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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 11:3 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/11-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/46_1Co_11_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 11:3 - Roles in Worship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/11.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I want you to understand that Christ is the head (authority over) of every man, and man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Now I want you to know that Christ is the head of all men, and a man is the head of a woman. But God is the head of Christ. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> However, I want you to realize that Christ has authority over every man, a husband has authority over his wife, and God has authority over Christ. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> But I want you to understand that Christ is supreme over every man, the husband is supreme over his wife, and God is supreme over Christ. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now I want you to realize that the Messiah is the head of every man, and man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of the Messiah. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/11.htm">NET Bible</a> But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I would have you know, however, that of every man, Christ is the Head, that of a woman her husband is the Head, and that God is Christ's Head. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/11.htm">World English Bible</a> But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I wish you to know that the Christ is the head of every man, and the head of a woman is the husband, and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I wish you to know that of every man the head is the Christ, and the head of a woman is the husband, and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I will you to know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman the man; and the head of Christ God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ. But the head of woman is man. Yet truly, the head of Christ is God. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/11.htm">New American Bible</a> But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the wife is her husband; and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I want you to know that the head of every man is The Messiah, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of The Messiah is God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But I wish you to know, that the head of every man is the Christ, and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But I wish you to know, that Christ is the head of every man; and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But I desire you to take notice that the head of every man is Christ; but the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but I would have you take notice, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the wife, is the man; and the head of Christ, is God. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I would have you know, however, that of every man, Christ is the Head, that of a woman her husband is the Head, and that God is Christ's Head. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But I wish you to know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the wife is the husband, and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But I would have you know that Christ is the head of every man; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=2219" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/11.htm">Roles in Worship</a> …2Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you. 3<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: Thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I want</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidenai (V-RNA) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">to understand</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalē (N-NFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantos (Adj-GMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">of every</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andros (N-GMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">man</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalē (N-NFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">the head</a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaikos (N-GFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">of the woman</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: anēr (N-NMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">is man,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalē (N-NFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">the head</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">is God.</a> 4Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23</a> For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a> And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22</a> And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, <a href="/colossians/2-10.htm">Colossians 2:10</a> And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a> Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">1 Corinthians 3:23</a> and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-27.htm">1 Corinthians 15:27-28</a> For “God has put everything under His feet.” Now when it says that everything has been put under Him, this clearly does not include the One who put everything under Him. / And when all things have been subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all. <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a> Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. <a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. <a href="/john/14-28.htm">John 14:28</a> You heard Me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. <a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a> Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. <a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">1 Peter 3:22</a> who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. <a href="/hebrews/2-8.htm">Hebrews 2:8</a> and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a> To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” <a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a> The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.the head of every.<a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22,23</a> And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, … <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a> But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:<a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23</a> For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.and the head of the.<a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a> 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.<a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22,24</a> Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… <a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18</a> Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.and the head of Christ.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">1 Corinthians 3:23</a> And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-27.htm">1 Corinthians 15:27,28</a> For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him… <a href="/isaiah/49-3.htm">Isaiah 49:3-6</a> And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-29.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-5.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Important</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">Want</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/john/4-39.htm">Woman's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-27.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-13.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-4.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-11.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Important</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Want</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-22.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-9.htm">Woman's</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 11</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">He reproves them, because in holy assemblies,</a> 4. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-4.htm">their men prayed with their heads covered,</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-6.htm">and women with their heads uncovered;</a> 17. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-17.htm">and because generally their meetings were not for the better, but for the worse;</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-21.htm">as, namely, in profaning with their own feast the Lord's supper.</a> 25. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm">Lastly, he calls them to the first institution thereof.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But I want you to understand Paul begins this verse with a desire for clarity and understanding among the Corinthian believers. This introduction emphasizes the importance of the teaching that follows, suggesting that it is foundational for the proper functioning of relationships within the church. The phrase indicates Paul's role as a teacher and apostle, guiding the early church in doctrinal truths.that the head of every man is Christ In this context, "head" signifies authority and leadership. Christ's headship over every man underscores His role as the ultimate authority and leader of the church. This reflects the biblical teaching of Christ as the head of the body, the church (<a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23</a>). It also aligns with the concept of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>), emphasizing His divine authority and leadership.and the head of the woman is man This phrase reflects the order of creation as described in Genesis, where man was created first and woman was created as a helper suitable for him (<a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18-23</a>). In the cultural context of the time, this headship was understood as a leadership role within the family and the church. It is important to note that this does not imply inequality but rather a difference in roles and responsibilities, as both men and women are equal in value before God (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>).and the head of Christ is God This statement highlights the relationship within the Trinity, where Christ, though equal with God, submits to the Father. This submission is seen in Christ's incarnation and His obedience to the Father's will (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>). It serves as a model for the relationships described earlier in the verse, illustrating that authority and submission can coexist with equality and unity. This reflects the divine order and harmony within the Godhead, providing a pattern for human relationships.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with teachings and instructions. 2. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ (Jesus Christ)</a> The Son of God, who is the head of every man, representing divine authority and leadership. 3. <a href="/topical/m/man.htm">Man</a> Refers to males in the context of the family and church, under the headship of Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/w/woman.htm">Woman</a> Refers to females, particularly in the context of marriage and church, under the headship of man. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The Father, who is the head of Christ, establishing a divine order and hierarchy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_order.htm">Understanding Divine Order</a> Recognize the biblical structure of authority as established by God, with Christ as the head of man, man as the head of woman, and God as the head of Christ. This order is not about superiority but about functional roles and responsibilities. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_christ_as_head.htm">Role of Christ as Head</a> Emphasize the importance of Christ's leadership in the life of every believer. As the head, Christ provides guidance, protection, and direction, and believers are called to submit to His authority. <a href="/topical/m/mutual_respect_and_love.htm">Mutual Respect and Love</a> In the context of marriage and church, the headship of man over woman should be exercised with love, respect, and selflessness, mirroring Christ's love for the church. <a href="/topical/s/submission_as_strength.htm">Submission as Strength</a> Submission within the biblical framework is an act of strength and obedience, not weakness. It reflects Christ's own submission to God and is a model for believers to follow. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_application.htm">Cultural Context and Application</a> While the cultural context of Corinth may differ from today, the principles of headship and submission remain relevant. Believers are encouraged to apply these principles in a way that honors God and reflects His order.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 11</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_1_cor_11_3-10_with_gal_3_28.htm">In 1 Corinthians 11:3–10, how can the requirement for women to cover their heads be reconciled with the claim that there is “no male and female” in Galatians 3:28? </a> <a href="/q/should_men_wear_hats_in_church.htm">Should men wear hats in church?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'no_condemnation'_mean.htm">What does 'no condemnation in Christ' mean?</a> <a href="/q/does_galatians_3_28_erase_gender.htm">Does Galatians 3:28 imply no gender distinction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) But I would have you know.--After the general commendation in the previous verse, the reproof for neglecting, or desiring to neglect, his precepts in one particular case, is thus introduced. The subject treated of, viz., the uncovering of their heads by women in assemblies for worship, was of ephemeral moment, and as we all now would regard it, of trivial importance. Every circumstance, however, which could in the least degree cause the principles of Christianity to be perverted or misunderstood by the heathen world was of vital importance in those early days of the Church, and hence we find the Apostle, who most fearlessly taught the principles of Christian liberty, condemning most earnestly every application of those principles which might be detrimental to the best interests of the Christian faith. To feel bound to assert your liberty in every detail of social and political life is to cease to be free--the very liberty becomes a bondage.The head of every man is Christ.--The Apostle does not merely treat of the outward practice on which his advice has been sought, but proceeds to lay down the principles which are opposed to the principle of that absolute and essential equality, which, found its expression and assertion in the practice of women uncovering their heads in public assemblies.The allusion here is not to Christ as the Head of the whole human race and of all things (as in <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm" title="And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,">Ephesians 1:22</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm" title=" For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:">Colossians 1:16</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-10.htm" title=" And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:">Colossians 2:10</a>), but as the Head of "the Body," the Christian Church: and this thought introduces the general argument regarding the practical subordination of woman, by reminding the Corinthians that though there is in the Church a perfect spiritual equality (as taught in <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm" title="There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.">Galatians 3:28</a>), yet that it is an equality which is of order and not of disorder--that it is an equality which can only be preserved by remembering that each is not an isolated irresponsible atom, but a part of an organic whole. There is a Head to the Church, therefore it is not a machine composed of various parts, but a body consisting of various members. As there is a subordination of the whole body to Christ, so there is in that body a subordination of woman to man. The last clause, "the Head of Christ is God," gives (as is St. Paul's custom, see <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm" title="And you are Christ's; and Christ is God's.">1Corinthians 3:23</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm" title="But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.">1Corinthians 8:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-25.htm" title="For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet.">1Corinthians 15:25</a>) completeness to the thought. As the Head of the Church--i.e., as the man Christ Jesus--Christ is subordinate to the Father, and, indeed, perhaps the idea is carried farther into the mystery of the divine nature itself, as consisting of three Persons co-eternal and co-equal, yet being designated with an unvarying sequence as "first," and "second," and "third." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - But I would have you know; rather, but I wish you to know. That the head of every man is Christ. St. Paul, as was customary with him, applies the loftiest principles to the solution of the humblest difficulties. Given a question as to what is right or wrong in a particular instance, he always aims at laying down some great eternal fact to which the duty or decision is ultimately referable, and deduces the required rule from that fact. The headship of Christ is stated in <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a>; and its application to the superiority of man is laid down also in <a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23</a>. The subordinate position of the woman is also stated in <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">1 Timothy 2:11, 12</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1, 5, 6</a>, etc. This, however, is merely an ordinance of earthly application. In the spiritual realm "there is neither male nor female" (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>). The head of the woman is the man. In Christ the distinctions of the sexes are done away. It was, perhaps, an abuse of this principle which had led the Corinthian women to assert themselves and their rights more prominently than decorum warranted. The head of Christ is God. That Christ is "inferior to the Father as touching his manhood," that his mediatorial kingdom involves (so far) a subordination of his coequal Godhead, has been already stated in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">1 Corinthians 3:23</a>, and is further found in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-27.htm">1 Corinthians 15:27, 28</a>. This too is the meaning of <a href="/john/14-28.htm">John 14:28</a>, "My Father is greater than I." <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I want Θέλω (Thelō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to understand εἰδέναι (eidenai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. head κεφαλὴ (kephalē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. of every παντὸς (pantos) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. man ἀνδρὸς (andros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Christ, Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [the] head κεφαλὴ (kephalē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. of [the] woman γυναικὸς (gynaikos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. [is] man, ἀνήρ (anēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [the] head κεφαλὴ (kephalē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. [is] God. Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">1 Corinthians 11:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know that (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 11:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 11:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 11:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 11:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>