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.