Head

Summary

The head in Scripture carries physical, symbolic, and spiritual significance—representing authority, blessing, consecration, and in the New Testament, Christ's relationship to the church.

☩Physical and Cultural Practices

Various practices concerning the head appear throughout Scripture. The head was shaved in connection with certain vows, as when Paul had his head shaved at Cenchrea. Anointing the head was part of cleansing and consecration rituals, particularly in the purification of lepers. Diseases of the scalp are mentioned among afflictions in Isaiah.

Key verses:Acts 21:24Leviticus 14:18Leviticus 14:29Isaiah 3:17

☩Symbol of Authority

The head represents authority and leadership. In Scripture's imagery, Christ is the head of the church, and the husband is described as head of the wife as Christ is head of the church. The expression "the head and not the tail" represents national prominence and leadership rather than subjugation.

Key verses:Ephesians 5:23Colossians 1:18Deuteronomy 28:13

☩Laying Hands on the Head

The head was central in the laying on of hands for blessing, ordination, and sacrifice. Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh by laying hands on their heads. Priests laid hands on sacrificial animals' heads, symbolically transferring sin to the substitute.

Key verses:Genesis 48:14Leviticus 1:4Leviticus 4:4

Related Verses436 mentions

Leviticus· 40 verses

1:4 1:8 1:12 1:15 3:2

Ezekiel· 30 verses

1:22 1:25 1:26 5:1 7:18

Psalms· 28 verses

3:3 7:16 18:43 21:3 22:7

2 Samuel· 20 verses

1:2 1:10 1:16 2:16 3:8

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Head," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.George Morrish, "Head," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Head," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).