1 Corinthians 11:12

For just as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation to clarify worship conduct regarding head coverings. He interrupts his argument to establish mutual dependence between men and women before returning to the practical question of propriety.

The words — The conjunction ὥσπερ (hōsper) means "just as" and sets up a direct comparison between female origin and male birth. The particle γὰρ (gar) translates "for" and signals that the statement provides logical ground for the preceding claim of interdependence.

The thread — The text states that all existence originates from God, a claim echoed in Romans 11:36 and 1 Corinthians 8:6 which trace creation to the Father. Proverbs 16:4 reinforces this by noting that the LORD purposes all things, including judgment.

Why it lands — The passage first states that men and women are biologically reciprocal and theologically dependent. It then requires readers to accept that neither gender operates autonomously, since every person and circumstance derives from God.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

Cross-references

Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
Proverbs 16:4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.
Hebrews 1:2 But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.