1 Corinthians Chapter 11 Discussion Page 9

The word "head / Gr. kephale" is rather difficult to interpret. One description in The Gr. Lexicon is "top" as the first in a series. The same Gr. word, "kephale" is also translated to "sum" of money as the source for obtaining something,i.e. "With a great sum, have I obtained this freedom". Today, we might say "The head of a river" referring to its source or beginning. In creation, Adam was the source of Eve's creation, hense, "The head of the woman is the man". This interpretation is supported by vs. 8-9. Notice! not every woman, just Eve. Why, "The head of EVERY man is Christ? This word for "man" is elswhere used as both male and female. Christ is the only source of connection to the Father for every person, male and female, hense "the head of every man. The next six vs. refer to Adam's race, then, from v. 10 on to those "In the Lord" who is now the head / source to the Creator. The first human race failed. Willing to be corrected.

In this context, what does "unworthily" refer to? It can hardly mean, having lived holy enough, nor understanding communion purely enough to be worthy of it. One concern mentioned is that the purpose of communion is not to satisfy physical hunger; that should be dealt with at home. It seems that the main purpose of this passage is to avoid divisions in the Lord's body, since this is referred to a number of times. He begins this topic, "I hear there be divisions among you", indicated by "heresies" (a carried-over Gr. word meaning "sects /factions)". This manifests / shows who they approve of. He says, "This is not to eat the Lord's supper"....but everyone takes before others his own supper". V. 29 says "Not discerning the Lord's body". Might this Lord's body refer to his true church, not being discerned, but our group only recognized, by our own communion supper. Such groupishness is the cause for weakness and sickness in his body v.30. Let's discern and recognize the Lord's body. Love in Christ to those who disagree.

The Gr. references that I have studied, indicate nothing about a sign or symbol. The Gr. word for power is also translated into authority, jurisdiction and right. Rev. 2: 26 has the same two Gr. words (Exusia Epi) for power over. We wouldn't wrest that passage into saying - To him that overcomes, will I give a symbol to wear indicating someone elses authority. I feel that the phrase "For this cause" is completed later in this same verse, and angels are sent to guide the heirs of salvation (see Heb. 1:14 The Gr. indicates present tense). The simplest translation of our v. 10 would then be, Because of the spirit helpers, the woman ought to have rule over her own head. By the way, vs. 8 & 9 indicate that the definition of "head" in v. 2 should be source or origin, (like the head of a river) instead of superior or boss. This eliminates the need to twist our v. 10 and 16. Love to all who differ with me.

In 1 Cor. 2:2, Paul states that he is determined to present only Jesus Christ and him crucified. Starting at 7:1, he gives double answers to their non-essential questions. So here in ch. 11 he first presents the case for descendants of the first creation (Adan & Eve), then from v. 10 on, for those newly created "In the Lord". A born-again woman's source of connection to God is no longer through Adam but through Jesus. V.3 says Christ is the HEAD (source of life) for EVERY man, indicating both male and female. Isn't Paul saying (v.16) "we have no such custom (as coverings to indicate the fall of man) neither do the churches of God". An expired symbol can become a religious idol distracting us from Jesus.

Another Scripture reference is Hebrews 13:2. Ministering angels are everywhere. Female ministering angels have to were some kind of head covering commanded in 1 Corinthians 11:10. Some signs are head bands or whatever the individual is instructed to wear. She could be under her husband who also is a ministering angel or not, however she needs to wear something to differentiate herself from others due to her power or authority given to her by God.

In 1 Cor. 2:2, Paul is determined to present only Jesus and him crucified. Starting at 7:1, Paul gives double answers to their non-esential questions. So here in ch. 11, he first presents the case for the first creation (Adam and Eve), then from v.10 on for the newly created ones "IN THE LORD". A newborn woman's connection to God is no longer through Adam but through Jesus. Christ is now the head (source of life) of every man (person), therefore I feel these symbolic coverings are not appropriate for believers. Love to all who disagree.

The Gr. references that I have studied indicate nothing about a sign or symbol. The Gr. word for power is also translated into :authority, jurisdiction, and right. Rev.2:26 has the same 2 Gr. words (exousia epi) for power over We wouldn't wrest that into: to him that overcometh will I give a symbol to wear indicating someone elses authority. I feel that "this cause" is defined in this same verse, and angels are now sent to guide the heirs of salvation. (see Heb. 1:14). The simplist translation of v. 10 would then be :Because of the spirit helpers the woman ought to have jurisdiction on/over her head. By the way, vs. 8 & 9 indicate that the definition of "head in v. 2 is source or origin rather than superior or boss. This eliminates the need to wrest this verse of scripture.

paul is determined to know nothing but Jesus and him crucified 1 Cor.2:2. Starting at 7:1, paul gives double answers to their non-esential questions. Here in ch.11, he presents the case for the first creation, then from v. 10 on for the newly created ones "in the Lord". The church of God has "no such custom" as worldly religions should have since there is neither male nor female. Our head (source of God's life) is Jesus. Vs. 10 and 16 have been wrested in some translations to make sense of traditional interpretations. love to all in Christ.