The answer is: Man

1 Cor 11:3

In 1 Corinthians 11:3, Paul writes about the headship structure, stating that Christ is the head of every man and that man is the head of woman. This passage has stirred plenty of discussion among scholars, women’s groups, and theologians for centuries! It’s fascinating to observe how interpretation has evolved. In many circles today, folks assert that Paul’s words need to be contextualized, citing that societal roles during his time were vastly different from modern views on equality.

What can add flavor to our understanding is recognizing that Paul wasn’t reshaping the status quo; rather, he was working within it. Many scholars teach that in the early church, which would have included women in leadership roles—think of Phoebe, who was a deacon, and Priscilla, who taught Apollos—the dynamics were evolving, although patriarchal norms loomed large.

Trivia night alert! Did you know that the ancient world viewed marriage relationships very differently? In those times, a woman’s identity and status were often linked to her husband. This cultural lens helps us see Paul’s remarks not as statements about eternal truths but reflections of contemporary customs!

And let’s not forget, throughout Scripture, various women break those molds. Look at Deborah, a judge and leader, or Esther, who courageously influenced a king’s decision. These echoes tell us there’s certainly more to the story than a one-dimensional interpretation of Paul's headship comment!