King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:8 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:8 in the King James Version says “For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.”

1 Corinthians 11:8 · KJV

Context

6

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

7

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

8

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

9

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

10

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. power: that is a covering in sign that she is under the power of her husband

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man—Paul continues his Genesis 2 argument. Οὐκ ἔστιν ἀνὴρ ἐκ γυναικός, ἀλλὰ γυνὴ ἐξ ἀνδρός—the preposition ek (from, out of) signals source and derivation. This refers to Eve's creation from Adam's rib/side (Genesis 2:21-22), not biological reproduction (which Paul will address in v. 12). Woman's derivative origin establishes a creational priority of man, though not superiority of value.

This verse is unpopular in egalitarian contexts, but Paul isn't making sociological commentary on modern gender roles—he's establishing theological foundations for worship practice. The head covering symbolizes this creational pattern: woman came from man (source) and was made for man (purpose, v. 9). This doesn't diminish women's worth any more than Christ's submission to the Father diminishes His deity (v. 3, 15:28). Order and equality coexist in biblical theology.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 2's creation account was central to Jewish and Christian anthropology. Unlike Ancient Near Eastern myths where gods create humans from blood, clay, or divine substance without differentiation, Genesis presents a two-stage creation: man from dust, woman from man. This narrative uniqueness grounds biblical complementarianism. Paul reads Genesis christologically and ecclesiologically throughout 1 Corinthians (15:21-22, 45-49), seeing Adam and Eve as typological for Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the two-stage creation account in Genesis 2 inform Paul's theology of gender roles?
  2. Can derivative origin (woman from man) coexist with equal dignity? How does the Trinity model this?
  3. In what ways does modern feminism's rejection of creational order reflect deeper rebellion against God's design?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
οὐ1 of 10

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν3 of 10

“is”

G2076

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

ἀνδρός·4 of 10

“the man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐξ5 of 10

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

γυνὴ6 of 10

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἀλλὰ7 of 10

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

γυνὴ8 of 10

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐξ9 of 10

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀνδρός·10 of 10

“the man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 2:13Genesis 2:21-23

Test Your Knowledge

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