I Am the Head and Not the Tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)
“The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
Deuteronomy 28:13 (NIV)
What It Means to Be the Head and Not the Tail
This declaration from Deuteronomy 28 is part of God’s covenant blessing over His people. The imagery of head and tail, top and bottom, is about direction and influence. The head leads, sets the course, and determines movement. The tail follows, reacts, and is moved by what is ahead. God is declaring that His people are meant to lead, not merely follow; to influence rather than simply be influenced.
This is not a promise of privilege or superiority over others. It is a declaration about the kind of life God intends for those who walk in covenant with Him. People who carry God’s wisdom, character, and calling are positioned to lead well in their families, communities, workplaces, and spheres of influence. Walking in obedience to God is the path to this kind of positioned, purposeful living. It is not about domination. It is about carrying the right influence in the right direction.
Hebrew Meaning
rosh (רֹאשׁ): head, top, chief, beginning; used throughout the Old Testament to describe leadership, prominence, and the foremost position. In Deuteronomy 28:13, rosh speaks to being at the front rather than the rear, the one who sets direction rather than follows it. It is also the root of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, meaning “head of the year,” the beginning and foremost day.
Greek Meaning
kephalē (κεφαλή): head, source, or origin; used in the New Testament to describe Christ as the head of the church and the head of all things. The concept of being the head carries the idea of being the source of direction, care, and order. When believers walk in alignment with Christ, the true Head, they are positioned to lead and serve from a place of authority rooted in His character.
Bible Verses on Being the Head and Not the Tail
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NIV): “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.”
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV): “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
Matthew 5:13-14 (NIV): “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV): “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head (kephalē) over everything for the church, which is his body.”
Proverbs 22:29 (NIV): “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV): “The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.”
How to Practice Being the Head and Not the Tail
Walk in Obedience and Wisdom. The blessing in Deuteronomy 28 is connected to following God’s commands. Develop discipline in your walk with God because consistent obedience is what positions you for godly influence.
Develop Excellence in Your Area of Calling. God blesses skilled, faithful work. Invest in growing your craft, deepening your knowledge, and increasing your competence in whatever sphere God has placed you.
Lead in Your Household First. Leadership starts at home. Before trying to influence large audiences, be faithful in leading yourself and the people God has placed directly in your care.
Refuse a Victim Mentality. The tail reacts. The head responds. When challenges arise, resist the impulse to see yourself as powerless. You carry the wisdom and Spirit of God. Respond accordingly.
Use Your Influence to Serve, Not to Control. The best leaders serve those they lead. As God positions you at the front, use that position to open doors for others, to build up rather than hold down.
Declare It
God has positioned me to lead, influence, and overcome in every area of my life.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for declaring that I am the head and not the tail. Help me to walk in a way that is worthy of the position and influence You have prepared for me. Keep me humble, obedient, and wise. Let my leadership serve others and bring glory to You. Where I have been living beneath what You intended, lift my perspective and strengthen my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question
In what area of your life have you been living with a follower mentality when God has called you to lead, and what would it look like to step more fully into that calling?
