Q

[ginger2]

theoretically
an adult female grown in and surviving within the secular world
who had sought out local, as well as far reaching 'church' groups,
not finding a spiritual fit among traditional churches,
communal groups, or various levels of the "plain" people
at various times in adulthood either single or
married by the usual american government license
to male with no real concept or concern for headship or other biblical things

who is this womans headcovering?

if she were to wear a physical headcovering, would it have any real meaning at all?

 

[steve]

Sadly enough, whom even she is married to (in the Biblical sense) is her covering. No matter how inadequate.
That is why it is so important to choose wisely.

Not wearing has even more meaning, imo.

 

[Slumberfreeze]

I pledge allegiance to my flag whether or not I agree with the government that defends it, and we render to Caesar what is his whether or not he cares. When it comes to symbols of authority, we do what is right to fulfill all righteousness. They have meaning to the ones who matter.

 

[ginger2]

during the periods of "singlehood"
after receiving a legal divorce from the man
who is the/ has her 'headship' then ?

(this happens A LOT in our society)

 

[Shibboleth]

Numbers 30 says a lot about men taking responsibility for women (whether her father or husband). Nestled in there is this verse:

Numbers 30: 9. "But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, [even] everything with which she has bound her soul, shall stand against her."

 

[aineo]

@Shibboleth - I was going to point to that too. There are cases, as I understand it, where a woman is not under the headship of a man.

Regarding whether this has an impact on headcovering or not, I am not able to speak to that.

 

[Shibboleth]

I was actually thinking of @Slumberfreeze 's example of a flag. Although I don't personally say the pledge of allegience anymore (due to the potential for making a false vow), I don't have much problem with waving a flag to honor and show respect for one's country. But if a headcovering, like a flag, is a symbol of submission to one's authority, then a woman without a man's authority wearing one (at least in the case of a woman who divorces her husband) would seem to be a bit like someone who renounces their nation, then waves it's flag. At best, it doesn't make any sense to do so, and at worse, it could be seen as mocking. I could also envision a case, for example, a widow, where the headcovering continues to be worn out of respect. So I guess, as with many things, it probably comes down to your heart's motive.

But that's just my quick take on it without having thought too long on it. I'm actually pretty new to the whole concept, and others may disagree, and have better arguments.

 

[Slumberfreeze]

during the periods of "singlehood"
after receiving a legal divorce from the man
who is the/ has her 'headship' then ?

(this happens A LOT in our society)

True, and no amount of head covering will make a woman conform to the headship she should have had, nor does any amount of "high and tight" hair discipline actually put a man in good standing with God, if he is a rebel.

The issue is not "who has the headship". God is the head of man whether the man likes it or not. A woman is bound to her husband until he dies whether she likes it or not.

If the woman has run away from her covering, or her covering has put her unjustly, I don't think any cloth or hair changes that aspect.

Nevertheless, long hair is her glory, long hair is shameful for a man, and a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head.

(Doesn't matter if she's any variant of single, she also dishonors her literal head that is attached to her shoulders, much like it is a dishonor to my house if I fly my flag so that it touches the ground.)

And who does it matter to? The angels.

I assert that it is wise not to offend them, regardless of whatever things are going on in your life.

 

[FollowingHim]

An unmarred virgin is under her father's headship. A married woman is under her husband. A widow or divorcee is her own head until she voluntarily hands that headship to a new husband in marriage.

 

[steve]

In my understanding, it was never YHWH’s plan for a woman to be out from under a covering.

Isaiah 4:1 (KJV) And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

 

[Verifyveritas76]

That’s a great question. Kudos for asking the question and realizing its importance.

IMO this theoretical woman is now accountable to the Judge for everything that happens in her tent. Some may argue that it’s better to have a poor covering than none at all and to the degree that the man provides any covering I would agree. However, in our society, we have failed to instruct our sons that they have an immense responsibility for those entrusted to them to be a spiritual covering. In most cases, I’d submit that even though they have the appearance of a covering, most of these “husbands” will pull an “Adam” when the Judge comes calling which will result in no covering when it matters.

Thankfully, Christ is the ultimate Advocate, but even He will require an accounting.

 

[Verifyveritas76]

As far as wearing a head covering, I’d say its difficult if not impossible to wear a head covering without having a head.

Perhaps that is why the hair cutting was so significant when a woman lost her husband.

 

[steve]

As far as wearing a head covering, I’d say its difficult if not impossible to wear a head covering without having a head.

Would a woman remain a Q-ball for the rest of her unmarried life?

 

[Verifyveritas76]

I have no idea. I was just attempting to channel my inner Captain Obvious! Or was that Captain Oblivious? IDK

 

[steve]

1 Corinthians 11:6 (KJV)
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.

I had always taken that as sarcasm, because it doesn’t seem to fit anything else.

 

[Nikud]

Deuteronomy 21:12-13

12 then you shall bring her home to your house, and she shall shave her head and trim her nails. 13"She shall also remove the clothes of her captivity and shall remain in your house, and mourn her father and mother a full month

 

[steve]

Deuteronomy 21:12-13

12 then you shall bring her home to your house, and she shall shave her head and trim her nails. 13"She shall also remove the clothes of her captivity and shall remain in your house, and mourn her father and mother a full month

For a wife taken as s captive in war, right?

 

[Nikud]

For a wife taken as s captive in war, right?

Yes sir, but the cutting of her hair and trimming of her nails is in reference of her mourning her old life and family. Just like anyone brought into the faith they must be shown how to worship, how to mourn. At least that's what I take from it.

 

[steve]

Yes sir, but the cutting of her hair and trimming of her nails is in reference of her mourning her old life and family. Just like anyone brought into the faith they must be shown how to worship, how to mourn. At least that's what I take from it.

Right, but the convo was about widowhood.
This doesn’t seem to apply to it, other than a shorn head.

 

[Littles]

What I get from all of this is,
1. The man is the covering of the woman. 1 Corinthians 11:3
2. Single woman have 2 options move back in with Dad (which is now again your covering) or stay on your own but you are the one that gets to carry all the burden/stress/joys of any choices made by your house. (not highly smiled upon but there are a few instances in the Bible.)
3. First 2 are spiritual coverings. Then there is a physical covering. 1 Corinthians 11:4-10. Some read that scripture and classify long hair as a covering others a scarf. Some fully cover all of thier hair, others just a small part of thier head. Some use hats, others scarves. Everyone’s walk is different. I would suggest praying over it.