Word Study · Strong's G2776 · Greek
κεφαλή
kephale
kef-al-ay'
Strong's 1890 spelling: kephalḗ
“the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively”
Strong's Dictionary · 1890 · public domain
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
Rendered in the KJV as
head.
- 75occurrencesin the New Testament
- 11 of 27New Testament bookswhere the word stands
- 13inflected formsdistinct spellings
Across 75 occurrences
The word itself
Inflected forms · 13
- κεφαλὴν24
- κεφαλῆς14
- κεφαλὰς13
- κεφαλὴ10
- κεφαλῇ4
- κεφαλαὶ3
- κεφαλή,1
- κεφαλήν1
- κεφαλήν,1
- κεφαλήν.¶1
- κεφαλήν·1
- κεφαλῆς.1
and 1 more spellings in the ledger below.
How it is rendered · 11
- head43
- heads17
- [the] head4
- chief2
- head,2
- head.2
- [his] head1
- [is the] head1
- [to be] head1
- head;1
- the head1
The sense the word carries at each spot — how the translators read it there, not a fixed translation.
How it parses · 7
- noun · accusative (object) · feminine singular28
- noun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singular15
- noun · accusative (object) · feminine plural13
- noun · nominative (subject) · feminine singular11
- noun · dative (“to / for”) · feminine singular4
- noun · nominative (subject) · feminine plural3
- noun · genitive (“of”) · feminine plural1
Show the grammar codes as tagged
- N-ASF · 28
- N-GSF · 15
- N-APF · 13
- N-NSF · 11
- N-DSF · 4
- N-NPF · 3
- N-GPF · 1
All 75, in canonical order
The ledger of occurrences
Where this word lives
- Revelation19 of 75 · 25%
- Matthew12 of 75 · 16%
- 1 Corinthians10 of 75 · 13%
- Mark8 of 75 · 11%
- Luke7 of 75 · 9%
Revelation carries the most and opens below; every other book is one click.
Matthew12 occurrences
- Matthew 5:36κεφαλῇkephalēanoun · dative (“to / for”) · feminine singularNor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.here: head
- Matthew 6:17κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularBut when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,here: head
- Matthew 8:20κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularJesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”here: head
- Matthew 10:30κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAnd even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.here: head
- Matthew 14:8κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularPrompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”here: head
- Matthew 14:11κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularJohn’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.here: head
- Matthew 21:42κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularJesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?here: chief
- Matthew 26:7κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singulara woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.here: head
- Matthew 27:29κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAnd they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”here: head
- Matthew 27:30κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularThen they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.here: head
- Matthew 27:37κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAbove His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.here: head
- Matthew 27:39κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralAnd those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their headshere: heads
Mark8 occurrences
- Mark 6:24κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularThen she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.”here: head
- Mark 6:25κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularAt once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”here: head
- Mark 6:27κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularSo without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.here: head
- Mark 6:28κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularThe man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.here: head
- Mark 12:10κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularHave you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.here: chief
- Mark 14:3κεφαλῆς.kephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularWhile Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.here: head.
- Mark 15:19κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularThey kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him.here: head
- Mark 15:29κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralAnd those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,here: heads
Luke7 occurrences
- Luke 7:38κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAs she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.here: head
- Luke 7:46κεφαλήνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularYou did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.here: head
- Luke 9:58κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularJesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”here: head
- Luke 12:7κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAnd even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.here: head
- Luke 20:17κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularBut Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?here: [the] head
- Luke 21:18κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularYet not even a hair of your head will perish.here: head
- Luke 21:28κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralWhen these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”here: heads
John5 occurrences
- John 13:9κεφαλήν.¶kephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singular“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!”here: head.
- John 19:2κεφαλῇkephalēanoun · dative (“to / for”) · feminine singularThe soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe.here: head
- John 19:30κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularWhen Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.here: head
- John 20:7κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularThe cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was rolled up, lying separate from the linen cloths.here: head
- John 20:12κεφαλῇkephalēanoun · dative (“to / for”) · feminine singularand she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet.here: head
Acts5 occurrences
- Acts 4:11κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularThis Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’here: head
- Acts 18:6κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularBut when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”here: head
- Acts 18:18κεφαλήν·kephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularPaul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.here: head;
- Acts 21:24κεφαλήν,kephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularTake these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth to these rumors about you, but that you also live in obedience to the law.here: head,
- Acts 27:34κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularSo for your own preservation, I urge you to eat something, because not a single hair of your head will be lost.”here: head
1 Corinthians10 occurrences
- 1 Corinthians 11:3κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularBut I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.here: head
- 1 Corinthians 11:3κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularBut I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.here: [the] head
- 1 Corinthians 11:3κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularBut I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.here: [the] head
- 1 Corinthians 11:4κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularEvery man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.here: [his] head
- 1 Corinthians 11:4κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularEvery man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.here: head
- 1 Corinthians 11:5κεφαλῇkephalēanoun · dative (“to / for”) · feminine singularAnd every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved.here: head
- 1 Corinthians 11:5κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularAnd every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved.here: head
- 1 Corinthians 11:7κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularA man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.here: head
- 1 Corinthians 11:10κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularFor this reason a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.here: head
- 1 Corinthians 12:21κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularThe eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.”here: head
Ephesians4 occurrences
- Ephesians 1:22κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularAnd God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,here: [to be] head
- Ephesians 4:15κεφαλή,kephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularInstead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.here: head,
- Ephesians 5:23κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularFor the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.here: head
- Ephesians 5:23κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularFor the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.here: [is the] head
Colossians3 occurrences
- Colossians 1:18κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularAnd He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.here: head
- Colossians 2:10κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularAnd you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.here: head
- Colossians 2:19κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularHe has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow.here: head
Revelation19 occurrences
- Revelation 1:14κεφαλὴkephalēnoun · nominative (subject) · feminine singularThe hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.here: the head
- Revelation 4:4κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralSurrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads.here: heads
- Revelation 9:7κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralAnd the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men.here: heads
- Revelation 9:17κεφαλαὶkephalainoun · nominative (subject) · feminine pluralNow the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur.here: heads
- Revelation 9:17κεφαλαὶkephalainoun · nominative (subject) · feminine pluralNow the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur.here: heads
- Revelation 9:19κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralFor the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes, having heads with which to inflict harm.here: heads
- Revelation 10:1κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularThen I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.here: head
- Revelation 12:1κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAnd a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.here: head
- Revelation 12:3κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralThen another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.here: heads
- Revelation 12:3κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralThen another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.here: heads
- Revelation 13:1κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralThen I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.here: heads
- Revelation 13:1κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralThen I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.here: heads
- Revelation 13:3κεφαλῶνkephalōnnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine pluralOne of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.here: heads
- Revelation 14:14κεφαλῆςkephalēsnoun · genitive (“of”) · feminine singularAnd I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand.here: head
- Revelation 17:3κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralAnd the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.here: heads
- Revelation 17:7κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine plural“Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.here: heads
- Revelation 17:9κεφαλαὶkephalainoun · nominative (subject) · feminine pluralThis calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.here: heads
- Revelation 18:19κεφαλὰςkephalasnoun · accusative (object) · feminine pluralThen they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”here: heads
- Revelation 19:12κεφαλὴνkephalēnnoun · accusative (object) · feminine singularHe has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.here: head