Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HEAD

Generally the head of the physical body, the seat of the sensory organs and the brain (Heb. rōʾš; Gk. kephalḗ). Several passages allude to particular customs pertaining to the head. The covering of one’s head was an act of contrition (2 Sam. 15:30) or shame (Jer. 14:3). Casting dust upon the head was an act of grief (2 Sam. 13:19; Lam. 2:10; Ezek. 27:30; Rev. 18:19). The shaving of one’s own head was also an act of grief (Job 1:20; Jer. 16:6), but the shaving of another person’s head was a way of humiliating that person (1 Chr. 19:4-5; 1 Cor. 11:5-6). By anointing the head with oil a person was consecrated and received God’s blessing. A ceremony of anointing accompanied the installation of new priests (Exod. 29:7; Lev. 8:12) and kings (1 Sam. 10:1; 16:13).

Often, the term “head” refers to one in a position of leadership (Josh. 11:10; Judg. 11:11). Paul blended this understanding of head with the literal concept when he spoke metaphorically of the Church as the body and Christ as the head (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15; Col. 1:18; 2:19), thus emphasizing the unity of the Church, which is united under the leadership of Christ (the head).

“Head” also may refer to that which is most important. This is probably the sense in references to Jesus as the “main (kephalḗ) cornerstone” (Mark 12:10; Matt. 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7; cf. Ps. 118:22). Similarly, Mt. Zion is referred to as the “chief of the mountains” (Isa. 2:2; Mic. 4:1), and Jerusalem is exalted above my “main joy” (Ps. 137:6).

Mark R. Fairchild

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HEAD

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)