Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:3

What does 1 Corinthians 11:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 11:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 11:3 means

Paul lays down a key principle: an ordered relationship of headship. Christ is the head of every man; the man is the head of the woman; and God is the head of Christ. This is not about worth or salvation, but about role and relation. Even within the Godhead there is order without inferiority—Christ is subject to the Father’s will, yet fully divine. Likewise, in the church and in marriage, there is a structure meant to honor God. This headship underlies the symbols used in worship. It frames how men and women present themselves when praying or prophesying, so that their conduct communicates honor to Christ and to one another.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But it is important for you to keep this fact in mind, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I wish you to know that the Christ is the head of every man, but woman's head [is] the man, and the Christ's headGod.

Context

This doctrinal foundation explains the symbolic instructions that follow. Before mentioning veils or hair, Paul roots his words in who God is and how He orders relationships. The readers must keep this in mind to avoid treating the next verses as mere cultural customs. Verses 4–6 apply the headship principle to men and women in public worship. Verses 7–10 look back to creation for support, and verses 11–12 add a balancing note of mutual dependence in the Lord.

v.2Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

v.3This passage

v.4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ephesians 5:22

    Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

  • Ephesians 1:20

    which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

  • 1 Corinthians 3:23

    and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

  • Isaiah 52:13

    Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.

  • Philippians 2:7

    but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

  • Colossians 2:19

    and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increaseth with the increase of God.

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