In today’s world, equality between men and women is a highly discussed topic. Nevertheless, the Bible makes it clear that within marriage there should be a head of household and Scripture assigns this role to man.
Here are some bible verses about man as head of household; you’ll see why God designed it this way and what each partner must do in order to make the partnership successful.
Bible Verses About Man as Head of Household
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 saviour of the body.”
This verse asserts the parallel between Christ’s role as the head of the Church and the husband’s role as the head of his household. Just as Christ loves, protects, and nurtures the Church, the husband should also display these qualities towards his wife and family. This doesn’t imply male dominance, but rather a call for loving leadership and service.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
Colossians emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and love within a marriage. Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, while husbands are called to love their wives and not harbor bitterness. This highlights the complementary roles within a marriage, ensuring a harmonious partnership and a stable household.
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.”
This verse clarifies the hierarchy within a Christian household. God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. It is important to remember that this hierarchy doesn’t imply inequality, but rather demonstrates the different roles and responsibilities that each member has in their relationship with one another and with God.
1 Timothy 3:4-5
“One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”
This passage underlines the importance of a man being able to lead his family effectively. It suggests that a man’s ability to govern his own household is a reflection of his capacity to care for the Church. Strong leadership within a family is thus seen as a prerequisite for those who wish to take on greater responsibility within the Christian community.
Genesis 2:18
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
This verse from Genesis highlights the partnership between a man and a woman. God created a “help meet” for man, signifying the complementary roles that both play within a household. While the man serves as the head of the household, his wife is his partner, working together to create a strong foundation for their family.
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Proverbs 31:10-11
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
In Proverbs 31, the Bible describes a virtuous woman as one whose husband can trust in her completely. This trust forms the foundation of a strong and harmonious household, with the man as the head. A husband’s ability to rely on his wife and her wisdom contributes to the overall stability and success of their home.
1 Peter 3:1
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.”
This verse emphasizes the power of a wife’s influence over her husband. By being submissive and respectful, a wife can help guide her husband towards a deeper understanding of God’s word, even if he is not yet a believer. This passage also serves as a reminder that the husband’s role as head of the household can be positively impacted by the wife’s behavior and wisdom.
1 Timothy 2:11-12
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”
This passage, although sometimes controversial, emphasizes the importance of women being submissive and respectful towards their husbands. It highlights the different roles and responsibilities of men and women within the family and the church. However, it’s crucial to interpret this verse within the context of the time it was written and consider its application in a contemporary setting.
Ephesians 5:25-28
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”
This passage from Ephesians reinforces the concept that a husband’s role as head of the household is rooted in love and service. Just as Christ loves and serves the Church, husbands are called to love and serve their wives, striving to create a sanctified, pure, and harmonious home.
Proverbs 12:4
“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
Proverbs 12:4 emphasizes the value of a virtuous woman within a household. When a wife is upright and morally strong, she acts as a crown to her husband, supporting his role as the head of the household. A woman who brings shame, on the other hand, can weaken the entire family structure.
Proverbs 18:22
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”
This verse highlights the importance of a strong marriage in a Christian household. A good wife is seen as a blessing from God, and when a man finds such a wife, he is bestowed with divine favor. This favor helps strengthen his role as the head of the household, as he relies on his wife’s support and wisdom.
Titus 2:4-5
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
In this passage, older women are instructed to teach younger women the virtues of being a good wife and mother. These qualities, such as loving their husbands and children, being discreet, and maintaining a well-kept home, contribute to the overall stability and success of the household under the man’s leadership.
Proverbs 31:27-28
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
This excerpt from Proverbs 31 describes the diligence and dedication of a virtuous wife and mother. By managing her household well, she supports her husband’s role as the head of the family and ensures that their home is a place of stability, love, and respect.
Ephesians 5:33
“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Ephesians 5:33 reiterates the importance of love and respect within a marriage. Husbands should love their wives as they love themselves, and wives should show reverence to their husbands. This mutual love and respect create a harmonious environment, supporting the man’s role as the head of the household.
Genesis 3:16
“Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
This verse is found after the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. It outlines the consequences for both men and women, emphasizing that the man’s role as the head of the household and his authority over his wife are part of the divine order established after the fall.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul instructs women to be silent and submissive in the church, reinforcing the idea that men hold authority in both the family and religious contexts. While this verse might be considered controversial in today’s context, it’s important to recognize the cultural and historical context in which it was written.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
This verse calls for wives to submit to their husbands as they would to the Lord. This submission is not a sign of inferiority but an acknowledgment of the man’s role as the head of the household. It’s a reminder for women to respect and support their husbands in their leadership position within the family.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
In this proverb, the value of a prudent wife is highlighted as a gift from God. A wise and discerning wife supports her husband in his role as head of the household, contributing to the overall stability and success of their family.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility a man has to provide for his family. As the head of the household, it’s crucial for a man to ensure the well-being and security of his family. Failing to do so not only undermines his leadership position but also goes against the teachings of the Christian faith.
Also Read: 21 Bible Verses About Acceptance (With Commentary)
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.”
These verses from 1 Corinthians stress the importance of mutual respect and intimacy within a marriage. Both husband and wife are called to be considerate and loving towards each other, recognizing that they are united as one in marriage. This unity strengthens the husband’s role as the head of the household and fosters a loving and supportive environment.
Deuteronomy 24:5
“When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.”
This verse from Deuteronomy highlights the importance of a man prioritizing his wife and family, especially in the early stages of marriage. By dedicating time and attention to his new wife, the husband can establish a strong foundation for his role as the head of the household, fostering a loving and stable environment.
Proverbs 31:23
“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”
In this verse, the virtuous woman’s husband is recognized and respected by the community, reflecting the positive impact of a strong marriage on the husband’s role as the head of the household. A successful marriage and a supportive wife contribute to the husband’s reputation and standing within the community.
Malachi 2:14-15
“Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.”
This passage from Malachi emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment within a marriage. Husbands are called to be loyal to their wives and to recognize the sacred covenant they’ve entered into. By maintaining a strong and devoted relationship, the husband is better able to fulfill his role as the head of the household and ensure the spiritual well-being of his family.
Final Thoughts
there are several verses in the Bible that discuss the role of men as heads of their households. These verses stress the importance of male leadership, responsibility, and accountability in family life.
It is crucial to recognize, however, that these verses do not condone authoritarianism or any form of abuse; instead, they promote a type of servant leadership modeled after our Lord Jesus Christ.
Men are called to lead their families with love, humility, and selfless service just as Jesus loved and cared for His church. The ultimate goal of male leadership in a family context is to create a flourishing home environment that honors God and reflects the love and unity found within the Trinity.