1 Corinthians 11:14

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
1 Corinthians 11:14 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, etc.] By nature is either meant, the law and light of nature, reason in man, common sense, or rather custom, which is second nature; and which, in this case, must be restrained to the Greeks and Jews; for though among the Grecians the men cut their hair, and did not suffer it to grow long, as also did the Jews, yet there were many nations f225 who did not, even at that time, observe such a rule or custom; but as the Jews and Greeks were the persons chiefly, if not solely, known to the Corinthians, the apostle signifies, that the usages of these people might direct and inform them in this matter: that if a man have long hair it is a shame unto him; he…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The fact that nature has provided woman, and not man, with long hair, proves that man was designed to be uncovered, and woman covered. The Nazarite, however, wore long hair lawfully, as being part of a vow sanctioned by God (Num 6:5). Compare as to Absalom, Sa2 14:26, and Act 18:18.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Doth not even nature itself - The word nature (φύσις phusis) denotes evidently that sense of propriety which all men have, and which is expressed in any prevailing or universal custom. That which is universal we say is according to nature. It is such as is demanded by the natural sense of fitness among people. Thus, we may say that nature demands that the sexes should wear different kinds of dress; that nature demands that the female should be modest and retiring; that nature demands that the toils of the chase, of the field, of war - the duties of office, of government and of professional life, should be discharged by people. Such are in general the customs the world over; and if any…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For a man to have long hair, carefully adjusted, is such a mark of effeminacy as is a disgrace to him. 1 Corinthians 11:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:14 Isn’t it obvious? (literally Doesn’t nature itself teach you?): In Paul’s culture, men would never wear long hair.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“if: Sa2 14:26 it is: Co1 14:35 1 Corinthians 11:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification