1 Corinthians 11:12
For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
is of
G1537
ἐκ
is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
is of
G1537
ἐκ
is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Paul's rabbinic training emphasized God as Creator and Sustainer. Jewish theology grounded ethics in creation narratives, not pragmatism. By anchoring gender roles in God's creative act, Paul transcends cultural relativism—this isn't Greco-Roman custom but divine design. Yet by emphasizing mutual dependence and God's ultimate sovereignty, he also avoids rigid patriarchy. This balance was countercultural in both Jewish and pagan contexts, offering a third way: theological complementarity within mutual dignity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grounding gender roles in creation order (not culture) shape your view of male-female relationships?
- What does biological reproduction's reversal of creational order teach about God's complex design for human interdependence?
- How does 'all things of God' humble both male pride and feminist autonomy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God—Paul continues the mutual balance. Ἐκ τοῦ ἀνδρός (of/from the man) recalls v. 8—Eve from Adam's side. But διὰ τῆς γυναικός (by/through the woman) reminds us that every man since Adam enters the world through a woman's womb. Biological reproduction reverses the creational order: woman from man (Genesis 2), but men through women (every birth).
But all things of God (τὰ δὲ πάντα ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ)—the theological climax. Both creational priority (man first) and reproductive reversal (man through woman) derive from God. Neither sex can boast or claim autonomy. This echoes 8:6: 'one God, the Father, of whom are all things.' The head-covering debate finds resolution not in cultural norms or gender politics but in theological grounding: God is source of both sexes, their differences, and their mutual need. Worship must reflect this God-designed order.