1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:3 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:3 says that Christ is the head of every man, the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. This verse lays out a kind of order or relationship of authority and responsibility among God, Christ, men, and women.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about worship and relationships within the Christian community. In this verse, Paul introduces a principle that will shape his later instructions about conduct and roles, especially in public worship. The verse is not just about authority but also about connection and responsibility in these relationships.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:3

• "κεφαλή" (kephalē) — meaning "head." In Greek, this word can mean a physical head, but it is often understood as a metaphor for leadership, source, or authority. Here, Paul uses it to describe a relationship of order or responsibility, not just power.
• "ἀνήρ" (anēr) — meaning "man" or "husband." The Greek word can refer to a male person or, in some contexts, specifically to a husband. The context here suggests a broad sense of "man" but can also have implications for marriage relationships.
• "γυνή" (gynē) — meaning "woman" or "wife." Like "ἀνήρ," this word can mean either a woman in general or a wife, depending on the context. The verse uses it in a way that can apply to both general male-female relationships and marriage.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:3 matters

• This verse is often discussed when people talk about roles and relationships between men and women in the church and in marriage, so understanding the original words helps avoid misunderstandings about authority and value.
• The order Paul describes here is not about worth or dignity but about relationships and roles, which becomes clearer when looking at how he connects Christ and God in the same pattern.
• The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where Paul talks about practical issues in worship, especially about head coverings, by first establishing a principle of order and connection.