κεφαλή (kephalē)

kephalē

head

G2776 · Greek · New Testament · 68 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 68 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The Greek word kephalē refers primarily to the physical head of a person or animal. In the New Testament, it appears in straightforward descriptions of anatomy, such as Jesus’ teaching not to swear by one’s head (Matthew 5:34) or John’s vision of hair white like wool on Christ’s head (Revelation 1:14). The term also surfaces in narrative details, like the blood falling on Saul’s head (Acts 18:6) or the stone that builders rejected becoming the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42).

Beyond its literal sense, kephalē carries significant metaphorical weight. It denotes a position of authority or source, applied to Christ as the head of the Church and to husbands in relation to their wives (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3). This usage reflects an understanding of leadership as origin or preeminence rather than mere rank. The word’s versatility allows it to bridge concrete imagery with profound theological concepts about hierarchy and unity within the body of believers.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word kephalē reminds us that our lives are held in careful hands. In passages like Matthew 10:30, we learn that even the hairs of your head are numbered. This is not just anatomical detail; it is a promise that God pays attention to the smallest parts of your existence. When you feel overlooked or insignificant, this word offers a grounding truth: you are known completely.

For believers, kephalē also points to Christ’s role as the source and leader of the Church. In Ephesians 5:23, Paul describes Jesus as the head, indicating that He provides life, direction, and unity to those who follow Him. This relationship is not about distant authority but intimate connection. As members of His body, we draw strength from this primary source.

Whether facing hardship or seeking guidance, remembering Christ as your head brings stability. It invites you to rest in His care and align your life with His wisdom. This perspective transforms how you view your place in the world and your relationship with God.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 68 verses where it appears, by frequency.

head44×
heads17×
[the] head4×
head.2×
head,2×
chief2×
the head1×
head;1×
[to be] head1×
[is the] head1×
[his] head1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

κεφαλὴν24×
κεφαλῆς15×
κεφαλὰς13×
κεφαλὴ10×
κεφαλῇ4×
κεφαλαὶ3×
κεφαλῶν1×
κεφαλῆς.1×
κεφαλήν·1×
κεφαλήν.¶1×
κεφαλήν,1×
κεφαλήν1×

Key Verses

Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

This verse emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of every detail of a person's life, offering comfort against fear.
Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes’?

This metaphor identifies Jesus as the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone, highlighting His supreme importance in God's plan.
Luke 7:38
Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

The physical act of anointing Jesus' head with hair and tears illustrates deep humility and devotion in worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kephalē mean in the New Testament?

Kephalē primarily means 'head' in a physical sense, but it is also used metaphorically to denote authority, source, or preeminence. In theological contexts, it often refers to Christ as the head of the Church, indicating His role as leader and origin of spiritual life.

How is kephalē different from other words for 'head'?

While Greek has other terms for physical parts, kephalē is unique in its capacity to carry both literal anatomical meaning and significant metaphorical weight regarding leadership and origin. It bridges the concrete image of a body part with abstract concepts of hierarchy and unity.

Where does kephalē appear most significantly?

It appears in diverse contexts, from Jesus' teaching on God's care for individuals (Matthew 10:30) to Paul's letters on church structure (Ephesians 5:23). It also features in passion narratives, such as the crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29), highlighting its versatility.

Every Occurrence (68 verses across 11 books)

Matthew 12 verses

Matthew 5:36

Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black.

Matthew 6:17

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

Matthew 8:20

Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his…

Matthew 10:30

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matthew 14:8

She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”

Matthew 14:11

His head was brought on a platter and given to the young lady; and she brought it to her mother.

Matthew 21:42

Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…

Matthew 26:7

a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the…

Matthew 27:29

They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him…

Matthew 27:30

They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.

Matthew 27:37

They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Matthew 27:39

Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads

Mark 8 verses

Luke 8 verses

John 5 verses

Acts 5 verses

Romans 1 verse

I Corinthians 6 verses

Ephesians 3 verses

Colossians 3 verses

I Peter 1 verse

Revelation of John 16 verses