1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.

But {G1161} I would have {G2309} you {G5209} know {G1492}, that {G3754} the head {G2776} of every {G3956} man {G435} is {G2076} Christ {G5547}; and {G1161} the head {G2776} of the woman {G1135} is the man {G435}; and {G1161} the head {G2776} of Christ {G5547} is God {G2316}.

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is the Messiah, and the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of the Messiah is God.

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

First Corinthians 11:3 is a foundational verse in Paul's discussion on order and roles within the Corinthian church, particularly concerning public worship practices. It establishes a divine hierarchy, or chain of authority, that underpins his subsequent instructions.

Context

The Apostle Paul is addressing various issues of disorder and doctrinal confusion prevalent in the early Christian community in Corinth. This specific chapter delves into matters of conduct during corporate worship, especially focusing on head coverings for women. Before detailing specific practices, Paul lays a theological groundwork by defining the concept of headship. Understanding this verse is crucial for grasping the cultural and theological considerations Paul brings to the Corinthian believers, who were navigating Christian identity within a diverse and often pagan society.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Headship: The verse clearly outlines a structured relationship: God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. This order reflects a divine design, not necessarily superiority in worth, but a functional arrangement for harmonious operation. It emphasizes a system of authority and accountability.
  • Christ's Supreme Authority: The statement that "the head of every man is Christ" underscores Christ's universal Lordship and authority over all humanity, including His Church. This aligns with other New Testament teachings on Christ as the head of the Church and of all creation.
  • God's Ultimate Sovereignty: By stating "the head of Christ is God," Paul affirms the ultimate authority of God the Father within the Godhead, even while upholding the co-equality and divine nature of Christ. This points to the functional subordination of the Son to the Father in terms of role, not essence, which is also seen in Christ's voluntary submission during His earthly ministry (Philippians 2:7).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "head" is kephalē (κεφαλή). While it literally means the physical head, in this context, it carries a significant metaphorical meaning. Scholars debate whether it primarily signifies "source" or "authority." Given Paul's consistent use of "head" in other epistles (e.g., Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:18) to denote Christ's leadership over the Church, the understanding of kephalē as "authority" or "leader" is widely accepted. However, the nuance of "source" can also be present, particularly in the man-woman relationship, referencing the order of creation where Eve was taken from Adam.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to recognize and respect the divine order established by God. It calls for humility and submission to rightful authority, mirroring the relationship within the Godhead. For individuals, it emphasizes Christ's ultimate authority over every person's life. For the Church, it provides a framework for understanding roles and relationships that foster harmony and effective ministry, all under the supreme headship of Christ. It's crucial to interpret this verse in light of other scriptures that emphasize the equal spiritual value and dignity of all believers in Christ, regardless of gender or social status.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 3:16

    ¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

  • Colossians 1:18

    And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:23

    And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.

  • Colossians 3:18

    ¶ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

  • Ephesians 4:15

    But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

  • Ephesians 5:22

    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

  • Ephesians 5:24

    Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.

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