This article attempts to translate properly the word exousia in 1 Corinthians 11:10: "For this reason the woman ought to have exousia over her head, because of the angels." There are no valid reasons to translate the word exousia in 1 Cor 11:10 as "veil." Instead, makes a case for "a woman ought to have freedom over her head." Paul, who elsewhere disallowed circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath observance as spiritual status symbols would not have created such a status symbol himself in the form of women's headcoverings. It was the Corinthians who were insisting on conformity to a locally devised practice, while Paul was characteristically insisting on freedom. Hence, "a woman ought to be free to wear a veil or not, as she wishes."

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CHRISTIANS FOR BIBLICAL EQUALITY
Priscilla Papers
Volume 17:1, Winter 2003
6 pages