1 Corinthians 11:14, Nature Itself Teach You

1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Long hair for men was not the norm in Greek and Jewish culture. Gill observed, “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 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:”

Clarke also observes interestingly, “The Nazarites let their hair grow, but it was as a token of humiliation; and it is possible that St. Paul had this in view. There were consequently two reasons why the apostle should condemn this practice: – 1. Because it was a sign of humiliation; 2. Because it was womanish…After all it is possible that St. Paul may refer to dressed, frizzled and curled hair, which shallow and effeminate men might have affected in that time, as they do in this…Hear nature, common sense, and reason, and they will inform you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him.”

In our culture today, like it was during the Apostle Paul’s time, it is not natural for man to have long hair. He is appealing for a dignified manner in which man ought to present themselves whether in the world or in the church that brings honour and glory even by their hairstyle and not shame to Christ. Amen.