What does 1 Corinthians 11:8 mean?

Paul has written in the previous verse that man is the image and glory of God. This seems to be because the first man, Adam, was formed by God in the image of God. As such, man is different from all the rest of creation. Man is the glory of all God made during creation week.

Paul described woman, though, as the "glory of man." Now he shows why. Eve, the first woman, was made from one of Adam's ribs (Genesis 2:18–24). She was literally made from man. In the following verse, he will reference the same passage to show that woman was also made for man, causing her to become the man's glory.

Much damage has been done by ripping verses and phrases from the Bible out of their context. These words are not meant to be interpreted or understood except in connection with the surrounding passage. Paul's meaning here has nothing to do with submission, value, or politics between the sexes. Rather, this section deals with the importance of Christians honoring their spiritual impact on others. That includes a respectful approach to conduct, modesty, and behavior.