Hats in the Bible might not be a common topic, but they offer interesting insights into Biblical times and customs. Join us as we look at what scripture says about head coverings and the messages they carried. Let’s learn how these verses can deepen our faith and understanding.
Bible Verses about Hats
1 Corinthians 11:4 – Men’s head uncovered while praying or prophesying
“Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.”
1 Corinthians 11:5 – Women’s head covering while praying or prophesying
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
1 Corinthians 11:13 – Women’s head covering as a matter of propriety
“Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?”
1 Corinthians 11:6 – Women’s head covering compared to shorn head
“For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
1 Corinthians 11:7 – Men’s head constituted differently in worship
“A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”
1 Corinthians 11:10 – Women should have a symbol of authority on their head
“It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.”
Genesis 24:65 – Rebekah covers herself with a veil
“and said to the servant, ‘Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?’ ‘He is my master,’ the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.”
Exodus 28:40 – Garments for Aaron’s sons including caps
“For Aaron’s sons, you shall make tunics and make sashes for them. And you shall make caps for them, for glory and beauty.”
Isaiah 61:3 – The metaphorical ‘garment of praise’
“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
2 Samuel 15:30 – David’s head covered while weeping
“So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.”
Esther 6:12 – Mordecai in sackcloth and ashes with covered head
“Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.”
Isaiah 3:20 – Description of headgear in days of judgment
“The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; the perfume boxes, the charms,”
Ezekiel 24:17 – Command not to cover heads during mourning
“Sigh in silence, make no mourning for the dead; bind your turban on your head, and put your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips, and do not eat man’s bread of sorrow.”
Daniel 3:21 – Babylonians’ specific clothing including hats
“Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”
Ezekiel 16:12 – Earrings and beautiful crown as adornments
“And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.”
Psalms 8:5 – Man crowned with glory and honor
“You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.”
Psalms 21:3 – Crown of gold for the king
“For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.”
Psalms 65:11 – Crown of abundance for the year
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.”
Song of Solomon 3:11 – Solomon’s wedding crown
“Go forth, O daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day of the gladness of his heart.”
Isaiah 28:5 – Lord being the crown of glory
“In that day the Lord of hosts will be for a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people,”
Isaiah 62:3 – Crown of beauty in God’s hand
“You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”
Zechariah 6:11 – Crowns for the high priest
“Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.”
1 Peter 5:4 – Crown of glory for the faithful
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”
2 Timothy 4:8 – The crown of righteousness
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
James 1:12 – Crown of life for those who persevere
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Revelation 2:10 – Crown of life for being faithful
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Revelation 3:11 – Hold fast to your crown
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – Spiritual crown from leading others
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
Proverbs 4:9 – Wisdom as a crown
“She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
Proverbs 12:4 – Virtuous wife as a crown to her husband
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
Isaiah 61:10 – Garments of salvation and robe of righteousness
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Proverbs 14:24 – Wealth as a crown for the wise
“The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly.”
Proverbs 17:6 – Grandchildren as a crown
“Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.”
Isaiah 28:1 – The fading crown of the proud
“Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower which is at the head of the verdant valleys, to those who are overcome with wine!”
Isaiah 28:3 – The crown of pride to be trodden under feet
“The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, will be trampled underfoot;”
Isaiah 22:18 – Ball tossed to a faraway country
“He will surely turn violently and toss you like a ball into a large country; There you shall die, and there your glorious chariots shall be the shame of your master’s house.”
Revelation 4:4 – Elders with crowns of gold
“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.”
Revelation 14:14 – Son of Man’s golden crown
“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.”
Matthew 27:29 – The crown of thorns on Jesus
“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
Revelation 6:2 – Rider with a crown conquering
“And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.”
Revelation 19:12 – Jesus with many crowns
“His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.”
Also Read: 40 Important Bible Verses About Walking Alone
What Does the Bible Say About Hats?
When we consider what the Bible says about hats, we find that head coverings are indeed mentioned in several passages, often in the context of cultural traditions and religious practices during biblical times. Primarily, the discussion surrounding head coverings can be found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.
In **1 Corinthians 11**, Paul speaks to the Corinthian church regarding appropriate worship attire, focusing on head coverings. Paul mentions that a man should not cover his head because he is the image and glory of God, whereas a woman should cover her head because of the angels and in recognition of her role in creation. This instruction was reflective of the cultural norms and symbolic gestures of respect and honor prevalent in that society.
The reasoning Paul provides extends into theological symbolism. For instance, a woman’s head covering was seen as a sign of authority and respect, both towards her husband and God. Men, on the other hand, were to pray and prophesy with their heads uncovered to honor God directly, illustrating a direct and unmediated relationship.
Aside from this passage, the Old Testament also references head coverings, particularly among priests. In **Exodus 28**, the high priests wore specific priestly garments, which included a turban to signify their consecration and service to the Lord. This was a part of the meticulous instructions God provided to ensure the sanctity and distinction of the priestly role.
It’s also notable that while the New Testament provides this specific guidance, the broader message of the Bible encourages us to focus on the posture of our hearts rather than adhering strictly to external practices. The emphasis is more on modesty, respect, and reverence across various situations.
In modern practice, interpretations and applications of these biblical directives can vary. Some denominations and religious communities continue to uphold traditional practices regarding head coverings, while others understand these directives more contextually, recognizing the cultural specifics of the Corinthians.
In our exploration of biblical teachings, it becomes evident that while head coverings are addressed, they are a part of broader discussions about worship, respect, and the attitudes we bring before God. These passages encourage us to reflect on how we embody reverence and modesty in our own lives, regardless of the cultural and temporal differences.