Maximus and Service of

What could be clearer than seeing that it was not the custom of the Corinthians to wear long hair? Thus, the Apostle could not reproach them for this. It is noted that there were Greek youths who sometimes dressed so femininely that when the priests came to celebrate marriage, they had to ask who the bride or groom was. Indeed, when we assume that Paul also knew these things generally, we cannot think otherwise but that he must have been able to argue this from the most convincing reasons; whether nature taught them that the dignity of men suffers, or even brings disgrace, when they adorn themselves with curled or decorated women's hair. He had previously laid down the premise that man was the head of the woman, and the woman as a sign of submission should be covered with a veil, whether it be a head-dress or some other cap. Such effeminate men thus denied their nature, and it was disgraceful and against the natural order of their rank and sex. But that nature, to which this Apostle actually appeals, would teach otherwise that beautiful, flowing, and well-curled hair, that covers the shoulder to a decent length and fills the neck, would disgracefully stand, or dishonestly be, is far from the truth, as our daily experience and many testimonies show. Lycurgus instructed the Spartans to wash their hair to enhance and strengthen its beauty.

Translation Notes

- "Suster" is old Dutch for "sister".
- "Verfrayen" and related terms refer to the embellishment or decoration of appearance.
- "Lykurgus" refers to Lycurgus, a legendary lawgiver of Sparta known for reforms leading to the militarization of Spartan society
- "Gekruld Hayr" translates to "curled hair" emphasizing style over simple length.