(I Cor 11:5) Every Christian woman should wear a veil or hat when she prays.

1. This scripture is not talking about hats or veils. The subject in question is hair. “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her HAIR is given for a covering” (vs. 15).
   
   Note: Paul, under inspiration, speaks of LONG HAIR as the “covering” or veil - not some hat, or piece of cloth
    
2. In Verse 6, Paul discusses various lengths of hair. Four lengths are mentioned: (1) not covered, (2) shorn, (3) shaven, and (4) covered. Shaven designates a totally bald head. Shorn hair is very short - cropped hair as when a sheep is shorn. Hair that is not a “covering” is short hair. Hair that is a covering is long hair - it should be stylish, attractive, and feminine - not a masculine cut. This of course refers to the length, not the style, so that long hair can be worn up on top of the head or in a French roll or bun even though it might appear shorter.
    
3. In the setting of Verse 5 by itself, a veil just doesn’t fit. What does a veil have to do with being shaven? Rather, Paul is saying that if a woman is going to have short - cropped hair she might as well go all the way and shave herself bald.
    
4. To further show that this chapter is dealing with hair lengths, not veils, consider Verse 4 and 14. Verse 4 says that if a man has his head covered when he prays, he is dishonoring his head who is Jesus Christ. Verse 14 shows that it is a shame for a man to have long hair.
    
5. Verse 10 shows the purpose of long hair on a woman. This verse should be rendered as it is in the margin, “For this cause ought the woman to have a covering in sign that she is under the power of her husband.” Long hair is a sign that a woman is willing to be in subjection to a man, and that she acknowledges the need for protection by angels. Since God has placed man as the head of the woman (Vs 3), the woman should have a sign of her submission to his authority. This sign is the woman’s long hair - not a veil or hat.