Recently some discussion came up with fellow parishioners regarding the verse in Corinthians (ESV) where a woman is to have her head covered. Specifically in verse 10.
10That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
Emphasis is mine regarding the angels. But this definitely makes things interesting. Why should women cover their heads as a symbol of authority, because of the angels? And where else in scripture is this sort of thing even discussed?
Our men’s group at our church is currently going through the book of Jude as this weeks assignment. It was verses 5-7 that caught my eye.
5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. (ESV)
Most of the studies on the topic that are found around the web are usually in agreement that it is referring to the fallen angels. Now looking at verse 6 in the King James Version it has been translated as so.
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation” KJV
Could this not only be referring to fallen angels, but specifically the Nephilim? Would not the Nephilim have to leave their habitat of the heavenly realm and enter the earthly realm in that they should be able to breed with human women as stated in these verses?
1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Gen. 6:1-4)
The term “sons of God” has been debated over for some time. Many believe this is a reference to the race of angels, while others believe it is in reference to the godly line of Seth. 01
Some use Matthew 22:30 as an argument against “sons of God” referring to fallen angels, since they feel it would be inconsistent by stating that angels marry humans. I personally feel this is a weak argument, as I believe Jesus is referring to there being no marriage in the heavenly realm. In context, should an angel enter the earthly realm, they would now be able to wed and procreate.
Another interesting point is where Paul states as a matter of fact, that we’ll be judging angels? (1 Corinthians 6:3) We can only assume since there is no explanation, that it was common knowledge in his day. Our assumptions would lie in the idea that they were familiar on dealing with Nephilim throughout their history, and knew that the Nephilim had violated the human covenant community through interbreeding and thus would fall under the community’s judgment.
Very interesting point, that I find myself having to consider as a possible truth.
After church recently, the question was raised to the teaching elder at my church, Dr Brian Abshire, on why would a woman be commanded to cover her head “because of the angels”. His response was thought provoking. He stated that it could possibly be in reference to the Nephilim. In that it could have been a outward sign on behalf of human women, that they were in no way available or open to the idea of being with an angel or other half-breeds.
As I’m sure you know, the study of Nephilim is an interesting one. I would be interested in any suggestions or interpretations any readers may have.
– Update June 22nd, 2009
Heard a great podcast regarding a woman having her head covered. Essentially that it referred to a woman only teaching other women, as well as a woman being “under the cover” of her husband.
Ted Fletcher
February 26th, 2009
Very thought provoking text! I have thought of this in recent years as I have studied the bible. Two logical conclusions, although un-substantiated, first: After the fall could Adam and Eve have multiplied the earth through inbreeding in a timely manner? Although many lived 800-900 years it is highly logical that this verse in gen. references the population of the earth being multiplied through Angels, specifically the Nephalim. Similar happenings could be logically concluded at Babel even as a stretch. I have not found this in scripture, just my thought.
Second, with all of the in-breeding could the giants and men of renown been original man? We were created different? Maybe after all the brothers with sisters and their kids what you have left over is modern day man. We might be the bottom of the pool! This deformity we now now might have needed to been covered up as grotesque!
Unfortunately scripture is not perfectly clear as to whom the Nephalim are or how long it took for Adam and Eve to multiply the earth. Further the timeline between the flood and Babel is not recorded, so we must be cautious not to jump to conclusions, but keep the text in context.
The Jude passage assumes the reader knows that Jesus Christ was before he is. Saving Israel out of captivity. With this as background the targeted audience must know Old testament. Would they know this referred to the genesis passage? As far as Paul states we (humans) judge the angels I believe this is part of the mystery he often referres to. That the Mystery hidden in Christ is being revealed to the Angels and principalities through the Church. (Eph3)
Their is so much going on that we are unable to understand or discern apart from the Holy Spirit opening our eyes.
I’m going to stop writing. Keep up the good work and thank you for giving a thought provoking topic. I love having more reasons to study scripture.
Kate
May 3rd, 2009
Hi! I found your blog in a VERY round about way. ;o)
I have friends who are considering purchasing a Christian retreat near Spirit Lake… so I searched for photos in flickr of the area. Found your flickr page, read your profile and found that you are a Christian who had a blog… and whalaa. You remind me of my oldest son.. who’s also a computer techie guy and loves to hunt and think about theology.
So you asked for thoughts regarding suggestions or interpretations and a couple teachers I’ve read that have discussed this topic (arriving at opposite conclusions) are Wayne Grudem in his book ‘Systematic Theology’… if I recall correctly he basically affirms the ’sons of God’ = line of Seth idea. But you might enjoy reading his perspective.
The other is a teacher in your neck of the woods (Coer d’Alene) named Chuck Missler. He has a bible study and current events ministry, mostly to Calvary Chapel leaning Christians. He’s got a study on the Nephilim that is very thought provoking. He’s a smart and interesting teacher… and it’s possible you have knowledge of him and his work on this subject, but if not you might enjoy checking out his theories.
His materials are available through Koinonia House.
Here’s a link to some of his teaching on the Nephilim that is available free to listen to on your computer. http://www.khouse.org/6640/BP052/
I have no idea if either of these men’s interpretations are the correct one, but it sure is fun to think about.
Blessings!
Kate in Arizona
Chad Coleman
May 3rd, 2009
Thank you Kate for your input. I’ll have to check out both of these folks.
Lois
May 21st, 2009
Dear Chad,
I heard on the History Channel that this reference to women covering their heads because of the angels DID go back to when women and angels interbred. I don’t know which of the shows it was on, I have quite a few of the shows based on the Bible copied on DVD. I will try to let you know if I come across it.
Lois
Chad Coleman
May 24th, 2009
Hi Louis,
As much as I love the History Channel, I cannot take any of their biblical shows seriously. As to be expected from any secular organization, they only work to undermine scripture.