1 Corinthians 11:3 kjv
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.
1 Corinthians 11:3 nkjv
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 11:3 niv
But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 11:3 esv
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 11:3 nlt
But there is one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 11 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 11:3 | But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ. | Headship, Christ as leader |
| Eph 5:23 | For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. | Husband as head, Christ as Savior |
| Col 1:18 | And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be foremost. | Christ as head of the Church |
| Phil 2:5-6 | Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. | Christ's humility, equality with God |
| John 14:28 | You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have joy, that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. | Father greater than Son (in role) |
| 1 Cor 15:28 | When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. | Son's submission to Father in consummation |
| Gen 1:26 | Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion..." | Man created in God's image |
| 1 Cor 11:7 | For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. | Man's image of God, Woman's glory of man |
| 1 Tim 2:13 | For Adam was formed first, then Eve. | Order of creation |
| 1 Cor 11:10 | that the woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. | Woman's head covering, angelic authority |
| Eph 1:20-22 | ...raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this present age but also in that which is to come. And he subjected all things under his feet and made him the head over all things to the church. | Christ's supreme authority |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ, transcending distinctions |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. | Body of Christ, different functions |
| Heb 1:1-3 | Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke in times past to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature... | Son as revelation of God |
| John 8:42 | Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I have not come on my own authority, but he sent me. | Jesus sent by the Father |
| John 5:30 | I can of my own self do nothing. As I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just: because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. | Jesus' will is Father's will |
| Matt 26:39 | And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." | Jesus' submission to Father's will |
| Acts 1:24 | And they prayed and said, “So you, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen— | Prayer for guidance |
| 1 Cor 8:6 | yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him. | Father as source, Lord as mediator |
| Eph 4:6 | one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. | God as Father, omnipresent |
1 Corinthians 11 verses
1 Corinthians 11 3 Meaning
Christ is the head of every man. God is the head of Christ. This establishes a hierarchical relationship within the Godhead and in human society as it relates to God's order.
1 Corinthians 11 3 Context
This verse is part of Paul's instruction to the church at Corinth regarding conduct during worship, specifically concerning the practices of men and women praying and prophesying with their heads covered or uncovered. The immediate context addresses whether men should cover their heads and women should have their heads covered. This practice was influenced by cultural norms in Corinth but also reflects Paul's understanding of God's established order and Christ's unique relationship within the Godhead and in relation to humanity. The Corinthian church was struggling with various issues related to worship and behavior, and Paul is providing guidance to promote order and reverence.
1 Corinthians 11 3 Word Analysis
but (de): A conjunction introducing a contrasting or additional thought.
I want you to understand (thelō de hymas agnoein): "I wish," "I want," combined with "to not be ignorant" or "to understand." Paul emphasizes the importance of this truth.
that (hoti): Introduces the subordinate clause stating what Paul wants them to understand.
the head (kephalē): Primarily signifies "head" as the top part of the body. Metaphorically, it denotes "source," "origin," "authority," "preeminence," or "ruler."
of every man (pantos andros): "Pantos" means "every," "whole," "all." "Andros" is the genitive singular of "aner," meaning "man," particularly a male person as distinguished from a woman. So, "of every male."
is Christ (Christos): The Anointed One, Jesus. Christ is designated as the head over every man. This highlights Christ's supreme authority and position over all believers, indeed all humanity in the ultimate sense.
and (de): Connects the two clauses, showing the relation.
the head of Christ (kephalē Christou): Christ also has a head.
is God (Theos): The eternal, uncreated Creator. God, the Father, is presented as the head of Christ.
Group of Words: Headship Hierarchy
- "head of every man is Christ" establishes Christ's authority over men.
- "head of Christ is God" establishes God's authority over Christ (the Son). This speaks to the functional submission of the Son to the Father within the Godhead.
1 Corinthians 11 3 Bonus Section
The concept of "headship" (kephalē) here is not merely about dominance but encompasses authority, source, and responsibility. While Christ is the head of every man, the preceding verses discussed head covering related to men praying and prophesying, linking this to the image of God (verse 7). The intention is not to devalue women but to uphold a divinely established order for the proper functioning of the church. The order presented—God over Christ, Christ over man, man over woman—is a reflection of God’s governance and authority. This structure is grounded in the relationship within the Godhead and demonstrated in creation (Adam formed first, then Eve). However, it is crucial to understand that within Christ, spiritual equality exists regardless of gender (Gal 3:28). The order described is functional and relational, not indicative of intrinsic worth or capability.
1 Corinthians 11 3 Commentary
This verse outlines a fundamental aspect of God's order, showing a chain of headship. Firstly, Christ holds ultimate authority over every man. This implies accountability and allegiance. Secondly, God the Father is the head of Christ. This does not diminish Christ's deity or equality with the Father but speaks to a relationship of divine authority and obedience within the Trinity. Christ willingly submitted to the Father's will throughout His earthly ministry, a submission that reflects divine order, not inferiority in essence. This established order has implications for how humanity, both male and female, relates to God and to one another within the body of Christ and in the wider world.