Within
the context of 1 Corinthians 11:3, we see that this entire verse is a prepositional
(sequential) reference to the physical order of creation and to Christ alone as
the creator and sustainer of all people.
It does not refer to a hierarchal authority structure (chain of command) flowing down from God, to Christ, then to women through men.
It does not refer to a hierarchal authority structure (chain of command) flowing down from God, to Christ, then to women through men.
The construction of the verse refutes a
hierarchal interpretation, by describing a circular relationship rather
than linear chain of command. It does not begin with Christ and end with woman,
as a linear—hierarchal—construction would dictate. But rather, it portrays a
continuum, beginning with Messiah, who is God, and ending with God, who is
Messiah (circular not linear).
3: But I wish you to
know that of every person the head the Christ is and the head of woman is the
man and the head of Christ is God[1]
Below is an excerpt from
the Hungry Hearts Online Bible Commentary HHBC
[1] Verses 11-12, are the interpreters of 1
Corinthians 3:11. They confirm that the chronological interpretation of verse
three is the correct one (as opposed to the hierarchal interpretation). Despite
the clear explanation in verses 11 & 12, verse three remains a hotbed of
controversy, largely because it is considered an ironclad, bedrock, verse
subjecting women to men within the complementarian/male-headship movement. 1
Corinthians 1:11-12, however, refutes traditional-role-religionist and complementarian
male headship interpretations, clearly defining the verse as being
prepositional (chronological), rather than hierarchal. 1 Corinthians 11:3 is a
divine flow-chart, showing source and chronological order of creation and
appearance. It reveals the prepositional (chronological flow of the)
relationship between:
·
1.) The Godhead and every person
(Elohiym—the Godhead—created the
heavens and the earth. He is creator/head/source
of all people not just males). In scripture usage, the Greek word, aner, cannot claim male exclusivity. In
numerous instances, it is used of crowds/groups composed of both women and men. There is no
hermeneutical reason it cannot be translated generically, as “people” or
“person,” when context calls for it.
·
2.) The direct creation, by God, of the
first man, who then
became the head of …
·
3.) …the first woman
[only], as he was the source from which God made her. The
first woman was just as much a direct creation of God as the man. The man
himself had nothing to do with the creation of woman. He was the source only in
the fact that God took one of his sides and used it to fashion the woman. The
fact that God fashioned the woman from an entire side of the man, in no way
diminished either him or her. He did not then become only half a person, nor
was she created a sub-[hu]man—doomed to subjugation to males for all eternity.
Nor can it be found in scripture where the first man was designated as superior
over the first woman based on chronology (or where all men are given command over all
women based on order of appearance. The first man and the first woman were both direct creations of God (God was
the ultimate source of existence and life for both of them). And both
were commanded to dominate the earth equally.
Even role-religionists admit that no hint of hierarchy exists in the creation
account of Genesis chapter one. Neither does it exist in the Hebrew language
Genesis chapter two was translated from—except through gender biased translator
supplements.
·
4.) Messiah (who was later born of a woman)
·
5.) The Godhead, from which came Messiah. To interpret
this verse any other way, is to reduce God—because Messiah is God. Jesus claimed Jehovahistic identity. On one occasion, the Jews sought to stone him
when he said he was the great, I AM.
The chronological flow of 1 Corinthians 11:3, is in
absolute agreement with the entire volume of scripture concerning the creation,
making, and appearance of the first man, the first woman, and the birth of
Messiah. The verse begins with the Godhead (for all the fullness of the Godhead
dwells in Christ) and ends with the Godhead. It was Elohiym (the Godhead) who in the beginning created the heavens and
the earth. And Jesus made the exclusive claim to be Elohiym (YHWH) when he said, “If you do believe that I AM (EGO EMI),
you will die in your sins.” The apostle wrote that the entirety of the Godhead
resides in Jesus in physical form. Jesus the Christ does not need a God. Jesus is God.
Woman this is WAR! Gender Slavery and the Evangelical Caste
System, Examines misogynistic Bible translation and commentary, which has
adversely effected understanding of the scriptures, relations between women and
men, happiness of men and women, and hindered the work of the gospel. The
reader is educated about historic parallels between the twin causes of
abolition and women’s rights, while the history of women’s rights is traced
back much further, to the very first feminists…who were Christians—godly women
who brought the issue of women's rights to the forefront as they struggled to
alleviate the suffering of others, and found they were hindered in doing so for
no other reason than the fact of their sex. This book, provides valuable
historical insight into Christian initiatives in the movements for women’s
rights, that are rarely included in Christian literature.
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