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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 11:16 If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/11-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/46_1Co_11_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 11:16 - Roles in Worship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/11-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-15.htm" title="1 Corinthians 11:15">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 11:16 <a href="/1_corinthians/11-17.htm" title="1 Corinthians 11:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/11.htm">New International Version</a> If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God’s other churches. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/11.htm">King James Bible</a> But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/11.htm">New King James Version</a> But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor have the churches of God. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now if anyone is inclined to be contentious [about this], we have no other practice [in worship than this], nor do the churches of God [in general]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This is how things are done in all of God's churches, and this is why none of you should argue about what I have said. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If anyone wants to argue about this [they can't, because] we don't have any custom like this-nor do any of the churches of God. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if anyone wants to argue about it, all I have to say is that neither we nor the churches of God have any other custom in worship. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if anyone wants to argue about this, we do not have any custom like this, nor do any of God's churches. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/11.htm">NET Bible</a> If anyone intends to quarrel about this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's churches. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if any one is inclined to be contentious on the point, we have no such custom, nor have the Churches of God. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/11.htm">World English Bible</a> But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God’s assemblies. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if anyone thinks to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the assemblies of God. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if any one doth think to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the assemblies of God. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if any one seem to be loving strife, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the church of God. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if anyone has a mind to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor does the Church of God. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/11.htm">New American Bible</a> But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God. B. The Lord’s Supper <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if anyone is disposed to be contentious—we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if any man dispute these things, we have no precedent, neither has the church of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if a man disputes against these things, we have no such custom, neither does the church of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if any one seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor have the churches of God.<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> If any one seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if any man mean to be contentious about it, we have no such custom, nor the churches of God.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but if any man has a mind to be contentious, I answer, we have no such custom, nor any of the churches of God. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if any one is inclined to be contentious on the point, we have no such custom, nor have the Churches of God. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the assemblies of God. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But if any one is pleased to contend for the contrary, I answer, We have no such custom, nor any of the churches of God. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=2322" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Roles in Worship</a> …15but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: dokei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">is inclined to dispute this,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/5380.htm" title="5380: philoneikos (Adj-NMS) -- Strife-loving, contentious. From philos and neikos; fond of strife, i.e. Disputatious."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/5108.htm" title="5108: toiautēn (DPro-AFS) -- (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).">other</a> <a href="/greek/4914.htm" title="4914: synētheian (N-AFS) -- A custom, habit, practice. From a compound of sun and ethos; mutual habituation, i.e. Usage.">practice,</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">do the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsiai (N-NFP) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">churches</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> 17In the following instructions I have no praise to offer, because your gatherings do more harm than good.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33-34</a> For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. / Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">1 Corinthians 4:17</a> That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">1 Corinthians 7:17</a> Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32</a> Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">1 Corinthians 14:37</a> If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-1.htm">1 Corinthians 16:1</a> Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: <a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">1 Corinthians 16:19</a> The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">2 Corinthians 11:28</a> Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. <a href="/galatians/1-2.htm">Galatians 1:2</a> and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia: <a href="/galatians/1-22.htm">Galatians 1:22</a> I was personally unknown, however, to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16</a> Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God. <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Philippians 3:15-16</a> All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well. / Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained. <a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6-8</a> Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, / rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. / See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:14</a> For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-15.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:15</a> Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.seem.<a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">1 Timothy 6:3,4</a> If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; … such.<a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21,24</a> And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs… the churches.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">1 Corinthians 7:17</a> But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33,34</a> For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints… <a href="/1_corinthians/16-1.htm">1 Corinthians 16:1</a> Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">Assemblies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">Churches</a> <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Contentious</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-27.htm">Disposed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-27.htm">Inclined</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Point</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-13.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/daniel/11-43.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-14.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">Assemblies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">Churches</a> <a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Contentious</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/exodus/3-21.htm">Disposed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-19.htm">God's</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Inclined</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-22.htm">Point</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-22.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 11</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">He reproves them, because in holy assemblies,</a> 4. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-4.htm">their men prayed with their heads covered,</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-6.htm">and women with their heads uncovered;</a> 17. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-17.htm">and because generally their meetings were not for the better, but for the worse;</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-21.htm">as, namely, in profaning with their own feast the Lord's supper.</a> 25. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm">Lastly, he calls them to the first institution thereof.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If anyone is inclined to dispute this This phrase addresses potential disagreements within the Corinthian church regarding the practices Paul has been discussing, particularly concerning head coverings and the roles of men and women in worship. The early church often faced disputes over cultural and religious practices, and Paul frequently addressed these issues to maintain unity (see <a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15:1-2</a>). The phrase suggests that Paul anticipates resistance and is prepared to assert apostolic authority to resolve such disputes.we have no other practice Paul emphasizes the consistency of the practice he is advocating. This suggests that the teaching on head coverings was not unique to Corinth but was a standard practice among the early Christian communities. The use of "we" indicates that this is not merely Paul's personal opinion but a collective understanding among the apostles and early church leaders. This reflects the importance of maintaining uniformity in worship practices across different congregations, as seen in other epistles where Paul stresses unity and order (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33</a>).nor do the churches of God By invoking "the churches of God," Paul appeals to the broader Christian community's practices, reinforcing that the teaching is not isolated to Corinth but is a universal standard. This phrase underscores the interconnectedness of the early churches and their shared beliefs and practices. It also highlights the authority of the apostolic tradition, which was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and unity across diverse cultural contexts. The reference to "churches of God" aligns with Paul's other writings, where he often speaks of the church as the body of Christ, emphasizing unity and collective identity (<a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4-6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing issues within the Corinthian church. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> A diverse and often divided early Christian community in Corinth, Greece, dealing with various doctrinal and practical issues. 3. <a href="/topical/c/churches_of_god.htm">Churches of God</a> Refers to the collective body of Christian congregations at the time, emphasizing unity in practice and belief.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_practice.htm">Unity in Practice</a> Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent practices across all churches. This unity reflects the harmony and order that should characterize the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/a/authority_and_tradition.htm">Authority and Tradition</a> The verse underscores the authority of apostolic teaching and the traditions established by the early church. Believers are encouraged to respect and adhere to these traditions as a means of maintaining doctrinal purity. <a href="/topical/h/handling_disputes.htm">Handling Disputes</a> Paul’s approach to potential disputes is instructive. He appeals to established practices and the consensus of the churches, suggesting that unity and peace should guide conflict resolution. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_sensitivity.htm">Cultural Sensitivity</a> While maintaining unity, there is also an implicit understanding of cultural contexts. The practices mentioned are not arbitrary but are rooted in the cultural and spiritual context of the time. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_church_community.htm">Role of the Church Community</a> The collective witness of the church is vital. Individual practices should align with the broader community to avoid confusion and division.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 11</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_basis_for_small_groups.htm">What is the biblical basis for small group ministry?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_true_church.htm">Which church is considered the true one?</a> <a href="/q/is_long_hair_a_woman's_glory.htm">Is long hair a woman's glory?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_head_coverings.htm">What does the Bible say about wearing head coverings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) But if any man seem to be contentious.--The argument, and the appeal to their own good sense having been completed, the Apostle now adds that if, after all, some one continues to argue the matter captiously, and is not satisfied with the reason given, the answer to such a one must be simply--We, the Apostles and the churches of God, have no such custom as that women should pray and teach with uncovered head. It has been suggested that the word "custom" refers, not to the uncovering the head, but to the "contention" just mentioned. But the former interpretation seems more natural; and the Apostle's object here is, not so much to merely censure the contentious spirit, as to show how such an objector must be dealt with. It is noticeable that the appeal is made to the practice of the churches (plural), not the Church. Thus it is not the authority of the Church as such that is quoted, but it is the uniformity of practice in the several Christian churches that is appealed to. The Church in Corinth has no right to become exceptional.It may be well to make two general remarks on the scope and bearing of this remarkable passage.1. As St. Paul taught regarding Slavery (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm" title="Are you called being a servant? care not for it: but if you may be made free, use it rather.">1Corinthians 7:21</a>) that the object of Christianity was not to suddenly efface existing political arrangements, so he teaches here that Christianity did not seek to obliterate these social distinctions which were universally recognised. We know now how mighty an instrument Christ's Religion has been in elevating the social condition of woman, but this has been accomplished by gradually leavening the world with Christian principle, and not by sudden external revolution. The arguments and illustrations which the Apostle here employs have a more abiding and a wider application than the particular case to which he applied them. They have been written "for our learning" as well as for the instruction of those to whom they were originally addressed. And the lesson which they teach us is, that Christianity did not come to unsex woman, but to raise, dignify, and ennoble her as woman--to abolish for ever her real wrongs, but not to yield to a revolutionary clamour for imaginary rights. Old and New Testament alike emphasise the truth that (as has been quaintly and truly said) "woman was not made from man's head to be his ruler, nor from his feet to be his slave, but from his side to be his equal, and from beneath his strong arm to demand his protection."2. The influence of St. Paul's instruction as to women not uncovering their heads in public worship has lasted long after the necessity for that particular expression of her relationship to man has passed away. While, in succeeding ages, again and again, some have forgotten the principles of the teaching, which are eternal, the particular application of them, which was only temporary, has been continuously and universally observed. Surely this is an illustration and evidence of the Divine Wisdom which withheld the apostolic writers from, as a rule, laying down minute directions for worship, or dogmatic formulas of faith. Men would, in a servile obedience to rules, have soon and completely forgotten the living principles on which they were based. To this day the universal custom in Christian places of worship, of women being covered and men uncovered, and the increasing revolt against the acknowledgment of the subordination of woman to man, of which that practice was originally the avowed symbol, is a striking proof of how the same spirit, which led Jews of old to be scrupulous in their observance of certain external ordinances, while forgetting the weighter matters of which they were to be the outward expression, was not merely a Jewish but a human weakness.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - But if any man seem to be contentious. St. Paul cuts the question short, as though impatient of any further discussion of a subject already settled by instinctive decorum and by the common sense of universal usage. "Seem to be contentious" is (like the Latin videtur) only a courteous way of saying "is contentious." If any of you wish to be disputatious and quarrelsome about this minor matter of ritual, I must content myself with saying that he must take his own course (for a similar use of the euphemistic "seem," see <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4</a>; <a href="/hebrews/4-1.htm">Hebrews 4:1</a>; <a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a>). We have no such custom. The emphatic "we" means the apostles and the leaders of the Church at Jerusalem and Antioch. Such custom. Not referring to "contentiousness," but to the women appearing with uncovered heads. Neither the Churches of God. If you Corinthians prefer these abnormal practices in spite of reason, common sense, and my arguments, you must stand alone in your innovations upon universal Christian practice. But catholic custom is against your "self opinionated particularism." <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. is inclined to dispute [this], δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. have ἔχομεν (echomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. [other] τοιαύτην (toiautēn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5108.htm">Strong's 5108: </a> (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality). practice, συνήθειαν (synētheian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4914.htm">Strong's 4914: </a> A custom, habit, practice. From a compound of sun and ethos; mutual habituation, i.e. Usage. nor οὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. [do] the αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. churches ἐκκλησίαι (ekklēsiai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seems to be (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 11:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 11:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 11:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 11:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>