What does 1 Corinthians 11:6 mean when it says if a woman is not covered she should be shorn?
In the culture of that day, an uncovered woman publicly identified with prostitutes who removed their head coverings. Paul argues that if a woman rejects covering, she might as well be shorn; but since being shaved is shameful, she should instead remain covered.
Les explains that in the culture of that day, a woman out in public without a head covering was like the prostitutes who flaunted themselves by removing their coverings and unveiling their profession. Paul is dealing with that mindset, which impacted 99.9% of the population. Verse 6 says if a woman is not covered, let her be shorn or shaved; but if it is a shame for a woman to be shaved, then let her be covered. Les points out that if a woman realizes it is not becoming to have her hair all shaved off and be placed at the same level as the prostitutes, she will choose to be covered. He calls this common sense. He also notes that today custom has changed our interpretation, but the passage is still part of the Word of God.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
More Questions
Why is Paul's instruction about a woman being shorn or shaved in 1 Corinthians 11:6 sensible?
Paul's instruction in verse 6 is sensible: since a woman would find it shameful and unbecoming to have her head shaved, and it would put her on the same level as prostitutes, she should be covered.
What would a shaved head indicate about a woman in that culture?
If a woman shaved her head, she would be making herself right down at the same level with the prostitutes.