49 Bible Verses about Headship

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, power and glory, victory and praise: for all that is in heaven and in earth is thine, and thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art lifted up a head above all.

I swear by myself: out of my mouth cometh the word of righteousness, and that may no man turn: but all knees shall bow unto me, and all tongues shall swear by me,

When this time was past, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding was restored unto me again. Then gave I thanks to the highest. I magnified and praised him that liveth for evermore, whose power endureth alway, and his kingdom from one generation to another: in comparison of whom, all they that dwell upon the earth are to be reputed as nothing. He handleth according to his will, among the powers of heaven and among the inhabiters of the earth - and there is none that may resist his hand, or say, 'What doest thou?'

What shall we say then? Is there any unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, "I will show mercy to whom I show mercy: And will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So lieth it not then in a man's will, or cunning, but in the mercy of God.read more.
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, "Even for this same purpose have I stirred thee up, to show my power on thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the world." So hath he mercy on whom he will. And whom he will, he maketh hard hearted. Thou wilt say then unto me, "Why then blameth he us yet? For who can resist his will?" But O man what art thou, which disputest with God? Shall the work say to the workman, "Why hast thou made me on this fashion?" Hath not the potter power over the clay, even of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Then cometh the end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all rule, authority, and power. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.read more.
"For he hath put all things under his feet." But when he saith, "All things are put under him," it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. When all things are subdued unto him: then shall the son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all things.

I would ye knew that Christ is the head of every man; and the man is the woman's head; and God is Christ's head.

Which, being in the shape of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.

For I came down from heaven: not to do mine own will, but his will which hath sent me.

And he went away a little apart, and fell flat on his face, and prayed, saying, "O my father, if it possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."

And he said, "Abba father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not that I will, but that thou wilt be done."

saying, "Father if thou wilt, withdraw this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will; But thine be fulfilled."

Which, being in the shape of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Nevertheless, he made himself of no reputation, and took on him the shape of a servant, and became like unto men, and was found in his apparel as a man. He humbled himself and became obedient unto the death, even the death of the cross.

Which in the days of his flesh, did offer up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death: and was also heard, because of his godliness. And though he were God's son, yet learned he obedience, by those things which he suffered,

which is the image of the invisible God, first begotten of all creatures: for by him were all things created, things that are in heaven, and things that are in earth: things visible, and things invisible: whether they be majesty or lordship, either rule or power. All things are created by him, and in him, and he is before all things, and in him all things have their being.

but in these last days he hath spoken unto us by his son, whom he hath made heir of all things: by whom also he made the world. Which son, being the brightness of his glory, and very image of his substance, bearing up all things with the word of his power, hath in his own person purged our sins, and is sitten on the righthand of the majesty on high, and is more excellent than the angels, inasmuch as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than have they.

which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and set him on his righthand in heavenly things, above all rule, power, and might, and domination, and above all names that are named, not in this world only, but also in the world to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and hath made him above all things, the head of the congregation:

which is the image of the invisible God, first begotten of all creatures: for by him were all things created, things that are in heaven, and things that are in earth: things visible, and things invisible: whether they be majesty or lordship, either rule or power. All things are created by him, and in him, and he is before all things, and in him all things have their being.read more.
And he is the head of the body, that is, to wit, of the congregation: he is the beginning and first begotten of the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.

and ye are complete in him, which is the head of all rule and power.

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." In that he put all things under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.

But let us follow the truth in love, and in all things grow in him which is the head, that is to say Christ, in whom all the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to another - according to the operation as every part hath his measure - and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.

For the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body.

And he is the head of the body, that is, to wit, of the congregation: he is the beginning and first begotten of the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.

and holdeth not the head: whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God.

And hath opened unto us the mystery of his will according to his pleasure, and purposed the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come: that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ. That is to say, in him

For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. "For he hath put all things under his feet." But when he saith, "All things are put under him," it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

And I saw heaven open, and behold a white horse: and he that sat upon him was faithful and true, and in righteousness did judge and make battle. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew but himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, and his name is called the word of God.read more.
And the warriors which were in heaven, followed him upon white horses, clothed with white and pure raynes: and out of his mouth went out a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the heathen. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and he trod the wine-vat of fierceness and wrath of almighty God. And hath on his vesture and on his thigh, a name written, "King of Kings, and Lord of lords."

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, "Grow and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowls of the air, and over all the beasts that move on the earth.

{To the Chanter upon Gittith, a Psalm of David} O LORD our governour; how excellent is thy name in all the world; thou hast set thy glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of the very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. For I will consider thy heavens, even the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained.read more.
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And what is the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him lower than the angels, to crown him with glory and worship. Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands; and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet - All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea, and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the sea. O LORD our governour, how excellent is thy name in all the world!

He hath not unto the angels put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak: but one in a certain place witnessed, saying, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him: other the son of man, that thou visitest him? After thou hadst for a season made him lower than the angels: thou crownedst him with honour and glory, and hast set him above the works of thy hands.read more.
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." In that he put all things under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.

Thou shalt deliver me from the strivings of the people, and thou shalt make me the head of the Heathen. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. {TYNDALE: And thou deliveredst me from the dissension of my people, and keepest me to be a head over nations, for the people which I knew not became my servants.}

And Samuel said, "When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the LORD anointed thee king over Israel.

For the head city of the Syrians is Damascus, but the head of Damascus is Rezin. And after five and threescore years, shall Ephraim be no more a people. And the chief city of Ephraim is Samaria, but the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. And if ye believe not, there shall no promise be kept with you.'"

Thou king sawest, and behold: there stood before thee a great Image, whose figure was marvelous great, and his visage grim. The image head was of fine gold, his breast and arms of silver, his body and loins were of copper, his legs were of iron, his feet were part of iron and part of earth.read more.
Thou beheldest it till a stone was cut without hands, which smote the image upon the feet that were both of iron and earth, and brake them to powder. Then was the iron, the earth, the copper, the silver and gold broken altogether in pieces: and became like the chaff of corn, that the wind bloweth away from the summer floors, that they can no more be found. But the stone that smote the Image, became a great mountain, which fulfilleth the whole earth. This is the dream. And now will we show before the king, what it meaneth. O king, thou art a king of kings: For the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, riches, strength, and majesty: And hath delivered thee all things that are among the children of men: the beasts of the field, and the fowls under the heaven, and given thee dominion over them all. Thou art that golden head.

Let every soul submit himself unto the authority of the higher powers. For there is no power, but of God. The powers that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth power, resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not to be feared for good works but for evil. Wilt thou be without fear of the power? Do well then: and so shalt thou be praised of the same.read more.
For he is the minister of God, for thy wealth. But and if thou do evil, then fear: for he beareth not a sword for nought; but is the minister of God, to take vengeance on them that do evil. Wherefore ye must needs obey, not for fear of vengeance only: but also because of conscience. And even for this cause pay ye tribute. For they are God's ministers, serving for the same purpose.

Submit yourselves unto all manner ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be unto the King as unto the chief head; other unto rulers, as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers: but for the laud of them that well do.

And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Ruben, to the children of Gad and unto the half tribe of Manasseh into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and with him ten lords of every chief house a lord throughout all the tribes of Israel, which heads of their fathers' households were over the thousands of Israel.

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of witness, the first day of the second month, and in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, "Take ye the sum of all the multitude of the children of Israel, in their kindreds and households of their fathers and number them by name all that are males, poll by poll, from twenty years and above: even all that are able to go forth into war in Israel, thou and Aaron shall number them in their armies.read more.
And with you shall be, of every tribe, a head man in the house of his father. "And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: in Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur; In Simeon, Shelumiel: the son of Zurishaddai; In the tribe of Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; In Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; In Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon. Among the children of Joseph: In Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud; In Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur; In Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gedeoni; In Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai; In Asher, Pagiel the son of Ochran; In Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel; In Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan." These were councilors of the congregation and lords in the tribes of their fathers and captains over thousands in Israel.

Ahi was the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, the head of an ancient household among them.

Women: submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the congregation is in subjection to Christ, likewise let the wives be in subjection to their husbands in all things.

I would ye knew that Christ is the head of every man; and the man is the woman's head; and God is Christ's head. Every man praying or prophesying having anything on his head, shameth his head. Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth bare-headed, dishonesteth her head. For it is even all one and the very same thing, even as though she were shaven.read more.
If the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn. If it be shame for a woman to be shaven or shorn, let her cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God. The woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman's sake: but the woman for the man's sake. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head, for the angels' sakes. Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man by the woman: but all is of God. Judge in yourselves whether it be comely that a woman pray unto God bareheaded. Or else doth not nature teach you, that it is a shame for a man, if he have long hair: and a praise to a woman if she have long hair? For her hair is given her to cover her withal. If there be any man among you that lusteth to strife, let him know that we have no such customs, neither the congregations of God.

Wives, submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord.

Likewise, let the wives be in subjection to their husbands, that even they which believe not the word, may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives: while they behold your pure conversation coupled with fear. Whose apparel shall not be outward with broided hair, and hanging on of gold, other in putting on of gorgeous apparel:read more.
but let the hid man of the heart be uncorrupt, with a meek and a quiet spirit, which spirit is, before God, a thing much set by. For after this manner in the old time did the holy women which trusted in God tire themselves, and were obedient to their husbands, even as Sara obeyed Abraham and called him "Lord" - whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, not being afraid of every shadow.

We beseech you brethren, that ye know them which labour among you, and have the oversight of you in the Lord,

Then Saul was come again from the Philistines, it was told him, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." Then Saul took three thousand men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in the rocks, where nothing haunted but wild goats. And he came to the flocks of the sheep by a wayside where was a cave. And Saul went in to cover his feet. And David and his men sat along by the sides of the cave.read more.
And the men of David said unto him, "See, the day is come of which the LORD said unto thee, 'Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, and thou shalt do with him what it pleaseth thee.'" Then David arose and cut off the tip of Saul's coat privily. And immediately David's heart smote him, because he had cut off the tip of Saul's coat. And he said unto his men, "The LORD keep me from doing that thing unto my master that is the LORD's anointed, to lay mine hand upon him: seeing he is the LORD's anointed." And so David kept off his servants with words, and suffered them not to go upon Saul.

For lo, shall the LORD God of Hosts doth take away from Jerusalem and Judah all possessions and power, all meat and drink, the captain and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the wise and the aged man, the captain of fifty and the honorable, the senators and men of understanding, the masters of crafts and orators.read more.
And I shall give you children to be your princes, sayeth the LORD, and babes shall have the rule of you. One shall ever be doing violence and wrong to another. The boy shall presume against the elder, and the vile person against the honorable. Yea, one shall take a friend of his own kindred by the bosom, and say, "Thou hast clothing, thou shalt be our head, for thou mayest keep us from this fall and peril." Then shall he swear and say, "I cannot help you. Moreover, there is neither meat nor clothing in my house, make me no ruler of the people."

Obey them that have the oversight of you, and submit yourselves to them, for they watch for your souls, even as they that must give accounts for them: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For that is an unprofitable thing for you.

The elders which are among you I exhort, which am also an elder and a witness of the afflictions of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be opened: see that ye feed Christ's flock, which is among you, taking the oversight of them: not as though ye were compelled thereto, but willingly; Not for the desire of filthy lucre, but of a good mind. Not as though ye were lords over the parishes: but that ye be an example to the flock.

submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.