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HomeBible Commentary1 CorinthiansChapter 111 Corinthians 11:3

1 Corinthians 11:3 meaning

In the context of Corinthian society, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of head coverings during worship, focusing on the concepts of authority and divine order. According to Paul, the headship hierarchy is essential, establishing that Christ is the head of every man, the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. This reflects an orderly structure meant for the spiritual health of the community, emphasizing respect for established roles. Women in that time were culturally expected to cover their heads, symbolizing their submission and reflecting their honor toward their husbands and God.

While the cultural context informs the practice, the overarching principle remains: the importance of recognizing and respecting the divine order established by God. Disregarding these roles by women removing their veils could invoke confusion and disregard for God’s design. Paul’s message is not one of superiority but of mutual interdependence and order, urging the church to maintain decorum in worship to please God and witness to angels observing this order as well. Thus, maintaining the symbolism of head coverings is not just a cultural artifact but a statement of adherence to divine authority.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 meaning. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus and greets the church of Corinthian believers. Paul’s goal in this chapter is to put an end to factions and feuding among the Corinthians by redirecting them to their unified identify in Jesus. He reminds them of God’s role in their salvation by praising God and the Lord Jesus for all of God’s gifts which He has given the Corinthians, enriching their lives. God is faithful and has called the Corinthians into a reconciled relationship with Him, and it is Jesus’s return which they anticipate.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 meaning. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 begins Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthian church, that one from among their congregation has had an affair with his own father’s wife. No one has confronted this sin; instead it has been ignored and tolerated. In their pride, the Corinthians have decided this sin is acceptable, and therefore not a sin. Paul confronts them that they ought to be grieved at the sin and remove the sinner from the assembly.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 meaning. Paul reprimands the Corinthians because of their immaturity. They were once newborn babes when they first believed in Jesus, and yet they have not grown since then. Paul wishes he could teach them deeper spiritual truths, but he is stuck having to teach them basics because of the jealousy and tribalism they are engaged in. Some Corinthians say they only follow Paul, while others only follow Apollos. This is a meaningless argument they are having. Paul shows them they are being sinful, not spiritual.