Most of this verse so closely parallels verse 4 as to need no separate comment. The final part of the verse, introduced in Greek by “for,” expands and emphasizes the words dishonors her head.

In verses 4 and 5 Good News Bible makes it explicit that his head and her head are used metaphorically to suggest authority (see comments on 1 Cor. 11.3), and to refer to Christ (verse 4) and the husband (verse 5). A number of common language translations follow this interpretation. Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, perhaps more satisfactorily, includes both in the text: “his head, which is Christ” in verse 4, and “her head, which is her husband,” in verse 5. BÍBLIA para todos Edição Comum translates “offends the dignity of Christ” in verse 4, and “offends the dignity of her husband” in verse 5. The reference to Christ and husband is probably correct in verses 4 and 5a, though as 5b shows (if her head were shaven), the literal meaning of head is in Paul’s thinking. In languages where the word for head can also refer metaphorically to “authority,” one can maintain Paul’s play on words.

Unveiled: in some cultures there will already be specific words for pieces of cloth or other material that women normally wear over their heads in religious gatherings. It would be good to use such words here.

The argument of verse 5b is not immediately clear, but there is no doubt about the meaning of the words. Paul probably means that by giving women a natural covering for their heads, God intends that women should give their heads a further covering when they pray or speak God’s message. In Paul’s time a woman’s head would usually be shaven as a sign of shame or disgrace. There are, however, places in the modern world where women shave their heads as a custom. In such cultures it may be necessary for a translator to say “it is as if her head were shaved in order to disgrace her” or “… in order to make her feel ashamed.” Translators may also need a footnote explaining the significance of shaving women’s heads in Paul’s time.

As if her head was shaven, of course, implies by someone else.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:
• Any woman who prays or proclaims God’s message in public worship with nothing covering her head disgraces (or, brings shame to) her husband. There is no difference between her and a woman whose head has been shaved in order to disgrace her.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .