King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:3 in the King James Version says “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 C...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. ordinances: or, traditions

3

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.

4

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

5

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul establishes a theological hierarchy using κεφαλή (kephalē, head), which can mean source, authority, or both. The threefold chain—God → Christ → man → woman—grounds the head-covering practice (vv. 4-16) in created order, not mere cultural convention.

This verse is controversial but crucial. Kephalē likely carries both source (Genesis 2:21-23, woman from man) and authority (Ephesians 5:23-24). Critically, and the head of Christ is God shows this is not about ontological inferiority—Christ is fully divine—but about economic order within the Trinity (1 Corinthians 15:28). Just as Christ submits to the Father without being less divine, wives' submission to husbands doesn't imply inferior worth or dignity (Galatians 3:28). Paul's theology roots gender roles in creation order and Trinitarian relations, not cultural patriarchy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman Corinth had complex gender norms. Elite Roman women enjoyed significant freedom, while Greek customs were more restrictive. Pagan religious ceremonies often featured ecstatic, gender-bending rites (temple prostitutes, eunuch priests). Paul addresses a church where new freedom in Christ (Galatians 3:28) was being misunderstood as erasure of creational distinctions. Some Corinthian women were apparently discarding head coverings during worship, possibly claiming radical egalitarianism or spiritual superiority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Trinity's internal ordering (Father, Son, Spirit) model unity with distinction rather than sameness?
  2. In what ways does modern culture confuse equality of worth with sameness of role?
  3. How can churches affirm women's equal dignity and spiritual gifts while honoring biblical distinctions in marriage and church leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
θέλω1 of 22

“I would have”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δὲ2 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς3 of 22

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰδέναι4 of 22

“know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι5 of 22

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

παντὸς6 of 22

“of every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνήρ7 of 22

“is the man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἡ8 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλὴ9 of 22

“the head”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

ὁ10 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ11 of 22

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐστιν12 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

κεφαλὴ13 of 22

“the head”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

δὲ14 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

γυναικὸς15 of 22

“of the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ὁ16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνήρ17 of 22

“is the man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

κεφαλὴ18 of 22

“the head”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

δὲ19 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

Χριστοῦ20 of 22

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ὁ21 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός22 of 22

“is God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 11:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 3:16Colossians 1:181 Corinthians 3:23Colossians 3:18Ephesians 4:151 Peter 3:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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