In the Bible, headship refers to the leadership and authority within a relationship, often illustrated by the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23) and between husbands and wives (1 Corinthians 11:3). It emphasizes a model of servant leadership, where the head is responsible for the well-being of those under their authority.
Scripture
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
30 because we are members of his body.
31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Understanding Headship in the Bible
The concept of headship in the Bible encompasses the idea of authority, responsibility, and a model of servant leadership. Fundamentally, it is exemplified in the relationship between Christ and the Church, wherein Christ is portrayed as the head who lovingly sacrifices Himself for the benefit of the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27). This relationship underscores not only authority but also a profound commitment to care, nurture, and protect. In this context, headship is not about domination or superiority, but about serving others and fostering an environment of love and mutual respect.
Similarly, the biblical understanding of headship extends to family relationships, particularly in marriage. Ephesians 5:22-24 depicts the wife’s submission to her husband, paralleling this with the Church’s submission to Christ. However, this is intricately linked to the husband’s call to love his wife as Christ loves the Church. The model presented here is a reciprocal one, where authority involves a high degree of responsibility. In 1 Corinthians 11:3, headship is acknowledged as a divinely instituted order, yet it calls for understanding and grace as both partners are expected to submit to one another in love (Ephesians 5:21). Thus, biblical headship advocates for a dynamic of care, sacrifice, and mutual respect, challenging conventional notions of authority and inviting leaders to embody Christ-like humility.
Beyond the direct relationship between Christ and the Church, the theme of headship is woven throughout the narratives and teachings of the Bible, emphasizing a framework of guidance embedded in love and mutual responsibility. For instance, in the Old Testament, the role of spiritual leaders, such as priests and kings, serves as a potent illustration of headship. These leaders were called not only to execute authority and uphold laws but also to care for their people, ensuring justice and compassion. This theme is evident in the accounts of kings like David, who, despite his flaws, sought to shepherd his people with a heart attuned to God. The expectation placed on leaders was clear: their headship was an extension of God’s divine governance, characterized by a commitment to the well-being of those they led, further challenging notions of authoritarianism.
Additionally, in the context of the broader Christian community, headship also reflects itself in the roles of church leaders, such as elders and deacons, who are called to serve the body of Christ. The qualifications and responsibilities outlined in pastoral epistles highlight the essential traits of humility, integrity, and a servant attitude that should define those in positions of authority. The emphasis on teaching, directing, and guiding the community stems from a recognition that true headship is exercised through fostering spiritual growth and unity among believers. By emphasizing a model of headship that revolves around servanthood and communal accountability, the Bible invites a reconsideration of leadership roles within both the family and church, framing authority as an act of service rather than a means of control.
Divine Order and Authority
In the biblical context, headship often signifies a divinely ordained structure of authority within relationships, particularly in the family and the church. This concept emphasizes that God has established roles that reflect His order and purpose. The head, typically understood as the leader or authority figure, is tasked with guiding, protecting, and nurturing those under their care. This structure is not merely about power dynamics but is intended to reflect God’s character and His relationship with humanity.
Responsibility and Sacrificial Love
Headship in the Bible also carries the weight of responsibility, particularly in the context of love and service. The head is called to act with selflessness and to prioritize the well-being of others. This notion of headship is not about domination but rather about serving and uplifting those in one’s care. It reflects a model of leadership that mirrors Christ’s love for the church, emphasizing that true headship involves sacrifice, commitment, and a deep sense of accountability.
Unity and Harmony
Another broader meaning of headship in the Bible is the promotion of unity and harmony within relationships. The concept encourages collaboration and mutual respect among individuals, where the head serves to unify and bring together diverse perspectives and gifts. This understanding of headship fosters an environment where all members can thrive, contributing to a collective purpose while recognizing the unique roles each person plays within the community. It highlights the importance of working together in love and respect, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ.
How to Embrace Leadership and Submission in Faith
Embracing leadership and submission in faith can feel like a delicate balance, but it’s essential for our growth as Christians. As we navigate our spiritual journeys, we must remember that true leadership in the eyes of Christ is rooted in humility and service, as exemplified by Jesus washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-15). This act teaches us that to lead is to serve, and to submit is to trust in God’s greater plan. When we submit to God’s will, we open ourselves to His guidance, allowing us to lead others with grace and compassion. It’s about recognizing that our authority comes not from our position but from our relationship with Him. So, let’s strive to cultivate a heart that is both willing to lead with integrity and to submit with faith, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the love and character of Christ to those around us.
Bible References to Headship in Scripture:
1 Corinthians 11:3-16: 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,
5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.
7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.
9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;
12 For as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.
13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,
15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
Colossians 3:18-19: 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
1 Peter 3:1-7: 3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Genesis 2:18-25: 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field.
21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
1 Timothy 2:11-15: 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Titus 2:3-5: 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Proverbs 31:10-31: 10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Genesis 3:16-19: 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”
17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
1 Corinthians 7:1-16: 1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.
4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.
9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband.
11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.
16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.