1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God (KJV)

Then: Corinthians probably had an easier time understanding both Paul's intent when writing these words and the following sections of his letter. They knew the questions that they had asked and were expecting answers to them. Since everything that follows deals with behavior during worship services, the verse must have related to that. Wallace observes that the Corinthians seemed to be confused about diversity and unity. They practiced diversity in times when they needed unity (or identity), and they practiced unity when they should have looked for diversity. This verse brings everyone together, identified as the Lord's creation and unified in worshipping him.

Now: Modern-day minds are conditioned to understand the word "head" in only one way. It means "boss" or "dictator," and sometimes "tyrant." But there are other meanings for the word "head" and they have priority here. Christ is the apex or crown, the one who is loved and worshipped. And above him is God. We all praise, worship and give glory to the Creator, the one who is the source of our being - just as the source (head) of a river is an underground spring (Magness class notes). Thanksgiving and praise for him who made us is a duty and a joy. The sense of peace which comes from sitting before him has no equal in our lives. Saying that "head" means "boss" is to misunderstand Paul's presentation because women should not worship men.

Extra source: 1 Corinthians: Introduction, Argument, and Outline by Daniel B. Wallace. Online at http://bible.org/seriespage/1-corinthians-introduction-argument-and-outline