1 Corinthians 11:9

KJV

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1063}{G2532} Neither {G3756} was {G2936} the man {G435} created {G2936} for {G1223} the woman {G1135}; but {G235} the woman {G1135} for {G1223} the man {G435}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and indeed man was not created for the sake of the woman but woman for the sake of the man.

Berean Standard Bible

Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.

American Standard Version

for neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:9, the Apostle Paul grounds his instructions regarding order in Christian worship in the created order, specifically emphasizing the divine purpose in the creation of humanity. He asserts that man was not created for the woman, but rather the woman was created for the man, drawing directly from the Genesis account to establish a theological foundation for complementary roles and relationships within the church community. This verse highlights God's intentional design and the specific relational purpose of woman in relation to man, not implying inferiority but rather a divinely ordained order for mutual flourishing and the glory of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's broader discussion in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order in Worship and Head Coverings") concerning proper conduct and order during public worship, particularly regarding head coverings and the roles of men and women. Paul establishes a theological framework for his practical instructions, beginning with the principle of headship in [1 Corinthians 11:3](/1_corinthians/11-3 "1 Corinthians 11:3 - The Principle of Headship"), stating that God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman. Verse 9 directly follows and reinforces the statement in [1 Corinthians 11:8](/1_corinthians/11-8 "1 Corinthians 11:8 - Woman from Man"), which asserts that "the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man." By referencing the creation narrative, Paul provides the ultimate rationale for the distinctions and relational dynamics he is addressing, rooting contemporary practice in primordial divine design.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its diverse population, wealth, and often, its moral laxity. The early Christian community there was grappling with various issues, including internal divisions, ethical challenges, and questions about worship practices. In this context, Paul addresses issues of social order and gender roles, which were understood differently across various cultural groups. While head coverings had different cultural significances (e.g., modesty, marital status, honor) in Greco-Roman society, Paul elevates the discussion beyond mere cultural convention, grounding it in a theological understanding of creation. His appeal to the Genesis account would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile converts familiar with the Old Testament, providing a universal, trans-cultural basis for understanding human identity and relationships within the new covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes to several significant themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Order and Headship**, where Paul systematically lays out a hierarchy that begins with God and extends through Christ to humanity, providing a framework for relational harmony. This verse specifically underscores **Creation Theology**, drawing upon the foundational [Genesis account](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1-2 - The Creation Narrative") to explain the origin and purpose of humanity. It speaks to the theme of **Complementary Roles** between men and women, emphasizing that while distinct in their creation and relational purpose, both are equally valuable in God's eyes, as affirmed in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"). Finally, these theological truths are applied to the practical theme of **Worship Decorum and Authority**, guiding the Corinthian church on how to conduct themselves in a manner that honors God's design during their gatherings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **created (Greek, _ktízō'_):** This verb means "to fabricate" or "to found," implying an original formation or establishment. In this context, it refers to God's direct act of bringing humanity into existence. Paul uses it to emphasize that the order of creation—man first, then woman—was not accidental but a deliberate, purposeful act of God, establishing a foundational truth for understanding human relationships.
* **for (Greek, _diá'_):** This preposition, when used with the genitive case as it is here, denotes the channel, reason, or purpose of an action. In the phrase "created for the woman" or "for the man," it signifies "on account of," "for the sake of," or "with a view to." Paul's use of _diá_ here is crucial, as it indicates the telos or ultimate purpose behind the creation of the woman, linking directly to the narrative in [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - God's Purpose in Creating Eve") where God states, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term refers to a female human being, and can also mean "wife." In this verse, it specifically denotes the female gender in contrast to the male (_anḗr_), highlighting the distinct yet complementary nature of the two sexes as established in creation. Paul's argument hinges on the distinct identity and relational purpose of the woman as she was brought forth by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither was the man created for the woman;":** This initial clause serves as a negative assertion, setting up a contrast with the subsequent positive statement. Paul explicitly states that the primary purpose of man's creation was not to serve as a complement or helper to the woman. This negates any idea that man's existence was contingent upon or primarily directed towards the woman's needs, reinforcing the Genesis account where man was created first.
* **"but the woman for the man.":** This is the central affirmation of the verse, providing the core theological rationale. It asserts that the woman was indeed created "for the man"—meaning for his benefit, as his helper, and to complete him. This aligns perfectly with the divine declaration in [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - The Creation of a Helper for Adam") that it was "not good that the man should be alone," leading to the creation of Eve as a "helper suitable for him." This "for" denotes a purposeful design for relationship, companionship, and mutual flourishing, not subordination in terms of inherent worth or dignity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey his theological argument with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, evident in the "Neither... but..." construction. This rhetorical device sharply contrasts two ideas, emphasizing the second by negating the first. Here, it highlights the specific purpose of the woman's creation by explicitly denying the inverse for the man. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Allusion** to the Genesis creation narrative, particularly [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman"). Paul does not quote verbatim but draws upon the foundational truth of the creation order, assuming his audience's familiarity with the account. This serves as a powerful **Rhetorical Argumentation**, using a universally accepted (among believers) historical and theological truth to ground his practical instructions concerning order and roles within the Corinthian church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:9 is deeply rooted in the biblical theology of creation, affirming God's intentional design for humanity. It teaches that while both male and female are equally created in the image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity in God's Image")), there is a distinct order and purpose in their creation. The phrase "the woman for the man" does not imply inferiority but rather a complementary relationship, where the woman was created to be a "helper suitable" for the man ([Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - The Creation of Eve as a Helper")), fulfilling a need that man could not meet on his own. This divine design promotes harmony, mutual dependence, and the flourishing of both genders within their God-given roles, reflecting the relational nature of God Himself. It underscores that our identities and relationships are not arbitrary but are wonderfully patterned after God's wise and loving intent.

* [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - The Creation of Woman as a Helper")
* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Ephesians 5:21-33](/ephesians/5-21-33 "Ephesians 5:21-33 - Wives and Husbands in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 11:9 invites us to ponder the profound wisdom of God's original design for humanity and its implications for our relationships today. Understanding that the woman was created "for the man" is not a license for male domination or female subjugation, but rather a call to appreciate the beautiful complementarity God intended. It highlights that both men and women have distinct, yet equally vital, purposes within God's grand narrative. For individuals, this means embracing our God-given identities and roles with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. In marriage, it encourages husbands and wives to live out their complementary roles in mutual love and respect, with the husband leading in sacrificial love and the wife responding in respectful partnership, mirroring Christ and the Church. In the broader church community, it calls for an ordered and harmonious environment where men and women can exercise their gifts in ways that honor God's design, fostering an atmosphere of dignity, service, and spiritual growth for all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's original creation design, as presented in this verse, impact your view of male and female roles in the church and home?**
* **In what ways can we affirm the unique value and purpose of both men and women, avoiding both hierarchical abuse and an egalitarian erasure of God-given distinctions?**
* **How does this verse call us to live out our God-given identities in a way that brings honor to God and serves others within the Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 11:9 imply that women are inferior to men?**

No, this verse does not imply that women are inferior to men in worth or dignity. The phrase "the woman for the man" speaks to purpose and order in creation, not to inherent value. The Bible consistently teaches that both male and female are created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")) and are equally valuable in His sight. Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order in Worship") is rooted in the sequence of creation (man first, then woman from man, as detailed in [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman")) and the purpose for which woman was created—as a "helper suitable" for man ([Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - The Creation of Eve as a Helper")). This "helper" role is not one of subservience but of essential partnership and completion, reflecting God's wise design for human flourishing and relational harmony.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 11:9 speaks to the created order, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. The divine order established in creation, where the woman was created "for the man," points to a greater spiritual reality: all humanity, both male and female, is ultimately created *for God's glory* and finds its ultimate purpose and identity in Christ. Jesus Himself perfectly embodies the principle of headship and humble service, demonstrating that true authority is expressed through self-sacrificial love, as seen in His giving of Himself for the church ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). In Christ, the distinctions of creation are not erased, but transcended in terms of spiritual standing and access to God, for "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). This unity in Christ elevates both men and women to equal standing as heirs of God's grace, enabling them to live out their distinct yet complementary roles in a way that reflects the harmonious and loving relationship within the Trinity and ultimately points to the new creation where all things are made new in Him ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")).

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 2:18

¶ And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

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.

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:20

And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.