I've been confused about this verse for awhile and never quite understood what it meant. I'd like to hear others thoughts on the matter.
“For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:10 (KJV)
You received many opinions to your question. I'll add one more.
The seen & unseen (angles/watchers Dan 4:17) were a common belief/understanding among the Jews.
A bit of context on the angel verse you referenced:
1 Cor 11:10 (KJV) For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
(MY NOTE: The word translates: power KJV, authority over NIV, sign of authority AMP, under authority ERV, a token of authority upon the head YLT.)
1 Cor chapter 11, a power structure/authority/order/rank is being taught. Verse 3 Paul say's; the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
(MY NOTE: Authority/order/rank God the Father, God the Son, man/husband, woman/wife.)
The veil & coverings were (in antiquity) a customary token/emblem of modesty & subordination. Removing them was considered indecent & showed a lack of proper respect to her husband, father & man in general.
Example:
Gen 24:65 She said to the servant, “Who is that man there walking across the field to meet us?” And the servant said, “He is my master [Isaac].” So she took a veil and covered herself [as was customary].
Source link
Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 24 - Amplified Bible
During the time of Paul's Church building in Corinth. Women's rights were culturally, socially & politically oppressed. Woman were'nt allowed to partake in public debate.
Paul's conundrum was the places he was establishing churches were under Rome's rule/control/laws. This problem speaks volumes to his writing that women remain silent or to get with their husband later. If he advised people to break laws the Churches wouldn't have been allowed to meet.
Corinth was a major trading hub & idol worship was rampant during the time (Acts 17:16-23).
Peoples from many regions & religions came to trade here. A sanctuary was in Corinth dedicated to an idol goddess, Aphrodite. Prostitution was a well known attraction & the women of the night dressed for the occasion.
Women of the time (culturally) wore a head covering. However, ladies of the night, not so much!. No head covering, gold (or fancy) ribbons, pins, excessive makeup etc. Were trade advertisements. Christianity was in it's infancy, the message was, this is God's house there is an acceptable order of things, dress accordingly.