1 Corinthians 11:10

Cause. That is, on account of God’s expressed purpose in the creation of woman and His plain command regarding her position in relation to her husband, she should comply with the accepted custom that women wear a veil in public (see Gen. 2:18; 3:16; 1 Cor. 14:34; Eph. 5:22–24; 1 Tim. 2:11, 12; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1, 5, 6).

Power. Gr. exousia, “authority.” This probably refers to the sign of the husband’s authority, the veil, which women wore as a public recognition of their position under the power of their husbands. Willing compliance with this custom was an honorable privilege, indicating that a woman had a position of respect in the community, for she “belonged” to someone, and could claim support and protection from him under whose “power” she lived.

Because of the angels. This phrase has been variously understood. Among the fanciful interpretations are the following: (1) that the angels represent presiding elders or bishops in the church; (2) that the angels represent the spies who were supposed to be present at gatherings of Christians, and who would spread unfavorable reports if women were seen unveiled in such gatherings; (3) that the angels represent evil angels who would be tempted by the beauty of unveiled women. The simplest explanation seems to be that Paul refers to the good angels who are present at public religious exercises and before whom women should conduct themselves with proper decorum. Angels, who have an exalted understanding of the majesty and greatness of God, veil their faces in awe when they speak His name. Not only would any manifestation of irreverence or disrespect in Christian assemblies for worship be insulting to the Creator, it would also offend the angels. It is the pleasure of angels to honor God and do His bidding, with glad acknowledgement of His worthiness and glory (Ps. 103:20; cf. Isa. 6:2, 3; Rev. 4:8). Human beings need to have a much greater sense of the holiness and greatness of God, approaching Him with reverence, and doing all things in strict accordance with His revealed will (see Ps. 29:1, 2). If women should comply with accepted custom concerning the wearing of the sign of their subordinate position for fear of offending the angels, should they not the more fear to give offense to Him to whom all creatures, even the angels, are in subjection?