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What does the Bible say about head of household?

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The Bible teaches that God calls husbands and fathers to exercise humble, loving, Christlike leadership in the home, while every family member lives under the Lordship of Christ. Ephesians 5:23-25 grounds a husband’s headship in Christ’s self-giving love for the church, never in harshness or self-interest. Wives are called to respect their husbands, and husbands to honor their wives as fellow heirs of grace, as 1 Peter 3:7 teaches. Fathers must provide for their households and raise children in the Lord’s instruction without provoking them, according to 1 Timothy 5:8 and Ephesians 6:4. This order reflects both creation and redemption, calling families to mutual service, faithfulness, and grace.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 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.

  • 1 Peter 3:7

    You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

  • Genesis 3:16

    To the woman he said, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. In pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

  • Ephesians 5:25

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;

  • Ephesians 5:23

    For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Ephesians 6:4

    You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Ephesians 5:22

    Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

  • Colossians 3:21

    Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

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