Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Concept:Headship, within the biblical context, refers to the position of authority and leadership that is divinely ordained. It is a principle that is evident in various relationships, particularly in the family and the church. The concept of headship is rooted in the order of creation and is often associated with responsibility, guidance, and sacrificial love.
Biblical Foundation:The principle of headship is first introduced in the creation narrative. In
Genesis 1:27, God creates humanity in His image, "male and female He created them." The order of creation is further detailed in
Genesis 2, where Adam is formed first, and Eve is created as a helper suitable for him (
Genesis 2:18-23). This order establishes a pattern of headship and partnership.
Headship in Marriage:The New Testament elaborates on the concept of headship within the marriage relationship.
Ephesians 5:22-24 states, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage highlights the husband's role as the head, modeled after Christ's headship over the church, characterized by love, sacrifice, and service.
Headship in the Church:Headship is also evident in the structure of the church. Christ is described as the head of the church, His body.
Colossians 1:18 affirms, "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." This headship signifies Christ's authority and leadership over the church, guiding and nurturing it.
Role of Men and Women:The principle of headship extends to the roles of men and women within the church. In
1 Corinthians 11:3 , Paul writes, "But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." This verse outlines a hierarchy that reflects divine order and purpose, emphasizing mutual respect and interdependence.
Responsibilities of Headship:Headship carries significant responsibilities. Those in positions of headship are called to lead with integrity, humility, and love.
Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This sacrificial love is the hallmark of true headship, prioritizing the well-being and spiritual growth of those under one's care.
Contemporary Application:The principle of headship remains relevant in contemporary Christian life, guiding relationships within the family and the church. It calls for a balance of authority and service, where leaders are accountable to God and are to reflect Christ's love and humility in their leadership. The biblical model of headship challenges cultural norms and encourages believers to uphold God's design for order and harmony in all aspects of life.
Topical Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Topicalbible.org1 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.
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Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
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Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
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Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
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Ephesians 5:24
Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
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Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
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Genesis 3:16
To the woman he said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you.
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1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
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Colossians 3:20-21
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
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1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
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Strong's Hebrew
4761. marashah -- principality... principality Denominative from ro'sh; properly,
headship, ie (plural for collective)
dominion -- principality. see HEBREW ro'sh. 4760, 4761. marashah. 4762 >
...Library
Whether Christ Acquired his Judiciary Power by his Merits?
... But the grace ofheadship does not belong to Christ by reason of merit, but follows
the personal union of the Divine and human natures: according to Jn.1:14, 16...
Scriptural Types.
... David'sheadship adumbrated the higherheadship of the Redeemer; his conflicts with
the enemies of God's people and his final triumph over them, Christ's...
Death is the Gate of Life
... Shall it be, under the oldheadship of Adam, our own death, in all that God means
by the word, or shall it be, under theheadship of Christ, the death of...
Of the Things Pertaining to the Gospel of Christ which Hosea and...
... goes on to say, "And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered
together in one, and shall appoint themselves oneheadship, and shall...
The Supremacy of Christ
... To these ideas Paul opposed the true doctrine of theHeadship of Christ (2:19) and
that He is the only link between God and the universe (1:15-17)....
The Preface
... advancing state, they always set about the renovation of these covenants."They
strenuously asserted the divine right of presbytery, theheadship of Christ...
An Abstract of a Speech Delivered by Lord Warriston, Before the...
... Christ lives and reigns alone in his church, and will have all done therein according
to his word and will, and that he has given no supremeheadship over his...
Inseparable Connection Between the Old and the New Testament.
... Not only did theheadship given to David and his successors over the covenant people
of God adumbrate the higherheadship of Christ, but David had from God the...
The Christian Church
... churches may differ from each other in form of government and in other matters they
are united in the great essential doctrine of theHeadship of Christ, this...
Appendix 2 the Case of Adam
... It is beside our present purpose to enter here into a lengthy discussion of the
FederalHeadship of Adam (Though there is deep and widespread need for this...
Resources
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