1 Corinthians 11:10

Authorized King James Version

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διὰ
because
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#2
τοῦτο
For this
that thing
#3
ὀφείλει
ought
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γυνὴ
the woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#6
ἐξουσίαν
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#7
ἔχειν
to have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κεφαλῆς
her head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#11
διὰ
because
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#12
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἀγγέλους
G32
of the angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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