1 Corinthians 11:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

θέλω

G2309

I would have

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰδέναι

G1492

know

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

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

παντὸς

G3956

of every

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνήρ

G435

is the man

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἡ

G3588

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

κεφαλὴ

G2776

the head

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

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

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

#12

ἐστιν

G2076

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

#13

κεφαλὴ

G2776

the head

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

#14

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#15

γυναικὸς

G1135

of the woman

a woman; specially, a wife

#16

ὁ

G3588

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

#17

ἀνήρ

G435

is the man

a man (properly as an individual male)

#18

κεφαλὴ

G2776

the head

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

#19

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#20

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

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

#21

ὁ

G3588

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

#22

θεός

G2316

is God

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

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 sovereignty 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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