11:7 11:7

1 Corinthians 11:8

11:9 11:9

Bible Versions

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
For {G1063} the man {G435} is {G2076} not {G3756} of {G1537} the woman {G1135}; but {G235} the woman {G1135} of {G1537} the man {G435}.
For man was not made from woman, but woman from man;
For man did not come from woman, but woman from man.
For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man:

1 Corinthians 11:8 (KJV) states, "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man." This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians concerning head coverings and the proper order within the Corinthian church's worship practices.

Context

In this chapter, Paul is addressing issues of conduct and decorum in public worship, particularly concerning the roles of men and women. His arguments are grounded in theological principles derived from the creation account. Verse 8, along with the subsequent verses, builds upon the foundational statement in 1 Corinthians 11:3, which outlines a divine order of headship: God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman. Paul uses the origin of humanity to support his teaching on distinctions and order within the community.

Key Themes

  • Order of Creation: The primary theme is the divine sequence established at creation. Paul refers to the account in Genesis 2:18-23, where Eve was created from Adam's side, not Adam from Eve. This historical fact is presented as foundational to understanding the roles Paul is discussing.
  • Complementary Roles: The verse highlights that while distinct in their origin, men and women are designed to be complementary, not in competition. It speaks to a divinely ordained structure, which for Paul, had implications for their expressions in the church.
  • Foundation for Headship: The statement about origin serves as a theological basis for the concept of headship and submission that Paul is outlining for specific contexts, particularly in worship and the church's public life. It's crucial to understand this within the specific cultural and theological framework Paul is building, which contrasts with the broader principle of equality in Christ Jesus as expressed elsewhere in his letters.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek preposition ek (ἐκ), translated as "of" or "from," emphasizes the origin. When Paul says "the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man," he is literally pointing to the source of their creation. Adam was formed first, and Eve was taken "out of" him. This linguistic precision underscores the chronological and relational priority in creation, which Paul uses to support his argument for order.

Practical Application

For a general audience today, 1 Corinthians 11:8 prompts reflection on several points:

  • Understanding Biblical Order: It encourages believers to consider how God's creation order might inform our understanding of relationships and roles, both within the church and family, without implying inferiority of one gender over another.
  • Contextual Interpretation: This verse underscores the importance of interpreting Scripture within its historical, cultural, and literary context. Paul's specific instructions often reflect the immediate needs and challenges of the early church while drawing on timeless theological truths.
  • Equality and Distinction: While this verse speaks to distinctions in origin and roles, it must be balanced with other Scriptures that affirm the equal worth and spiritual standing of men and women before God. The New Testament consistently teaches that both are equally made in God's image and equally heirs of grace.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 2:13

    For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

  • Genesis 2:21

    ¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

  • Genesis 2:23

    And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
 Back

Search Scripture