Hollywood!
1 Timothy 2:9-10 gives clear guidance on the subject. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Bearing in mind that clothing changed little in the centuries between the Old and New Testaments, we can glean the teachings of the Old and adapt them to New Testament patterns.
Women who love Jesus Christ as their Saviour are to be beautifully, modestly dressed—clothed so she does not reveal that which should only be seen by her husband. Provocative necklines, hemlines that reveal the legs, and skin-tight clothes revealing the figure are forbidden in Scripture; never to be worn by a Christian.
Shamefacedness and sobriety are words that describe a humble woman who is not trying to attract the attention of others. Modest clothes speak of a girl or woman who is unassuming, pure and godly. Costly array is to be avoided. It is “dressing to kill”: wearing expensive, eye-catching clothes.
Braided hair is fine; so long as it isn’t bejeweled and made to draw attention. Make-up and hair coloring are equal to bejeweled hair...trying to look like something you are not.
Mike Allison wrote of 1 Timothy 2, “Since the women are to pray everywhere, they must be dressed modestly everywhere. Webster defines modest as ‘chaste; decent...not displaying one's body.’ Modest attire is expected from a woman professing godliness. ‘Shamefacedness’ is really "shamefastness" — standing fast in modesty, not self-assertive or bold, nor flaunting personal charms in a
way that careless, godless women of the world do.” (www.preacherscorner.org/Allison)
Consider now 1 Peter 3:1-5: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands...While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Christian women are to dress modestly to show they are in subjection to their own husbands (or if unmarried, fathers or church leaders). An immodest wife dishonors her husband...like a prostitute, her dress incites the lust of others.
A godly woman is not painted up, bejeweled and dressed in elegance; her beauty is in simplicity, modesty, and holiness. Her Christian character (Gal 5:22-23) and reverence for God and His Word are like a holy, lovely garment about her. She displays a loveliness that cannot be marred by time; because it is the beauty of holiness, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Corinthians 11 gives an “ordinance” (ie: command, vs 2) regarding the woman’s Headship covering. According to verse 3, God is in charge over creation. God the Father is over Jesus Christ, the Son. He in turn is Head over the man, who is leader (head) of the woman. This does not mean the woman has any less of a standing than a man toward her relationship with God. But, just as every nation, business, school, etc. has a leader and a model of operations in that leadership; this is God’s leadership order for the church and home. The man and woman are heirs together of the grace of life (1 Pet 3:7); so he is to be gentle, understanding and honor her in his leadership. She, in turn, acts as his “help” (Gen 2:18); offering prayer support, encouragement, and her God-given wisdom for input. In the end, there can only be one head; and God ordains that it be the man.
A symbol of acceptance of this leadership is given by the woman growing her hair long, and wearing a “covering” on her head (1 Cor 11:5-15). For a woman to cut her hair (trimming or cutting it off), is a shame to her, the Bible says. The man’s hair is supposed to be cut short, for that would be shameful. Neither is he to cover his head for prayer (1 Cor 11:4,7,14).
Is this covering only for married women? Does she do this at a certain age, or once she is born again? Or is this for all who are born women? The Greek indicates the female sex; so we believe that little girls should be “covered” as well.
Whoever heard of such a thing?!—some might ask. Years ago, most professing Christian women wore head-coverings; at the very least to worship meetings. Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Cngregationalists and others used to recognize this Biblical practice. Eastern European Baptists and Pentecostals wear a scarf-like snood (or batiste) even today. Conservative Anabaptists (Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite and old German Brethren, Charity); some Primitive Baptist and Apostolic Pentecostal women, and many Messianic women cover their heads, too. Plymouth Brethren, Scotch/Irish Presbyterian and some Dutch Reformed women wear a type of doily-covering for church services only. The important thing to ask is—what does the Bible say?
Am I saying a woman who doesn’t cover her head isn’t a Christian? No, but I am saying that we need to observe all of God’s commands to receive His blessings.
Simplicity and shamefacedness. Modesty of heart and appearance. Humility in attitude and garment. These godly qualities must be in the heart, or the form (clothing/covering) is hypocrisy. Nevertheless, let us embrace all of God’s exhortations, and not prefer one over the other. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Pet 1:15-16)
See also: Riches of His Grace articles: “God’s Dress Code,” “Modesty,” “The Sin of Nakedness’ by Robert W. Reed. Also Robert W. Reed’s “Headcovering Series” (Sermonaudio.com)
--Pastor David and Tamra Lee, NT Fellowship
Interestingly, requirements of modesty, deportment, and, yes, structured appearance are still to be found. Ever notice the Secret Service surrounding a President? They are always in best business dress. The UPS man or woman coming to your door is absolutely recognizable. It would be odd to receive a speeding ticket from an officer that looks like he’s ready to go surfing. A sailor in the U.S. Navy is distinguishable from the Roto-Rooter man or an employee from MacDonald’s. Why is that? Dress codes provide clean, uniform appearances that do not distract people from their jobs. These regulations are often also required for safety sake, both for the employee and others who need to know who they are dealing with.
From the earliest times, Christian men and women dressed in distinctive ways. Look at photographs and paintings of Christian people from various church backgrounds and times. You’ll see a similarity. They did not necessarily dress in a uniform, but abided by modesty (covering the majority of the body), clothing particular to their sex (no “unisex” look), and often—at least for church services—the women wore head coverings.
Where did these ideas come from? Was it oppressive church leaders, who wanted everyone to look alike? Not generally. Were these fashion statements which pressured the public to look a certain way? Hardly.
God has always had a people, and He has always clothed them and regulated their dress.
In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned, God got rid of their paltry coverings of fig leaves. Killing two animals, He created outfits of skins to more completely, modestly cover them. Obviously, God wasn’t impressed with their bikini and G-string.
In Genesis 35, Jacob instructed his family to get rid of their jewelry, bathe, and put on fresh garments before worshiping God. Modesty, cleanliness and humility were understood as appropriate dress for followers of Elohim.
The Lord Jehovah had specific guidance for how the people of Israel should dress. He forbade women wearing the same kind of clothing that men wore; and vice versa. Cross-dressing and unisex clothing are an offense to God! It is confusion, and denies how each are created. The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God (Deut 22:5).
The Hebrews were to wear layered garments that completely covered their bodies, with tassels at the ends (Num. 15:37-41). They were to refrain from tattoos and the odd haircuts of the heathen nations (Lev 19:26-28). Priests were specifically commanded to wear undergarments that are similar to “long johns”, so when they went up the stairs of the altar, they would not reveal their “hidden parts” (Exo 28:42). These undergarments were not considered appropriate clothing to be seen in by others; because it was considered nakedness (to be unclothed—see 1 Sam 19:24; Isa 20:2; John 21:7).
Men and women of the Old Testament covered their heads outdoors. It offered protection from the weather. For women it was customary to wear it at all times, a sign of modesty and respect (Gen 24:64-65; Num 5:18; Ruth 3:15; Isa 47:1-3).
Jewelry was sometimes used in the Old Testament as a form of money (like the woman’s lost coins, in Luke 15). The signet ring might be worn by a wealthy man, if he was transacting business. He would not wear it for appearances. Adornment with jewelry was a practice of idol worshipers. When Jewish women wore fancy clothes and jewelry (ie: bangles on the ankles and wrists, nose rings and earrings, necklaces, many changes of fashionable clothing, etc), it was in opposition to God’s commands, not in keeping with them (Isa 3).
As far as make-up, the only time its use is in Scripture is in conjunction with wicked women like Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37; Jer 4:30). Certainly not an example for a godly woman!
“Well, that was the Old Testament. We live in the ‘age of grace’ now.” This is a typical response some give to a teaching on clothes, jewelry, make-up and head coverings. But is that what the New Testament says? Let’s examine the teachings of Jesus through His apostles carefully.
We begin with Titus 2. There is an exhortation to the “aged men” and “aged women” to be the examples in the Church. It says, But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women…(Titus 2:1-4a).
Why is there confusion in churches today about modesty, and whether or not a woman should have her head covered? Largely because the “aged men and women” did not uphold God’s standard! Under pressure to modernize, to “get with it,” and not be seen as “legalistic,” dress guidelines were either dropped or minimized. Hence, professing Christians look like everyone else in the world. Nakedness abounds! (ie: bikinis, shorts, mid-drift tops, mini-skirts, sagging jeans, tight pants, etc.) A dirty, careless appearance (the permanent “5 o’clock shadow”, rumpled T-shirt and baggy, holey jeans) is popular with men. And with the “Come as you are!” slogan of life, people sometimes show up at worship meetings in scanty clothing: shorts, flip-flops and barely-there tops!
If you are old enough to be a parent, you are old enough to be a standard-bearer in your home, and an influence for holiness in your church. If you are old enough to be a grandparent, you should be a standard-bearer of holiness in your congregation! Shame on you, Sir or Ma’am, if you come to church as made-up, bejeweled, richly (or slovenly) attired as Hollywood!
1 Timothy 2:9-10 gives clear guidance on the subject. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Bearing in mind that clothing changed little in the centuries between the Old and New Testaments, we can glean the teachings of the Old and adapt them to New Testament patterns.
Women who love Jesus Christ as their Saviour are to be beautifully, modestly dressed—clothed so she does not reveal that which should only be seen by her husband. Provocative necklines, hemlines that reveal the legs, and skin-tight clothes revealing the figure are forbidden in Scripture; never to be worn by a Christian.
Shamefacedness and sobriety are words that describe a humble woman who is not trying to attract the attention of others. Modest clothes speak of a girl or woman who is unassuming, pure and godly. Costly array is to be avoided. It is “dressing to kill”: wearing expensive, eye-catching clothes.
Braided hair is fine; so long as it isn’t bejeweled and made to draw attention. Make-up and hair coloring are equal to bejeweled hair...trying to look like something you are not.
Mike Allison wrote of 1 Timothy 2, “Since the women are to pray everywhere, they must be dressed modestly everywhere. Webster defines modest as ‘chaste; decent...not displaying one's body.’ Modest attire is expected from a woman professing godliness. ‘Shamefacedness’ is really "shamefastness" — standing fast in modesty, not self-assertive or bold, nor flaunting personal charms in a
way that careless, godless women of the world do.” (www.preacherscorner.org/Allison)
Consider now 1 Peter 3:1-5: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands...While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Christian women are to dress modestly to show they are in subjection to their own husbands (or if unmarried, fathers or church leaders). An immodest wife dishonors her husband...like a prostitute, her dress incites the lust of others.
A godly woman is not painted up, bejeweled and dressed in elegance; her beauty is in simplicity, modesty, and holiness. Her Christian character (Gal 5:22-23) and reverence for God and His Word are like a holy, lovely garment about her. She displays a loveliness that cannot be marred by time; because it is the beauty of holiness, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Corinthians 11 gives an “ordinance” (ie: command, vs 2) regarding the woman’s Headship covering. According to verse 3, God is in charge over creation. God the Father is over Jesus Christ, the Son. He in turn is Head over the man, who is leader (head) of the woman. This does not mean the woman has any less of a standing than a man toward her relationship with God. But, just as every nation, business, school, etc. has a leader and a model of operations in that leadership; this is God’s leadership order for the church and home. The man and woman are heirs together of the grace of life (1 Pet 3:7); so he is to be gentle, understanding and honor her in his leadership. She, in turn, acts as his “help” (Gen 2:18); offering prayer support, encouragement, and her God-given wisdom for input. In the end, there can only be one head; and God ordains that it be the man.
A symbol of acceptance of this leadership is given by the woman growing her hair long, and wearing a “covering” on her head (1 Cor 11:5-15). For a woman to cut her hair (trimming or cutting it off), is a shame to her, the Bible says. The man’s hair is supposed to be cut short, for that would be shameful. Neither is he to cover his head for prayer (1 Cor 11:4,7,14).
Is this covering only for married women? Does she do this at a certain age, or once she is born again? Or is this for all who are born women? The Greek indicates the female sex; so we believe that little girls should be “covered” as well.
Whoever heard of such a thing?!—some might ask. Years ago, most professing Christian women wore head-coverings; at the very least to worship meetings. Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Cngregationalists and others used to recognize this Biblical practice. Eastern European Baptists and Pentecostals wear a scarf-like snood (or batiste) even today. Conservative Anabaptists (Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite and old German Brethren, Charity); some Primitive Baptist and Apostolic Pentecostal women, and many Messianic women cover their heads, too. Plymouth Brethren, Scotch/Irish Presbyterian and some Dutch Reformed women wear a type of doily-covering for church services only. The important thing to ask is—what does the Bible say?
Am I saying a woman who doesn’t cover her head isn’t a Christian? No, but I am saying that we need to observe all of God’s commands to receive His blessings.
Simplicity and shamefacedness. Modesty of heart and appearance. Humility in attitude and garment. These godly qualities must be in the heart, or the form (clothing/covering) is hypocrisy. Nevertheless, let us embrace all of God’s exhortations, and not prefer one over the other. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Pet 1:15-16)
See also: Riches of His Grace articles: “God’s Dress Code,” “Modesty,” “The Sin of Nakedness’ by Robert W. Reed. Also Robert W. Reed’s “Headcovering Series” (Sermonaudio.com)
--Pastor David and Tamra Lee, NT Fellowship
