Transfiguring Headship: A Figural Theology of Gender

by Lyndon Jost, Ephraim Radner (Foreword)

“The man is the head of the woman” (1 Cor 11:3). There was a time when this claim was uncontroversial, taken as part of the fabric of the “good news” announced in Christ, and bound up with claims concerning the church’s salvation in him (Eph 5:23–33). But this time has long passed. This book explains how it came to be that the language of the Scriptures concerning male and female generally, and the naming of the man as “head” specifically, has come to be heard not as good news but as a word of offense, even for Christians. A significant part of this study traces, historically and sociologically, the genealogy of “headship” and its waning acceptance as a compelling theological and civil category. What we will find is that, scripturally speaking, the “head” is to be understood not as the “ruler” over the body (as is commonly supposed and argued for) but rather as the representative member of the body, and the body as the glory of the head.

210 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[Preston Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read nothing else on the theology of gender, let it be this book. “The man is the head of the woman” (1 Cor 11:3). How can we begin to hear these words again as good news rather than as an offense? Through a figural, christological reading of the scriptural canon, Jost presents a marvelously beautiful vision of the reality of man and woman. Neither egalitarians nor complementarians can engage this book without being chastened and changed.

[John Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read on the concept of headship and gender in general. Jost is able to strip down the cultural and historical baggage of the term to reveal a rich biblical theology of the head. Gave me lots to think about, thankful for this work!

[Michael Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could have been great. Conceptually powerful, hermeneuticaly sound, and helping put language to issues I have felt and sense but could not quite get at in my own thinking. Yet, too much time is spent on issues that ultimately detract from the success of the book.

Jost successfully argues that "head" (referring to men/husbands) is a theological status entailing covenantal/nuptial responsibility. As the Old and New Testaments teach the head occupies a representative function on behalf of his body, this depicting the role Christ has for and with His body the Church.

Jost insightfully shows that women figure (like men do Christ the head) Christ the Body. Living as pictures pointing to true humanity living faithfully united to the head. Women are just as much pictures in the gospel imagery as men. As ones who are the glory of the head.

Jost strongly employs a hermeneutic that is figural, Christological, and canonical. Practice a wonderful way of diving into the Scriptures discovering its depths.

Finally, he gives helpful historical, sociological, and cultural analysis helping place us in our current moment.

So why not a 5? Just quick reasons...

Too much history, culture, and philosophical rabbit holes on gender. Some was necessary but not in the detail he went.

At times repetitive in a way that is not helpful.

Could have spent more time unpacking his vision for gender as figured around Christ and Bride.

The book felt like it tried to accomplish two things at once and could have been two books.

4.25/5! A great book that really drives me forward in the beauty of God's design in creation and in Scripture.