why does he say it is a shame for a woman to pray or prophesy without her head coverd and he does not condem her not to prophesy nor pray likewise if the same principle applies to men
Let's look at the context of chapter 14 beginning with verse 23. Paul is discussing prophesying and speaking in tongues in the assembly.
23Therefore
if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?
24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;
25the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.
26What is
the outcome then, brethren?
When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
27If
anyone speaks in a tongue,
it should be by two or at the most three, and
each in turn, and one must interpret;
28but if there is no interpreter,
he must keep silent in the church; and let
him speak
to himself and to God.
29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.
30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.
31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;
32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;
33for God is not
a God of confusion but of peace,
as in all the churches of the saints.
34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are
not permitted to speak, but are to
subject themselves, just as the Law also says.
35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands
at home; for it is
improper for a woman to speak in church.
36Was it from you that the word of God
first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
37If anyone thinksheis a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.
38But if anyone does not recognize
this, he is not recognized.
39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
Notice - the occasion is
if the whole church assembles together. The
anyone of verse 27 is qualified by the
he of verse 28. This instruction is given to
all the churches of the saints. In the context of the prophesying and tongues,
The women are to keep silent and are
not permitted to speak. Their subjection is to be self imposed -
subject themselves. Clarification for whatever questions they may have is to be addressed
at home. Why? Because it is
improper for a woman to speak in church.
